Religion and Education during Reconstruction

Religion not only plays a role in the church but also to the people that preach it. In the Reconstruction time, African Americans relied on religion to help them evolve through all the "economic hardships and social deprivation." This faith allowed the blacks to believe that there could be hope for the future. Churches in the South were one of the main centers of black institutional life other than school and labor unions. One thing that i found surprising about the churches was that some were led by white ministers and some felt that it was still a form of slavery. But there were also many other independent churches such as the Methodist or Baptists ones. The church was not only meant to be a place for worship but also a place for funding education. "African Methodist Episcopal churches opened bank accounts for a book fund to support Wilberforce University, and a ladies aid society." I think that this was a great contribution by the church because education does also go in hand with religion.
The article also commented about how whether schools were privately or publicly funded, they were invariably segregated. "As in the realm of religion, where African Americans embraced the opportunity to worship Independently of whites, school segregation did not cause undue concern within the black community." I found this very interesting because they did not mind being segregated in religion. I guess i understand why because its much easier to worship or appreciate things more if you're with people that you are comfortable with.
The best part about religion is that you can bring it with you where ever you are and you don't have to be in a labeled place of worship.



"African American religion and education during Reconstruction." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. .