Frederick Douglass: Christianity's Justification For Slavery
analytical Essay
544 words
In his narrative, Frederick Douglass shows how Christianity was used as a major justification for slavery and for the actions of slave masters, but he also shows how the religion provided hope for slaves themselves. In an appendix added at the end of the narrative, he draws a distinction between “the Christianity of this land” and “the Christianity of Christ,” saying that there is the “widest possible difference” between them. As he puts it, “I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land.” In other words, Douglass thinks that Christianity has been corrupted in America, where people hypocritically use it to justify their injustices. …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how frederick douglass' narrative shows how christianity was used as a major justification for slavery and for the actions of slave masters, but also provided hope for slaves themselves.
- Analyzes how douglass hopes that becoming religious will make his master kinder or even emancipate his slaves. the "christianity of this land" had a negative effect.
- Compares voltaire's take on christianity to that of frederick douglass, who thinks there is a "real" christianity that is good and corrupted by the slave masters.
One of the best examples is when his master Auld attends a Methodist camp meeting and converts (Chapter 9). Douglass hopes that becoming religious will make his master kinder or even make him want to free his slaves. The result is the opposite: “It neither made him to be humane to his slaves, nor to emancipate them. If it had any effect on his character, it made him more cruel and hateful in all his ways; for I believe him to have been a much worse man after his conversion than before…he found religious sanction and support for his slaveholding cruelty.” He later cites an incident when his master whipped a young woman and justified it by quoting Scripture. This story directly shows how becoming
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- Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglassanalytical essayFrederick Douglass presents an astonishing representation of the issues towards Christianity and religion. According to the narrator of the novel, there are two forms of Christianity that are represented in the text. There are both "true" and "false" versions of religion.In a slaves perspective, Christianity is considered to be their saving grace. Choosing to believe in God is their only reason to wake up in the morning and suffer through the exhausting list of chores they have to accomplish throughout the day. Participating in religious activities of worship gives them confidence that one day, God will save them from the cruelty they have endured for so long. Frederick Douglass admits to practicing of what is the "true" version of religion and the whites who openly oppose slavery. On the other hand, slave masters or remaining whites have flipped the purpose of Christianity and molded it into hypocrisy where it has become a bastardization of the true ideals behind genuine Christian thoughts. The reader gets the gist of the story that slavery and true Christianity are oppos...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how frederick douglass' novel, narrative of the life, expresses his theory on the most unfortunate era for all african americans in america, known as slavery, and uses his life experiences to benefit the demolishing of slavery practices.
- Analyzes how frederick douglass presents an astonishing representation of the issues towards christianity and religion.
- Analyzes how douglass' newfound method of education led to freethinking, leading to revolts, and the possibility of leading in the collapse of the economy.
- Analyzes how the fear of antislavery became a true concept when fredrick douglas began to outsmart the people around him and gained an education that would later earn him his freedom.
- Analyzes how education has benefited the whites and african-americans who were fortunate enough to sneak their education. frederick douglass was one of the few to figure out the education was an essential key to freedom.
- Analyzes how douglass learned that the irish fought for freedom just like slaves wanted to fight for theirs. the moral which he gained from the dialogue was the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder.
- Analyzes how frederick douglass views all human beings as equal but also states that individuals have to mold themselves in who they want to be.
- Analyzes how captain thomas auld became a "pious" man after not feeding slaves enough and enforcing harsh labor, revealing the underlying hypocrisy of the slaveholding south.
- Analyzes how douglass contributed his life to antislavery and sought education after escaping from slavery and seeking freedom in the north.
1832 wordsRead More - Christianity in the Midst of Slaveryanalytical essayChristianity in the context of American slavery took on many faces and characteristics. As a religion, it was used as a tool of manipulation for slave masters to further justify the institution, and particularly assert authority over their slaves. In the slave community, Christianity was adapted in the slave community as a means to shape an identity and create a sense of dignity for an oppressed people. Christianity in the context of the slave community was a means to uplift and encourage the slaves, a way in which to advance the interests of slave-holders, and in some cases, a means used to justify freedom.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how christianity in the context of american slavery took on many faces and characteristics. it was used as a tool of manipulation for slave masters to further justify the institution, and assert authority over their slaves.
- Explains that black slaves held to a different form of christianity that was unbeknownst to traditional orthodox christianity. the perversion of christian teachings from slave master and their erroneous catechisms encouraged and comforted them.
- Analyzes how christianity was used as a meaningful and helpful outlet to reaffirm the humanity of slaves.
- Explains that christianity would be a principal influence in conquering the fear of slaves, for their overseers and masters.
- Explains that christian worship allowed for the slaves to feel engaged in community interaction, and this fit perfectly in the context of slave society.
- Explains that religious services and recreational activities provided the slave with welcome rest from anxious toils, and hope for the better life.
- Analyzes how the slaves created and signed hymns and spirituals, based on biblical lore, to express themselves in a hostile environment.
