Dual Christianity: One for Blacks and One for Whites

Lifeandbibleblog.com

Blog by Cynthia Cummings-Walker

Christianity certainly is prominent in the fabric of the American experience. However, the experiences of Black Americans and White Americans, in terms of Christianity, have been vastly different. There appears to be a dual Christianity, one for African Americans to live by, and another for White people.

How the differences are manifested depends on how Christianity is taught, who teaches it and how it is experienced by the person receiving instruction. In general, the Bible is used to convert and teach biblical principles for all Christians to live by. However, there was a dual Christianity at play.

White people were taught all of the benefits that they were entitled to as a child of God. They were told about a relationship with God, a transformed life, answered prayer, and a prosperous, abundant life on earth. When they died, heaven would be their eternal home.

Historically, on the other hand, the Christianity presented to enslaved Africans was a religion where they were told that God destined them to be enslaved, toil and suffer on earth. Slaves would just have to be patient. After death, heaven would be their reward, and they would live there happily ever after.

Slavery and Christianity

The purpose of converting enslaved Africans to Christianity was not so that they would have the same advantages of their owner’s Christianity. That form of Christianity was for Whites only. The purpose for converting slaves to Christianity had a more sinister motivation. A dual Christianity – One for the owner and one for the owned.

The beginning of slavery in American began in 1619 when the first slave ship departed the coast of West Africa headed for the British colony Jamestown, Virginia. From the small beginning of 20 slaves on the first ship, and others that followed, the slave population rapidly grew. Soon slaves would outnumber their masters.

This was a concern for slave owners. Their fears were validated on August 22, 1831, when a slave named Nat Turner led a rebellion against slave holders in Southhampton, Virginia and killed 60 White people. Although the rebellion was over within 24 hours, panic spread across the region.

Slave owners knew that some kind of action had to be taken to prevent this from ever happening again. A strategy was needed to enable masters to be able to totally control enslaved Africans through subservience, obedience, and loyalty to their masters.

Missionaries, many of them who owned slaves, came up with a diabolical plan that would solve this potential problem: Convert slaves to Christianity. However, there was a caveat. Some slave owners feared converting their slaves to Christianity, worrying it could lead to the slaves demands for freedom if they knew all that Christianity offered.

Their anxiety soon dissipated when masters realized that the Christianity for slaves would not be the same Christianity that owners practiced. Enslaved people would be promised salvation, eternal life, and rewards in heaven if they converted to Christianity.

This Christianity for the enslaved would accomplish two purposes: Conversion would offer a semblance of hope and comfort amidst slaves’ unimaginable suffering. At the same time masters could assert unchallenged authority and brutality without fear of a slave uprising or rebellion.

Because a bible had to be used in order to teach Christianity, a different bible was created for this dual Christianity.

The Negro Slave Bible

In 1807 the Negro Slave Bible was published in London, printed by Law and Gilbert. It had “Select Parts of the Holy bible for the use of the Negro Slaves in the British West-India Islands.” The differences in the slave bible were:

The King James Bible has 1,189 Chapters. The Negro Slave Bible has 232 Chapters.

90 percent of the Old Testament was eliminated. Exodus and Jeremiah were left out because owners didn’t want the enslaved to know about Moses leading slaves to freedom.

50 percent of the New Testament was not included. Especially, Galatians was left out because of the reference to slaves and masters being equal.

Owners needed to emphasize servitude and obedience as a divine mandate from God. Being a good Christian would rise and fall on these two scriptures:

Ephesians 6:5–6 (NASB)

“Slaves be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice as men pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

Colossians 3:22-24 (NASB)

“Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

How to Make a Negro Christian

In 1831 Dr. Reverend Charles Colcock Jones, a missionary and slave owner, began making a speech throughout the southern states, about why and how to teach enslaved Africans about Christianity.

In 1832 Dr. Reverend Jones published a book entitled “The Religious Instruction of the Negroes in the United States.” It was a biproduct of the popularity of Jones’ speeches the prior year.

