The Same 'Ole Gospel

The White, Sinful Church

The Church of God on Earth to-day
Is scandal of the King;
It teaches men to sing and pray
For golden wealth to bring.
It sanctifies the cause of war,
And winks at evil deeds;
It sends its "saints" and men, afar,
To preach the victor's creeds.
The Blacks and Weaker Sets of Men
Are robbed and killed galore;
The Church looks o'er Commandments ten,
As tyrants kill some more.
The lands that God gave men to dwell
Are taken by the sword
As preachers go, their creeds to sell,
To those who heed their word.
Almighty God looks down on Earth
To see the Church in sin,
And so we hope for Cleansing Birth,
To let the Master in.
And when the Gentle Jesus leads,
The Priests and Pastors, too,
Shall see the growth of harvest seeds
That blend with every hue.

Marcus Garvey
-1935

The above poem was penned by Marcus Garvey. A journalist, publisher and political activist, Garvey was certainly a major contributor in the movement to establish equality for African-Americans in the United States. Though considered by many a radical and possibly too far right to actually benefit the plight of African-Americans in the Americas, Garvey was at heart in support of the Life, Liberty and Freedom of people of color.

Regardless of his politics, his spirituality, more specifically his Christianity, are reflected in many of his poems and writings. What strikes me in the above piece is his obvious criticism of the Church, both white and black. There is usually nothing to gain in criticizing the Church, except further ostracization especially in the African-American community where spirituality lies at the center of the community.

Garvey, nevertheless, found it necessary to voice his opinion about the inconsistent structure of the Church. He points out the incongruous political and social goals espoused from the pulpit and the ongoing hypnosis of the congregation to support the selfish desires of the pastor and church leaders.

I happen to agree with Garvey's diagnosis of the Church. What he's saying is not at all novel. Carter G. Woodson also expressed similar opinions in his seminal work, The Mis-Education of the Negro. The question is why do reasonable people continue to put their money and time behind a religious structure that does not empower them, especially in the African American community?

I believe mental and spiritual enrichment leads to action. Can you really say that the African American Church has addressed the needs of its constituents? Does spending the massive amount of money that the Church receives on million dollar buildings and fancy clothes for the pastor do anything to instruct the lives of the broader congregation?

The next time you go to church, you should ask yourself, “What is the difference between what is being preached today compared to the other hundred times you’ve listened to these sermons”? Is the edict for the day to simply remain devout in your belief that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and come back next week or are you asked, no, charged with organizing your community and family in some practical way?

Quiet Riot
WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com