Music and Religion
My personal history in Christian denominations does not go further than African Methodist Episcopal and Baptist. Ever since I was born, I had been baptized in an AME church. My spiritual home is Trinity AME in Newberry, South Carolina. Richard Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1794. This denomination of Christian faith stood as the first independent Black foundation. Richard Allen believed that African Americans need to stay organized to challenge racial injustice. He believed that black leaders, in particular, had a duty to speak truth to power.
Ministry in African Methodism holds the preacher to a high standard. The Preacher stands as a unique personality developed by the Negro on American soil. In every denomination of faith, the preachers gives the word of God unto the people, much like Jesus unto the disciples. I mentioned earlier about having some Baptist beliefs in my life. My father was raised in a Baptist Church but soon relocated after marrying my mother. The differences are slight in the way they conduct services.
Another aspect of my musical culture within my religion is the hymnals. The AME Church shares many ideologies of the Methodist Church as well, with the exception of being a black-majority organization. AME Churches produce hymns that rang of anti-slavery sentiments. In comparison, the idea of communal singing in Native American music and giving glory to the creator is shown throughout these hymnals as well. Certain words in AME hymnals will relate to emancipation. The AME Church is also an evangelical church, which encourages the love of Jesus.
The philosophy behind the AME Church stims from African descent. This was mainly formulated over the discriminations by whites in the Methodist Church. The AME is not closed off just to the African population. It is open and welcoming to all people of ethnic groups, origins, nationalities, and colors, although our congregation are predominantly black. In comparison to the Native Americans, both cultures strive to preserve what could've been extinguished from them by the past years of oppressions. I think the similarities of the native American culture and African American culture stem from the strength that helped to free them from their oppressors. They give thanks to their creator or God for seeing them through tough situations.
Being apart of the AME church has taught me that unity is important for change. there is a rich history that inspires me to be more than I am.
Religion is amazing in its ability to unify and gather people, especially during hard times. One good example of this that I can think of is COVID-19 sermons, where preachers will stream/zoom massive congregations in the name of providing spiritual relief and guidance. By bringing people together (be it virtual or physical) in such manners, individuals can not only reconnect to their religion, but also a loving community that can comfort during struggles.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your religious beliefs with me. However, I would've loved to hear more musical examples. The organ reminds me of my grandmother's Church Of God and brings back interesting and fond memories. I loved the way you talked about the origins of your church, which are very fascinating. Thanks again for sharing and may God bless you.
ReplyDeleteHi Quiana! I am familiar with hymns in the church as well. Fun fact: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is actually one of my favorites. Your content was well said and I learned a lot from reading; like Richard Allen founding the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1794.
ReplyDeleteHi! I thought the things you covered in your blog were really interesting. I'm not familiar with all the types of churches and what they stand for, so thank you for sharing what you know about AME Church. I didn't know that AME Church stems from African descent.
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