In the book, Reverend Jones’ extensive dehumanization of Africans was traumatizing in my just reading it. The culmination of all of the degrading vitriolic propaganda was that slaves were no good for anything except working the fields and making babies for sale.

As a result of that depiction, owners would not have to feel any guilt about the unspeakable atrocities they would commit against their “property.”

Needless to say, the Negro Slave Bible and Reverend Jones’ book, worked like a charm. This form of dual Christianity would ensure unchallenged authority over enslaved Africans into perpetuity.

Although slavery would be legally abolished on December 18, 1865, a slave mentality continues to exist. Bodily freedom did not free some formally enslaved people’s mind, nor the minds of some of their descendants. To me, much of this propaganda of the inferiority of Black people continues within the dual forms of Christianity that exists even now.

Dual Christianity in America

We’ve already seen how the “two” bible concept represents two ways of seeing and serving God. One according to scripture and one through unmitigated tyranny.

Black people and White people may basically use the same bible; however, interpretation of scriptures may differ radically. The Bible teaches that God created all humans in His image and are deeply loved and valued equally by Him.

The White Christianity’s interpretation of scripture is the superiority of White people and the enslavement of Black people due to the curse of Noah’s son Ham (an absurd motive, devoid of biblical sanction).

Because of the level of pain and trauma associated with the dual Christianity in America, many African Americans continue to believe in God, just not Christianity. They have left the traditional church to seek inclusive spiritual spaces to heal from past traumas and to find meaning and fulfillment in spaces that offer equality, less judgment and inclusion.

Generally, African American’s interpretation of scripture is based on love, freedom and equality. Not to imply here that African American churches are perfect because they are not. The issue here is a dual Christianity, based on dual perspectives.

Dual Christian Organizations

Klu Klux Klan – a Protestant Christian Organization

On December 24, 1865, the KKK was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee. They were white Protestants who formed an organization to terrorize, lynch, bomb churches, schools, businesses, and homes of African Americans, murdering countless men, women and children in the process.

The KKK had huge red crosses embroidered on the front of their white robes, as they burned crosses amidst their crimes, as symbols of their Christian faith.

Segregation of Christian Denominations

Beginning around 1870 former slaves were forced to start their own Christian churches because they were not permitted in White churches or denominations.

For instance: The White Church would be Methodist Episcopal; for former enslaved Africans, their Methodist church would be (AME) African Methodist Episcopal. This was the description for whatever denomination Black people were a part of because of segregation.

Present Day Church Segregation

Most people know that Sunday mornings are the most segregated times of the week. Even though Christians are supposed to be unified through a shared faith in Christ, it isn’t happening.

The Church is more segregated and divided in beliefs than ever. The White church has embraced the radicalized former republican party as divinely appointed by God. Generally, the White church continues to condone the demonization of minorities, immigrants and the poor.

They rail against abortion and homosexuality. Yet, when it comes to racism, and oppression, many pastors say those are social issues against which they will not preach. Both are sin and social. Interestingly, abortion is not specifically addressed in the bible. However, Jesus spoke often about the poor, oppressed and to love everyone.

America continues to operate under a dual Christianity. Segregation in so many areas whereas the Lord stressed love for one another and unity. It is as though so many Christians are living by the infamous statement Alabama Governor George Wallace made in his inaugural address on January 14, 1963, that resonates even today:

“Segregation now! Segregation tomorrow! Segregation forever!”

In Conclusion

I believe that dual Christianity in America has forsaken the teachings of scripture for warped self-actualization and promoting a religion based on tyranny, oppression of the poor and marginalized; and is only committed to the White and wealthy.

The far-right evangelical Christians, both Black and White, have bastardized the good news of the gospel into something totally antithetical to biblical Christianity, the republican party. The exchange of the wooden cross for a shiny gold elephant is evident through all of the hate and vitriol spewed everywhere.

For this, there has been a price to pay. The overt hypocrisy of Christianity leaves a bad taste in mouths and a stench in nostrils of many unbelievers. Where there use to be respect for God, His Name and that of Jeus Christ, they are now used as curse words.

