The church has an image problem. And I don’t know if it cares to fix that. As someone who grew up in the church, left for 15 years and has come back, I have seen the evolution of how the church is viewed in the Black community. Especially among Millennials and Gen Xers. And it’s not as pretty as we hope.
In this 5th piece in the DNA of the Black Church series, I want to talk about the memeification of the Black Church. This will be from my personal observation, perspective, experience and insight. What I do know is how this joke that has grown has altered the church’s image in the community. We don’t know what the lasting impression will be.
More and more we see videos, jokes, stories and memes about the Black Church not just told at get togethers but posted online. And yet, we don’t see this about other churches.
Laughter and jokes are a form of resistance and pain relief for many Black people. I can’t think of a time I’ve gotten online and not seen a joke or meme about the church. Yes, some are downright hilarious. I cackle myself.
But when we look deeper, the meaning has an underlying hurt, frustration, fed up or angry undertone.
The Black Church was created as a refuge. Not the ones on the plantation but the ones I talked about a few weeks ago. The ones that were started because two Black men were dragged out of a church after they built it for sitting in the front row. The Black Church is a place to receive resources you need. A place people teach you how to fight for your rights. A place to learn. At least that was the original reason. All of that in addition to learning about God’s Word.
And now, I wonder myself what does the Black Church mean in today’s world? What does it do for the community it is in? Who are the people being served through ministry and outreach? Why does the church seem so distant when controversial topics arise and people need a listening ear instead of a tongue lashing?
So people crack jokes.
They do so as a way to express their frustration with a sacred space meant to heal and house the souls of our community.
Source
pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/godinamerica-black-church/
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