Religion in "Within our Gates"

What can one say of how religion was depicted in Within our Gates? Before we answer this question we should look at how it was showcased in Birth of a Nation. Although never bluntly addressed, it was nevertheless crucial in the imagery. Chivalrous knights, gleaming in white robes emblazoned with crosses lead a charge against the chaotic masses. Flaming crosses a hallmark of their zealotry and "righteous mission." These visual monikers are repeated throughout D.W. Griffith's film, and they leave a rather frank impact on a neutral viewer -- the KKK are the hand of God.
In Within our Gates, we are shown primarily the other side of the reconstruction era south. Two preachers, church scenes, and multiple references to God are ever present in Micheaux's film and they too leave a message. On one hand, we have the Reverend Jacobs -- a kind minister and principal whose mission is to educate African American youth. On the other hand, we are shown Old Ned -- another minister who uses his influence to "keep the black population in check." He's an interesting character in his own right, but the tool that he uses to keep the masses ill informed is their religion.
So what do we have? Three different uses for religion: violence, education or subjugation. In Birth obviously but even Within , there is violence associated with religion. (The hangings for the Landrys are on Sunday, quotes such as "Divine justice punishes the real killer," etc). Disregarding religion as fuel for violence, you have the choice to either become uplifted and enlightened, able to think for yourself - or you choose to stay in the dark, and let others make decisions for you. The situation Micheaux presents is one where the others that make decisions are the very people that enslaved you just decades before. They butchered, raped, tortured and lynched you -- and now that you are free they still control you? The answer will always be yes until you are able to broaden your mind and see your reality as it is, not through the mask of Old Ned.