Religion's Role in Early American Slavery

The vast majority of early American 's religion was very important. It was seen as necessary to evangelize to all who may possibly understand. In America, slave owners wanted slaves to focus on the stories of the bible that taught lessons on being happy and content while being oppressed. In short , they wanted slaves to know who God was and to turn the other cheek when hit. However, the book of exodus in the old testament became the book that was preached more favorably within the slave community. Slaves felt that they could relate towards the Hebrews under an Egyptian rule. Nat turner was seen as a very intelligent boy growing up.Because he showed high intelligence , his master allowed him to be educated in religion and literature. His “talents and unusual manner” set him apart from the

The immediate consequence was that an estimated 200 black people were killed by militias or mobs that were angry, scared and frantically accusing innocent people of having relations with the rebellion. 56 men were found guilty by trial and executed. Another consequence that followed was that it became illegal for slaves to learn to read. Nat Turner 's rebellion is the slave rebellion that contained the most white American casualties with an estimated 65 but at the cost of over 250 black lives. Sometimes we still question why it seems that slaves never fought or rebelled back more against white Americans ; especially when considering that ⅓ of the population in the south were slaves.However , slave resistance very typical behavior. They would often challenge their masters by stealing food and supplies, slowing their work pace, breaking tools , and in some cases even beating or killing their masters. Rising up on a large scale , such as Nat Turner did,only resulted in harsher conditions for slaves and their families.All individuals besides Nat Turner himself who were united in the rebellion can be seen as