Slavery has lingered in our country of “freedom” for centuries, and presently it still exists. Although slavery is not legal in this day of age it still is happening in certain places throughout the world. Here in America we see the residue of racism that has been branded in certain individuals’ personalities. Throughout America’s history we have seen how Religion (Christianity) had been used to suppress and validate slavery. The racism and inequality that was used during the eighteen hundreds in America were cruel, manipulative and unjust to the utmost extent. The main topic of discussion is how Christianity was used as the scapegoat for slavery.
Fredrick Douglass once said, “They convert the very name of religion into an engine of tyranny, and barbarous cruelty, and serve to confirm more infidels, in this age………these ministers make religion a cold and flinty-hearted thing, having neither principles of right action, nor bowels of compassion.”(1.Mathison, Pg 287 Douglass) In essence Douglass expresses his outlook on how the white supremacist Christian’s are using the church and Christian doctrine in order to subdue the African American peoples. Douglass discusses key issues that were very critical to the survival and equality for the black community. Christianity being taught in churches was used to impose influence that having slaves was ok, and that slaves are not equal to the white man. Furthermore it is imperative to understand that manipulation of the society, as a whole was they key that the white supremacist used to gain public acceptance of the idea of slavery.
The acceptance of slavery came with the acceptance of God. The Christian church was the instrument and the American Christian was its advocate. Even the African Americans were manipulated to think that they are treated unequally because this is just how things are. “Servants, be obedient to your masters; and he that knoweth his masters will and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.”(2.Mathison, Pg 282, Bib) The slaves were told sayings like this and they believed in it. This shows the fear that was instilled in them if they did something wrong they would get punished for it severely. Yet they were treated like this, many African Americans wanted to become Christian and were not able to.
Yet there were a few individuals of white color such as Miss Davis that didn’t believe in this inequality and taught the bible to the slaves. When she was caught she was in a lot of trouble. Yet again the African American people were tricked into drinking and fighting on Sundays so they would not be able to attend mass, in turn keeping them separated from the white community.
Douglass gave a speech commemorating the Declaration Of Independence. He said, “The fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”(3.Douglass) The struggles of inequality have always been an issue of history and even today. Although Douglass had lived through the toughest part of history throughout slavery he would be happy to see that today’s world is nothing it was during his time. Today we have freedom and justice for all. But we must never forget the pain, suffering, and agony of the past, and how the Christian church as the American religion was used as a tool of manipulating society into believing that slavery was ok.
2. Mathisen, Robert pg 282; Slave Religion, Henry Bib (1849)
3.Douglass Fredrick, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h2927.html,
It's very interesting to me that scriptures from the Bible were used to defend and oppose slavery. The contradictions are a result of the way the scriptures were interpreted but there were some scriptures that plainly stated for servants to obey their masters which sounds very straight forward. It almost seemed as if there could have been a battle of scriptures going on for one side to prove their case over the other.
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