Religion, Black

Bodies, and the

Black Church
Kayla Phillips
Introduction
Black church in 2017 faces an urgent crisis. It is a time when African
Americans are deciding if they want to solidify how important the church is or
if they want to neglect it all together. As America becomes more liberal and
emancipated, the regulations concerning social issues discussing sexuality are
more conflicting. More loopholes and contradictions are highlighted by this
generation, but are ultimately looked over and avoid in fear of rejection from
their family. Sexuality between black bodies that fill the black church are being
ostracized and scorned because of the outdated lessons and examples
taught in the black church.
 Proper sexual relations, as taught by the black church, are restricted to only marriage between a man and a
woman. This has produced homophobia sprouting multiple believes that argue that relations between the same
sex stray away from Gods belief. Certain laws are taught and because of this, gays have to hide who they are in
hopes of salvation.
 Homosexuals are forced to hide
themselves. They are forced to dislike
their bodies and what they love in
order to reach Heaven and have Gods
approval. In the black church, they are
presented with an unjust combination;
to love your soul but despise your
body.
 The stigma and verbal abuse
associated with homophobia can
result in tragedy such as suicide.
It forces people to embrace self-
hate, and in the process
destroys connections to family
and friends.
 If black churches fear or at worse
despise what the body is and what it
does, they cannot really be concerned
with safeguarding African Americans
against abuse. If they cannot safeguard
African Americans from abuse, their
purpose and usefulness is seriously
called into question.
 New Testament and Hebrew Bible
assumptions of slavery as a social reality
were not allowed to rule the day concerning
African Americans. How many black churches
used scripture in support of slavery and race-
based oppression of African Americans as
opposed to re-interpreting scripture in
support of their freedom? How many African
American churches have reinterpreted
scripture to allow women to teach and
preach?
Conclusion
The idea that the church, of all places would shun someone based on
their sexuality, something they cannot change, is absurd. The core principles
of the church are to love yourself and love others so to teach someone to
change/hate who they are is incorrect and contradicting. The same liberation
centered interpretation used to advance anti-racism and anti-sexism thought
and action should be brought to bear on the destruction of homophobia and
other forms of oppression that damage African American life
Why Did I Pick This Topic?
I picked the topic of religion, black bodies, and the black church because, in
my opinion, it is an urgent issue and an ongoing topic of conversation. The
goal of this powerpoint was to highlight the contradictions in the black church
and how it affects those behind closed doors. It was difficult finding, editing
the pictures, and putting it all together. Prezi did not work for me so I had to
use the standard powerpoint. This was better than typing a regular paper
because the audience can actually see what I was trying to reiterate and
ultimately educate.