Civil War Religion

The Civil War and the period of Reconstruction that followed, were arguably considered to be the darkest point in American History. The racial tensions created a hostile environment toward African Americans. The wounded pride of many Southerners during the time caused many men and women to inflict verbal and physical violence upon those struggling to make the transition from enslavement to freedom. During this particular struggle and others similar to it, people can repeatedly be observed turning to their religion as an outlet. Throughout history, religion has been used as a comfort blanket. By using the belief in a superhuman controlling power, we find it easier to accept inhuman situations under the ideology that our “God(s)” will save us …show more content…
Preachers were often attacked for offering services to black worshipers, “although both black and white preachers of freedman were sometimes threatened and assaulted, blacks along with their congregates lost their lives in a greater number than did whites” (196). Attacks were meant to send a political message. White southerners feared that through religion, blacks would be able to develop independence. Churches were the center for organizing the “leadership and oratorical skills needed to produce some of the most vocal and politically active leaders of the African American community” (196). Because Southern whites were determined to prevent a rise in black political participation, all efforts to stop the church were made. A multitude of preachers were being assassinated to the point where the Federal Government had to assign them bodyguards. The assaults did not stop there, black churches were often burned down as they were seen as the physical symbol of black autonomy. These attacks often had the opposite effect intended. Instead of breaking the morale of African Americans, they came back stronger. To Souther dismay, every time a church was destroyed or raided, “regardless of denomination, the entire community would dedicate itself to rebuilding it” (197). These churches were too important to be left as ash, “[they were] the only true institution that blacks could call their own” …show more content…
Church communities developed “deacon juries” to keep all congregates abiding to their code. If one was found to be disobedient, then they were promptly expelled from the church and socially ostracized. Shame, humiliation and dishonor onto one's family name were also consequences. These codes resulted in “the divorce rate among church members declin[ing], along with incidents of domestic abuse, alcoholism, and disciplinary problems among children” (200). Thus the church became a center of worship, counsel and community. Organized picnics, barbeques, festivals and other events attracted hundreds of blacks to the church. Those involved with religious activities participated in community welfare. Black churches often funded schools and education, making sizable donations weekly. They also provided social welfare, “church members found homes for the homeless, gave money to the poorest among them, and sent caregivers to the sick”

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