February is Black History
Month. This is the time when schools across America study the history of
African-Americans. They learn about leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Fredrick Douglas, Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, and so on.
I believe people should learn
about black history throughout the whole year. Not solely during “Black History
Month.” In fact, people should be knowledgeable about history, in general (ancient,
world, military, etc.). Taking it a step further, the Church should be familiar
with church history. We should know Church fathers like Clement of Rome,
Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna, Athanasius, Tertullian, Augustine,
John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and William Tyndale. Great men of the Reformation like
Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. Perhaps, you have never heard of
these names. Let me encourage you to research these men in order to have a
robust understanding of church history.
But black church history is
just as significant. There are at least two reasons why we should read about
black church history.
We should we read about black
church history in order to better engage with Christians who are black.
Understanding a particular
people can go a long way. It is very helpful to understand people for the
purpose of engaging them. In order to engage, you actually have to understand
ethnicity, culture, and history. This naturally should encourage you to
investigate “Black Church History.”
Black history should be seen
and articulated through the lens of the black church. Having a historical
analysis of black church history gives you the competency and platform to
affirm, rebuke, and educate. It’s true that some black folks struggle with
white reformers such as Jonathan Edwards because he owned slaves, for
instance—so we need to be equipped for how to think about this. If a white
pastor quoted Edwards from the pulpit, it could be a stumbling block for some
blacks in the congregation. However, it might be helpful to look at Lemuel
Haynes, an African-American who actually benefited from the works of Jonathan
Edwards and was a Calvinist.
For some reason, blacks are
very communal. For instance, if I go into a restaurant and I see a black dude
acting a fool. I’m not going to say, “That dude is making himself look like an
idiot.” I’m going to lean over to my wife and say, “He is making us look like
idiots,” and then I’m going to kindly tell him to sit his butt down and act
like he’s got some sense and hopefully get a Gospel-opportunity with him.
Likewise, quoting Lemuel Haynes on the pulpit, especially for those who have
blacks in their congregation, has a communal element to it. Ultimately, this
engages with Christians who are black without compromising sound doctrine and
educates those who may be ignorant about black reformers.
We should read about black
church history to be encouraged by the power and work of the Holy Spirit.
The third
person of the Trinity has worked through many people of different ethnicities
in history and will continue to do His work. As Christians, we are utterly
dependent upon the Holy Spirit. He comforts, convicts, regenerates, sanctifies,
and indwells in every genuine believer. In black church history, we can see the
Spirit’s work.
Essentially,
God gets the glory, and that should be an encouragement through trials and
tribulations. After all, why do we read about Jonathan Edwards? George
Whitefield? John Calvin? We do so in order to learn from them and be encouraged
by how the Holy Spirit worked through them. Shouldn’t we do the same with black
church history?
In conclusion,
history is important. It’s important because we can understand certain things
about the world and society. It’s important because we can understand our
origins. Simply put, black church history
is church history, just like black history is American history.
An Urban Theologian Addendum: Five
Reasons to Study Black Church History, Episode #6 – addendum
by Jennifer Bell
Urban Theologian, formerly Backpack Radio, did an episode
titled “Five Reasons to Study Black Church History.” You can listen here.
I didn’t write a full “reflection” piece, but these were the
five reasons discussed on the show:
1.
To be
encouraged, challenged, and inspired;
2.
To become
a better ambassador;
3.
To grow
in your love and trust of the Lord;
4.
To grow
in your love of the Church;
5.
To
declare and display Gospel values.
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