Black Christianity after Emancipation

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the post-emancipation political activism of black church people and the racial politics of black churches after emancipation, as both are intertwined and yet distinct. It describes how black churches made the transition from slavery to freedom, as well as the ways church members and leaders participated both to secure lives for themselves and to transform the landscape of the United States’ political system. Before emancipation and the restructuring of the United States to incorporate a racialized slave caste into government, enslaved and free black people practiced Christianity in a variety of settings that were political and spiritual at the same time. Black communities were rebuilt on communal church property, and patriarchy and religion conjoined to codify gender roles. Black womanhood and manhood were constructed in the churches of freedom.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationA Companion to American Religious History
Publisherwiley
Pages206-222
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781119583707
ISBN (Print)9781119583660
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Arts and Humanities

Keywords

  • Black christianity
  • Black manhood
  • Black womanhood
  • Enslaved communities
  • Political system
  • Post-emancipation political activism

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