Where Did God Go? Event

Sydney Harbin

November 7, 2013

Professor McCormick

PAS 200-03

Where Did God Go? Event

I was able to attend the event Where Did God Go? presented by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and from my attendance I learned a great deal about the evolution of the black church and was able to hear three perspectives of how the black church has evolved into today's time. Listening to the three panelists I was able to understand that the church has come a long way both in positive and negative ways. The discussions held were based on a series of questions with the central focus on the perception of the church in the media.

I wasn't too much aware of the change that the black church has undergone over the years because I try not to limit myself to one view of religion and worship. The three panelists were able to, in an educated way, explain the differences between the portrayal of the black church in past and present and contrast their central views. What seems to be the problem today is has the black church lost its focus? Nowadays the teachings seem so commercialized to fit a certain demographic in today's society. Those who grew up in and hold the black church on a pedestal are often mislead of the corruption that the black church can be feeding them in these times. It's almost as if there's no longer a focus on the gaining of bringing those to Christ but maybe trying to boast who has the larger congregation. I hate that there are ATMs literally in churches today. What is the focus? As the female panelist described it's almost the ingestion of Oreos, feeding you only a snack.

What I took from the program was that there is obviously a problem emerging in the black community and the black church because it's as if WE as a people have lost sight in the initial purpose. The show Preachers of LA was mentioned in the discussions and although I haven't seen it myself I was able to conclude that the audience and panel had mixed reviews on the show. The show apparently depicts the real lives of preachers. I don't know if this is more so negative than it supposed to being positive. Quite frankly I don't understand the purpose. I make this conclusion without even viewing the shoe because I just feel some