Black Church Leadership Perpetuating Dominance and Oppression?

This book investigates the complicity of pastors and leaders in the perpetuation of dominance and oppression in the black church. Two questions are raised: (1) Does the religious leadership of the black church unknowingly train congregations to internalize negative feelings, connotations, and behaviors regarding critical reflection, critical thinking, and critical questioning (2)Is this lack of critical questioning detrimental to a forward movement of liberation and social justice for African American people? It reviews socio-economic trends from the time of slavery to the 21st Century and documents probable reasons and purposes of leadership styles. Issues of power, racism, classism, and sexism are integral to the analysis. After interviewing and chronicling the responses of several black church leaders, the author issues a call to action that involves a paradigm shift from asking for change from the leaders to asking for change from the followers. Religious leaders, philosophers, educators, and advocates for social justice will find this information significant when considering the need and use of critical analysis in a democratic society.