Religion in the Black Community

In “Religion in the Black Community”, “The Nation of Islam”, and “Faith and Church involvement in
African American communities”, all deal with religion in the Black community, but do so in different ways.

Through the document “Religion and the Black Community,” we noticed that religion has been a form
of control and manipulation. For African Americans, the Christianity religion was used a way to “keep them
feared and control them”. Slave masters manipulated various verses in the Bible in order for it to work in their
favor. With the tool of religion, slave masters were able to justify the brutal punishments that enslaved Africans
endured. Religion essentially enabled the mind of the distorted slaved masters. In the eyes of God, slave masters
made enslaved Africans feel “inferior due to the white skinned superiority of Jesus Christ.” This manipulated
Africans to believe that the white man’s version of Christianity granted their position in society. As a result,
slave master were able to push the notion that God was white and since God was created in their image, it was
permissible for them to treat others like second class citizens Additionally, slave masters could use religion to
control strong black males by turning them into pastors in order to “calibrate the minds of Black slaves who
would rebel.” This essential shows the role of Christianity played in outsmarting enslaved Africans and “keep
them in check”.

However, in the “Nation of Islam” we learn that they were among the strongest advocates of black pride.
They produced proud books on black history. This shows in the black community, people can learn about their
past or ancestors. “Converts had to follow a strict code of discipline - no pork, tobacco, alcohol, drugs.” This
shows a sign of self-discipline and representing their own religion. “Muslims were to have no social, political or
religious contact with whites.” This shows that the Muslims don’t want any social contact with others but
themselves.

In the article, “Faith and involvement”, we learn that religion helped African Americans in a positive
way. “Church helps create values for African Americans.” This shows in the black community, they matter in
life and be treated like humans, not people who the whites think they are. “Individuals who to church have a
higher sense of self-esteem, better a peer relationship.” This shows in the black community, individuals who go
to church more often believe more in God which potentially push their self-esteem. “Religion helps cope w/
stress and economic issues.” This shows in the black community, if someone is upset or has trouble with
something or someone they can go to church and talk to God. “African American have a higher sense of ethnic
abilities when going to church.” This shows in the black community, African American people are more
dominant the whites because the whites had more privileges than us, black people had to work for privileges
like slavery.

All these sources have in common is religion and because African Americans have believe in religion
for thousands of years. They believed in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, some believe
in God, and do rituals. This shows in the black community, African Americans have respect for their religion,
themselves, other people across the world, and God.
 Number of Paragraphs 6 paragraphs were required for this essay 18 points 12 student does not
have all the
3 points each required
paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs All 4 body paragraphs must include: 40 points 25
- A strong argument Student does not
- Explanation and context 5 points per STRONG argument (15) have clear/ strong
(ideas are made clear) arguments. Student
5 points per explanation/context (15) needs to make sure
that the context
matches the
argument.
Evidence - Essay has at least four pieces of direct 12 points 9
textual evidence. Student does not
3 points each have all required
pieces of evidence
per paragraph
Overall Structure 10 structure is clear and coherent. Helps in 8 points structure does not hinder 8
the comprehension of the overall nor help comprehension. Structure is clear
argument. but student needs
6 points structure is unclear and to make sure that
- Essay should clearly state hinders comprehension they are explaining
similarities and differences. their details in
order to provide
(Should follow: Intro, compare, compare, and coherent
contrast, and conclusion). comprehension of
essay.
Grammar/Vocabulary 10 – student uses strong vocabulary and 8 points student’s vocabulary is 8 student uses
may make 1 or fewer grammatical average. Student makes 2 - 4 average vocabulary.
Grammar refers to mistakes. grammatical mistakes.
grammar topics
covered in class. 6 points student’s vocabulary is weak.
Student makes more than 4
grammatical mistakes.

Transitions Student should use transition words to 5 points student uses transitions 2.5 student does
seamlessly flow between ideas. effectively not use transitions
effectively.
2.5 points student attempts
transitions

0 points student does not attempt at

all to use transitions.

Student showed clear understanding of the essay question but needs to work on writing a complete
essay that answers the question. Student should also work on making sure that their writing is clear by
providing examples and details to support their argument.

Score: 64.6/95