The Bible has always played an important role in the lives of Black Americans. It has influenced Black culture more than any book ever written.
The Bible has been the source of inspiration for Black Americans since the slaves arrived on America’s shores. Though many slaves could not read, some slave masters read the Bible to their slaves. It was a contradiction that men who established this nation as a Christian nation would hold men and women captive against their will, but they did. Notably, the Bible offered slaves hope from their daily despair, thus allowing them the endurance needed to face their oppressors in the belief that one day they would be freed.
Once Black men and women began to learn how to read, they read the Bible, prayed and sang Negro spirituals to uplift themselves. This commitment to the Bible and its teachings was passed on from generation to generation. It was the content of the Bible and the teachings of the Black preacher that would decades later bring about change for Blacks in America.
The Bible is a sacred book to many Blacks. Black culture regards the Bible as a book that is to be treated with dignity and respect for it contains the words of an Almighty God. It has a distinct place of honor in many homes. Whether it is sitting on a mantel or a table, it is always handled with care. It is this kind of respect for the Bible and its content that forged a bond between Blacks generations ago.
It was because of the strong belief in God and His word that many Blacks found courage to engage in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. A preacher and Bible scholar who was “called” and thrust onto the scene during the days of segregation challenged the system through non-violent protest for equal rights for Blacks in America. His name was Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He was able to do what he did because of his strong faith in God and the infallible words contained in the Bible. The Bible had a tremendous influence on his life and was his guiding light. Reverend King fought for what was right, just and honorable. He framed his speeches around the important tenets of the Bible and all of Black America flocked to hear him. His messages reverberated around the nation. He spoke truth: the truth of God’s Word found in the Bible.
Not only did he believe the truth of God’s Word, but because of his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement and his unwavering faith, he did what he was compelled to do and put his life at risk to help others. On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accepted an invitation to help the sanitation workers in Memphis who were on strike. On that fateful day, he would deliver his last speech, entitled I have been to the Mountain Top. This electrifying speech was delivered at Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ headquarters). Mason Temple is named after the founder of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Bishop C.H. Mason. The COGIC is the largest Pentecostal denomination, which boasts six million members worldwide. This tremendous work is attributed to one man who was deeply influenced by the Bible.
As fate would have it, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist preacher, would deliver his last sermon at a Pentecostal church, the “Mother” church, which is steeped in history. Many in the Pentecostal movement believe in the prophetic and ministry gifts, so it was no coincidence that Reverend King would use Biblical language when he spoke of his mountain top experience. Some say it was a foreshadowing of what was to come: Reverend King’s death, which occurred the next day. Reverend King spoke of his possible demise, but his words demonstrated he was not afraid of death:
“Like anybody, I would like to live - a long time; longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”.
Only someone whose faith is anchored in Scriptures contained in the Bible can live a life of passion and conviction while knowing that death might come suddenly, yet remain unafraid to face death. This is what the Biblical experience means to many Blacks from the days of slavery through the present.
The Black Church has always been the conscience of America and remains so today. It is steeped in tradition and loyal to the Biblical teachings espoused by Black pastors who remain faithful to the tenets found in the Bible. The contents of the Bible have had an astounding effect on Black America throughout the ages. As Blacks in America continue to let the Bible influence their lives, their future and culture can only continue to thrive. It is only if Blacks fail to let the Bible influence their lives that they will see their demise as a people and America as a nation.
The Bible is able to influence and transform the lives of every race and creed that yields to the truths, wisdom and teachings contained in this ancient book.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.