Question

What did Baldwin think was the reason for churches spreading the gospel? What did he think of the church as a result?

A) He thought churches spread the gospel to promote unity and love. He had a positive view of the church.
B) He believed churches spread the gospel to control and manipulate people. He had a critical view of the church.
C) He thought churches spread the gospel for financial gain. He had a neutral view of the church.
D) He thought churches spread the gospel to educate people. He had a neutral view of the church.

Answer 1

James Baldwin viewed churches as instruments that spread the gospel to control and manipulate, thus he had a critical view of the church. His perspective encompassed the church's complex role in both social control during enslavement and political mobilization within the Black community.

Step-by-step explanation:

The perspectives of James Baldwin on the role of churches in spreading the gospel and their motivations are complex. Considering the comprehensive context provided, the likely answer to the student's question would be (B) Baldwin believed churches spread the gospel to control and manipulate people, hence he had a critical view of the church. Baldwin and other historical figures have acknowledged the use of Christianity and churches for social control during enslavement, and how the church was used politically both positively in terms of community organization during the post-emancipation era and negatively when co-opted by corporate interests or used to enforce the subservience of slaves to their masters. This ambivalent nature of the church influenced thinkers like Albert Cleage Jr. towards advocating for independent Black churches free from such manipulation.