God in America Season 1 Episode 5
God in America
Season 1

Ep 5. Soul of a Nation

  • TV-PG
  • October 13, 2010
  • 55 min
  • 6.7  (11)

In God in America season 1 episode 5, "Soul of a Nation," viewers are taken on a journey through the civil rights movement in the United States and the role that religion played in this era of history. Starting in the 1950s, the episode explores the ways in which religious beliefs and practices were intertwined with the fight for social and political equality for African Americans.

The episode begins by revisiting the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Alabama. The boycott lasted over a year and was led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a Baptist minister. The episode delves into King's religious beliefs and how they informed his activism.

Viewers also learn about other religious leaders who played key roles in the civil rights movement, including Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Heschel was a Holocaust survivor who became a prominent figure in the American Jewish community. He supported numerous civil rights campaigns and marched alongside King in the famous protest in Selma, Alabama.

The episode also explores the role that black churches played in the civil rights movement. These churches functioned as not just places of worship, but also as meeting places for activists and locations for organizing protests. Viewers see footage of fiery sermons and impassioned speeches given by religious leaders of the time.

Another topic covered in "Soul of a Nation" is the role that religion played in the push for desegregation in schools. The episode highlights the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who were the first to integrate an all-white school in Little Rock, Arkansas. The students faced immense opposition, including from Governor Orval Faubus, who called in the National Guard to block their entry. However, the episode reveals how religious leaders supported the students and their cause, with even some white faith leaders joining in the protests.

The episode also covers the role that non-Christian religions played in the civil rights movement. Viewers learn about Malcolm X, a Muslim minister in the Nation of Islam who advocated for black nationalism and separatism. The episode explores how his beliefs differed from those of King and others in the movement, but also acknowledges the impact that his speeches and activism had on the broader push for equality.

Throughout "Soul of a Nation," viewers are reminded of how powerful the intersection of religion and politics can be. The episode challenges viewers to consider the ways in which their own religious beliefs may inform their political views, and how this intersection has played out in American history. It shows how religion can be both a force for positive change and a tool for oppression, and asks viewers to consider what role religion should play in shaping the future of the country.

Overall, "Soul of a Nation" is a powerful episode that shines a light on a crucial moment in American history. It highlights the courage and tenacity of activists who fought for equality, and the role that religion played in this movement. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States.

Description
Watch God in America - Soul of a Nation (s1 e5) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
God in America, Season 1 Episode 5, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent God in America on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    October 13, 2010
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    55 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (11)