Nah hold on! You had me in the first half 🤣. That Zora Neale Hurston opening was chef's kiss!
As much as the story sounds like fiction, people have had similar experiences with Black churches that sounds like a script out of a movie scene. I'm not one to condemn people's spiritual preferences however, the perversion of doctrine presented as "Christianity" today, is morally corrupt.
When I read it in the book I thought it was true story fr. It just goes to show this isn't new at all. I agree I aint ever gonna tell anyone anything about their spiritual choices but putting things into historical perspective is important. Things have definitely been added to Christianity along the way and they don't have to stay.
Christianity has most definitely been far removed from its core beliefs. From what we see in practice daily, to historical context of said practitioners for centuries.
Jesus rarely had megachurch sermons, only a few like the Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5,000. But like. Most of his teaching was in small groups… because small groups is how you get dialogue. Small group discussions are where the people you’re teaching (not just preaching to) get to rebut, debate, argue, ask questions, etc.
That said, the megachurch does serve an often overlooked purpose. Many people, especially Black people, are working so hard just to make ends meet. Small group discussion is a luxury to many… it’s hard to engage deeply with scripture when tons of bills are hanging over your head. In a way, the megachurch has been many people’s way of not completely giving up on God.
But the weight is too much for even the megachurch pastors… to come up with sermons that will address everybody’s problems… WEEKLY… is that really possible? Thus, in many places the megachurch has devolved into a transaction: the churchgoers pay for a concert experience, and to be told what they want to hear, and the pastor keeps his job. Thankfully, there are a few churches that refuse that trend and stay rooted in love and honesty… but the weight of a megachurch is just too much. Just too much.
Good point about being too busy for the luxury of a small group setting. Mega churches aren’t all bad, they serve a purpose.
You are also right pointing out the weight to try to carry for the pastor to try to serve that many people correctly. I would point that to being a symptom of capitalism. Maximum productivity from minimal labor. They have to produce x amount of converters because their job is on the line in. It’s a really tough spot to try to foster a healthy spiritual community.
Nah hold on! You had me in the first half 🤣. That Zora Neale Hurston opening was chef's kiss!
As much as the story sounds like fiction, people have had similar experiences with Black churches that sounds like a script out of a movie scene. I'm not one to condemn people's spiritual preferences however, the perversion of doctrine presented as "Christianity" today, is morally corrupt.
When I read it in the book I thought it was true story fr. It just goes to show this isn't new at all. I agree I aint ever gonna tell anyone anything about their spiritual choices but putting things into historical perspective is important. Things have definitely been added to Christianity along the way and they don't have to stay.
Christianity has most definitely been far removed from its core beliefs. From what we see in practice daily, to historical context of said practitioners for centuries.
You should watch Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. directed by Adamma Ebo, also a good satire of Black mega-churches.
I am definitely adding this to my weekend movie list!
Jesus rarely had megachurch sermons, only a few like the Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5,000. But like. Most of his teaching was in small groups… because small groups is how you get dialogue. Small group discussions are where the people you’re teaching (not just preaching to) get to rebut, debate, argue, ask questions, etc.
That said, the megachurch does serve an often overlooked purpose. Many people, especially Black people, are working so hard just to make ends meet. Small group discussion is a luxury to many… it’s hard to engage deeply with scripture when tons of bills are hanging over your head. In a way, the megachurch has been many people’s way of not completely giving up on God.
But the weight is too much for even the megachurch pastors… to come up with sermons that will address everybody’s problems… WEEKLY… is that really possible? Thus, in many places the megachurch has devolved into a transaction: the churchgoers pay for a concert experience, and to be told what they want to hear, and the pastor keeps his job. Thankfully, there are a few churches that refuse that trend and stay rooted in love and honesty… but the weight of a megachurch is just too much. Just too much.
I thought the Druski skit was funny lol
Good point about being too busy for the luxury of a small group setting. Mega churches aren’t all bad, they serve a purpose.
You are also right pointing out the weight to try to carry for the pastor to try to serve that many people correctly. I would point that to being a symptom of capitalism. Maximum productivity from minimal labor. They have to produce x amount of converters because their job is on the line in. It’s a really tough spot to try to foster a healthy spiritual community.
The Druski skit was hilarious too 😂
Amen!! 🙌🏽