An analysis of black power and black consciousness philosophies and the use of Christian religion as a tool for empowerment and social protest

Blacks have been dehumanized and oppressed by the forces of racism and prejudice for hundreds of years. In the 1960s, blacks formalized a liberating and resistant form of thought. This thought, or consciousness, arose from the black masses and societal norms were challenged in a very powerful way. This consciousness was based on an ideology of refusing to allow the oppressor (Western culture and racist ideas) to continue to influence and control the minds and judgment of blacks. The black power and black consciousness movements represented an effort to change the racist system in the United States and the apartheid system in South Africa. These movements focused on conscientization, self-reliance, and social responsibility. Such movements helped blacks to look at their skin color as a source of strength and identity.; These movements not only adopted psychological forms of resistance, but encouraged the masses toward a spiritual understanding of the fundamental nature of their resistance. Thus, an explicit black liberation theology was born. By marrying Christianity with a black culture of protest, resistance, and liberation, this new theology spoke directly to their struggle. The Christian religion spoke to the needs of the oppressed, poor, and broken masses and instilled hope and rejuvenation. The liberating aspects of the religion were relevant to their eternal destiny as well as to their present reality. Black liberation theology confirmed that the struggle against oppression was a righteous one.; The primary objective of this qualitative research is to analyze the relationship between black power and black consciousness philosophies and their use of Christian religion as a tool for empowerment and social protest. This topic is examined through the key tenets of these philosophies (affirmation of black culture and humanity, a holistic ethos of spirituality, political modernization, and self reliance) and related political and cultural theological themes. The research includes an in-depth focus on each movement's kindred elements and themes, examples of abstract and material social protest, and each movement's overarching social constructs of ubuntu and collective empowerment.