The Black Church and the History of Black Evangelicalism

WE ARE NOT THE SAME…

What is an Evangelical? This graphic displays the political and ideological casm that exists between white Evangelicals and Black Protestants. It also implies that no common ground exists between the two. Many people believe that Black Evangelicalism is an oxymoronic notion.

However, the word “evangelical,” is derived from the Greek word euangelion, meaning "good news" or "gospel.” Black people have always believed and expressed fidelity to the Gospel; since it was articulated, in nascent form, in the Hebrew Scriptures, and subsequently fully explicated by Yeshua. But, being “lowercase e” evangelical is much different than being “capital E” Evangelical. Isn’t it?

The history of Evangelicalism as a “movement” dates back to the 18th century. Yet, the “movement’s” association with the Scopes Monkey Trial, fundamentalism, and the Moral Majority has drawn the ire of the public. A movement once known for its theological and evangelistic commitments, is now largely viewed as the religious arm of the Republican Party.

Surprisingly, Black people have been a part of this “movement” all along. Many have worked subversively to challenge its racism, power abuses, and mission-drift. A new documentary entitled Black + Evangelical chronicles the stories and courageous involvement of Black people within the Evangelical “movement.”

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing the documentary’s co-creator and narrator, Dr. Vincent Bacote.

Catch the conversation here.