A brief history of religion within the African American culture

 

​Western religion was mainly exposed to the african people during the North American colonial era. Slavery lead to the settlement of many african people in America, resulting in the exposure of western religion doctrines. Although not all colonizers agreed with the exposure of religion to slaves, through movements such as the Great Awakening, slaves were able to learn about western religion. Black congregations started to form from the beginning of the 18th century onward. It wasn’t until after the civil war however that african americans could be ordained under the catholic faith. The civil rights movement sparked further attention to african american churches as ministerial leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr spoke out against the injustice of the black community. Malcolm X on the other side of things, brought attention to the islamic church, showing a different side of religion for the african american community. Faith continues to be a huge influence in the african american community and has a strong basis.