Church Pimps

Religion has often been used for coping with oppression and hardships. This is nothing unusual for the poor and disenfranchised. This is especially true in the case of many African Americans; the church has often served as a source of relief, a community service center, and a place to be uplifted and motivated in life. Essentially, the church to African Americans is a place of encouragement and promotes growth of the community as a whole. Unfortunately, this practice is being exploited by pimps posing as pastors.
A deep religious faith is something that is deeply rooted into the culture of African Americans and their worldview. A reference to faith or religion is almost certain when discussing the African American community. This stems from the days of slavery, which was a harshest and most difficult situation African Americans had to deal with. Lately, the leaders of African American mega-churches have been under criticism for abandoning the traditions of normal African American churches. That’s because religion is used to control the masses and instilling fear. Instead of conducting church that black people are accustomed to; the leaders have indulged in a lifestyle of individualism and materialism.
These pimps, who are pastors and reverends, are taking a new approach to church in an effort to get money instead of reaching out to the community. They deliver their sermons with extra enthusiasm and motivation (money), thus becoming a commodity, and their performance serving as their labor power. Their dialogue resembles that of a pimp, such as Bishop Don Magic Juan (Yes he’s really a Bishop). This draws attention and brings in more members to the congregation; and these members tithe which is how the church brings in money. This means the church is getting wealthier because the leader is entertaining. Then if the pastor’s performance is “powerful” or entertaining enough, TV cameras and sponsors enter the picture. Now television is a part of the church and the sponsors, who donate money, are also part of the church. African Americans are not used to sponsored church. Church is now a business. IS THIS NECESSARY? There is a huge surplus of money going into the church which is a boost to the subsistence or local economy. Adding to the congregation as turned into the means of production while giving to the congregation is getting more neglected. Instead if giving back, and being a community service center like the old days, the pimp gives little and enjoys luxurious things such as Bentleys and Range Rovers. Yes, a sermon is still delivered every week, but those words are just for entertainment and are not heartfelt.
The presence of a new and improved mega-church leads way to more production of commodities for the new church. It’s a new church because it does not carry the same tradition that African American culture has. The church as a building now has more value than a normal church. So it is kind of like a mini-convention center. Now other ceremonies, seminars, parties, etc. are held at the church in exchange for more money. Once again, mega-churches are nothing more than religious businesses.
Money is a great motivator and can bring out the worse and or another side of people. Money has become the motivator for the leaders of these mega-churches. The tradition has been lost and forgotten in exchange for the dollar bill. Another use of religion has been control, and that is how mega-churches are using it as well. They have brainwashed most members of their huge congregations and have people attending and becoming members of church for commercial value. The reality is that the members of the church are not getting anything special in return except for more a comfortable spacious environment to get lost within. The congregation does not see the monster that their money is creating. The mega-church is a contributor to problems within the African American community across America. They do not reach out and help the community solve the problems; they just open doors for people to join their business which they call the church. The problems for African Americans have gotten worse, while business for the church has gotten better. Pimpin’ aint easy, huh?