This is not because unbelievers have gotten worse, it is because so-called Christians have rejected the True and Living God, exchanging Him for a god created in their own image and an earthly savior supposedly to make America great.

I no longer self-identify as a Christian. I am a person who believes the Bible. I have read, studied it in the Hebrew and Greek, memorized, taught and tried to live according to it for many years. I am a Bible-believer, period.

Biologically There is No Such Thing as “Race” Part 2

by Cynthia Cummings-Walker
A Word to the Wise (lifeandbibleblog.com)

Deleterious Effects of a Race-based Social Construct

One time my husband was returning from a business trip where he had flown on the company’s private jet. On the way home once my husband entered our predominately White city, a police car pulled behind him. When my husband turned into the neighborhood we lived in, so did the police. When he turned into our cul de sac, the police turned in there also. Once the police saw our garage door begin to open, they circled around and left.

What a dichotomy. From private jet to suspect, all within an hour. This is not an indictment of police. It’s about a general perception of Black people who are living within a race-based social construct. They can be perceived as guilty until proven innocent.

Because a Black person can’t have their Resume, financial portfolio, and address clearly displayed at all times, they are generally seen as some type of menace. Problematic for some, deadly for others.

Black people face situations daily that White people never even have had to think about. That is one reason it must seem incredulous to them when they hear certain scenarios about discriminatory practices.

Within this racially stratified culture, some White people make excuses for the mistreatment of Black people, saying they deserved it. While other courageous White people have spoken out against racism and white supremacy.

One of the reasons I cherish my genuine White friends so much is because they know many of my experience first-hand. They understand the plight of Black people. I never have to hear them make excuses or defend racism.

From the wealthiest Black person to the poorest ones, they have shared experiences wherein no matter what level of education, wealth or fame achieved, Black people in society are inordinately portrayed and treated as though they are inherently genetically inferior, angry, and violent.

A Race-based social construct is very complex. Currently, there is no easy way to dismantle it, yet there are steps that can be taken to quell its effects in the meantime. It will have to be a journey just like so many other changes in society when people deem it so.

Personal Decisions Should Take Precedence over Other People’s Biases

I am not a victim of this Race-based social construct. I have many more advantages and opportunities than the enslaved Black people who initially came to America. They did not speak the language. They were deprived of their cultural norms. They were not permitted to learn to read or write. They were robbed of their dignity. They were treated inhumanly.

Nonetheless, freed Black people left plantations with only ragged clothes on their backs, yet with sheer brainpower, strength, courage, determination, and the help of abolitionists they survived, thrived, and excelled in every area that makes America one of the most advanced and prosperous nations in the world today. I walk in their footsteps, unfettered by obstacles and barriers.

My decisions determine how I live, not someone else’s biases. It really doesn’t matter what settings a person is born into. A person’s initial environment does not determine how their life will be lived; their decisions do. No environment guarantees failure or success. A person’s decisions determine that.

If a person is born into poverty, they don’t have to spend the rest of their lives there. They can rise above their circumstances. A basic education is free. Libraries are free. If the person excels in school, college scholarships are available which is almost free. There are mentors who can help guide a person who is tenacious and teachable. That person’s decisions will determine whether they win or lose.

On the other hand, a person born into wealth and privilege, does not have a guarantee of success. They can use their advantages wisely, or squander opportunities. They have a choice. Sadly, there are countless wealthy people who find themselves drug or alcohol addicted. Fortunately, there are all kinds of programs to help anyone with these struggles. Wealth couldn’t keep them from unnecessary pain and heartache. Better decisions could have.

I taught my children and grandchildren this concept: “Decisions Create Environment”. Their daily decisions will either give them options, or have privileges taken away. They have a choice. They must decide what they want the outcome of their actions to be now, and as adults. No matter what they are faced with, what they do about it is up to them. I pray that they always choose to overcome.

Moving Past Not being Racist to being for Anti-Racism

I know that all White people do not embrace the ideology of superior and inferior “Races”. They are not racist. However, in today’s society it is not enough for a person not to be racist. Another step is needed.

