The Invisible Institution The Church?

Question

I am seeking information on the current status of the Church, and its becoming the invisble institution. Can you aid me in my research.

Answer 1

The term "the invisible institution" usually refers to the churches and/or small worship groups established by African and African-American slaves prior to the Civil War.

See the work of Albert Raboteau on this issue, particularly his book entitled "Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South," published by Oxford University Press.

I have never heard this term in reference to any contemporary religious phenomena, and I am a scholar of American religions.