Some White people do not see their actions as racist because they do not say or do the obnoxious things that overtly racist people do. I understand. However, sometimes White people have an unconscious bias of which they are unaware.

When another White person points out something that appears racist, it can be enlightening. Non-racist White people appreciate the insight when these things are brought to their attention by another White person. True racists reject the information and call, or label, the White person the opprobrious term a “N-word” lover.

Many times, when a Black person mentions anything about racist words or actions, they are labeled as “pulling the race card”. I so appreciate the fact that my White friends understand the plight of Black people in America. They know that they have White privilege. When necessary they use their privilege to make a difference in the lives of Black people, and others.

I believe that one of the most effective ways a White person can help to quell overt racism is to say something. Perhaps it can make a difference and possibly lessen the humiliation a Black person may feel. I know that these acts have lessened my pain, and possibly enlighten the person who inflicted it.

Benefits of “If You See or Hear Something, Say Something”

A White co-worker of mine who had recently moved to the area, attended a cocktail party where there were only White people present. She was astonished at how freely people were using the N-word, joking about, and disparaging Black people. When my friend couldn’t take it anymore, she raised her voice and said that her mother was Black and the conversations were very offensive. Although her mother was not Black, that was the only thing she could think of at the time to try to stop the overt racist conversation. It did.
A couple of Black friends and I were seated in a hotel restaurant for about 10 minutes without being waited on. A White couple, who came in after us, who had been waiting to be seated finally were given a booth. Immediately the waiter went over to them to take their order. The man pointed out to the waiter that while waiting he noticed that we had been sitting there for a while without service and that the waiter should wait on us first.
A White acquaintance of mine decided to be a waitress in an extremely popular restaurant in a predominantly White area where we lived. During the training for new employees, they were told, “Don’t worry about giving Black people good service because they don’t give good tips.” My neighbor was appalled, and asked, “If Black people get poor service, why should they leave a good tip?” She was told in so many words that Black people were not a priority there. She walked out right then, never to return.
Recently my husband and I were in a restaurant that required a reservation. We came in on time and were seated. For about 10 minutes of watching everyone’s table being waited on except ours, and not even being able to make eye contact with a waiter, we got up to leave. Before we could get to the door, a White Manager asked us why we were leaving. We told her. She asked us to return to the table and we would be waited on immediately. She sent a waitress over that we had not seen that evening. We received excellent service from that point on and a hefty discount.

This was an anti-racism action to me. A teaching moment for waiters. We have been in restaurants with the same issue and no one questioned or cared if we walked out.

White People and Black People Need to Develop Friendships

Some White people proclaim that they are not racist because they have a Black friend. For a White person to have a good relationship with a Black co-worker or neighbor does not prove that a person is not racist. Usually, those relationships are cordial and superficial. W

I am not making a judgement here. This is basically the American way. When there are a couple of Black families in the neighborhood, or children in a school, that doesn’t really matter that they share the same space if they are devoid of personal relationships.

When a White person grows up in an all-White environment, lives in an all-White neighborhood, goes to all-White schools, White houses of worship in all faiths, attends all-White parties and celebrations from a child up, they have no opportunity to know Black people personally. They will primarily rely on what they’ve been told by sources they trust.

A couple of years ago I was in an international Book club wherein we read and discussed the book “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo. Robin is a White woman explaining from her own experiences why many White people perceive Black people the way they do. I learned so much from that book and diverse group discussions.

What has been invaluable to me is White friends. They individually have stood by me through thick and thin, and I, them. They have been true friends to me in every way. We love each other. My friends have gone into battles with me, encouraged me and fought for me. They were willing to open those doors that I had no access to as a Black person. The doors that were figuratively for “Whites only.”

A close friendship with people of diverse cultures and ethnicities is extremely important in closing the “racial” divide. I have benefited in ways that I would never have expected. Bottom line is that developing genuine personal relationships with Black people and others of diverse backgrounds can dispel myths on all sides. Why not at least try it?

Continued in Part 3