- Explains that slaves would have to gather in secret places in order to worship, due to the desire of certain masters/ overseers wanting to keep them from worshipping.
- Recounts how katherine and her maw and paw took them to another place to pray and sing. they sang lord i give myself away, tis all that i can do, and they nailed him to the cross.
- Analyzes how mary reynolds was born to a slave mother and free black father. she was nursed alongside her master's daughter (sarah), was sexually abused by him, and was brought back to her family and plantation home.
- Explains that religious hymns and spirituals reflected the reality that there was no separation from the religious and the secular in the slave community.
- Explains that many of the slaves had no formal christian education, but still talked in regard to god and used references to him in their daily language.
- Analyzes how rose williams was a woman born into slavery and gave her account of her time in slavery. she loved her family and was almost sold away until her father asked mr. hawkins to purchase her.
1282 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass' Views on Slaveryanalytical essay“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe”( Douglass). This famous quote epitomizes the philosophies of Frederick Douglass, in which he wanted everyone to be treated with dignity; if everyone was not treated with equality, no one person or property would be safe harm. His experience as a house slave, field slave and ship builder gave him the knowledge to develop into a persuasive speaker and abolitionist. In his narrative, he makes key arguments to white abolitionist and Christians on why slavery should be abolished. The key arguments that Frederick Douglass tries to vindicate are that slavery denies slaves of their identity, slavery is also detrimental for the slave owner, and slavery is ungodly.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the quote epitomizes the philosophies of frederick douglass, who wanted everyone to be treated with dignity.
- Analyzes frederick's attack on slavery, arguing that slaves lose their identity by accepting that being a slave is the way life is and that there is nothing else to look forward to in life.
- Analyzes how frederick douglass argues that slavery has damaging effects on the slave master. mrs. auld is the prime example of this damaging effect.
- Analyzes frederick's claim that slavery is unchristian in his narrative. the raping of slave women, committing adultery, and brutality against slaves contradicts christian ethics.
- Concludes that frederick douglass used these key points in his narrative to attack the institution of slavery. the speeches he made using these points to white abolitionist amazed them because they didn't imagine slaves could speak this well.
856 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass Slaveryanalytical essayThroughout the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, written by Frederick Douglass himself, the reader is given thoughtful insight into the slave condition and the institution of slavery as a whole. One learns very soon of the authoritative and controlling nature of the slave master, who, using the overseer as his pawn, is able to maintain control over his slaves and his planation through an amalgamation of both physical and mental abuse. Slaves are lead to believe that they are innately inferior to whites and are kept ignorant, unable to read or write, and unaware of the world outside their plantation. They are indoctrinated from birth through fear, for if any slave deviates from this merciless power structure, they face brutal punishment and even the possibility of death. Despite this seemingly insurmountable reality, Frederick Douglass, a slave for over twenty years, was able to resist. He gradually became aware of the psychology of the slave owners, and the immense power that they wielded. Douglass was able to escape the oppressive, exploitative, and controlling power structure of slavery by resolving to overcome his forced ignorance, and to unite his fellow slaves, realizing, along the way, his sense of self and innate integrity.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how frederick douglass, a slave for over twenty years, was able to escape the oppressive, exploitative, and controlling power structure of slavery by resolving to overcome his forced ignorance and unite his fellow slaves.
- Analyzes how douglass learns of the rotten foundation of slavery--ignorance, and realizes that the pathway to freedom is through literacy.
- Analyzes how douglass, who was separated from his mother as an infant, understood the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty to one's fellow slaves.
- Analyzes how frederick douglass is introduced to the horrors of slavery as a child, when he witnesses the beating of his aunt hester. the brutal physical abuse and paralyzing fear of possible abuse serve as the cement that holds the institution together.
- Analyzes how douglass realizes the injustices done to his people and learns about the slave system. he fights back against covey and attains integrity and dignity.
- Analyzes how the narrative is an insightful account of the psychology of slave owners and the merciless power the institution as a whole. frederick douglass refused to fall prey to this immoral system, resolving instead to fight back.
1390 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass and Slaveryanalytical essayFrederick Douglass's Narrative, first published in 1845, is an enlightening and incendiary text. Born into slavery, Douglass became the preeminent spokesman for his people during his life; his narrative is an unparalleled account of the inhumane effects of slavery and Douglass's own triumph over it. His use of vivid language depicts violence against slaves, his personal insights into the dynamics between slaves and slaveholders, and his naming of specific persons and places made his book an indictment against a society that continued to accept slavery as a social and economic institution. Like Douglass, Harriet Jacobs was born into slavery, and in 1853 she published Letter from a Fugitive Slave, now recognized as one of the most comprehensive antebellum slave narratives written by an African-American woman. Jacobs's account broke the silence on the exploitation of African American female slaves.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how frederick douglass's narrative, first published in 1845, is an enlightening and incendiary text. harriet jacobs was born into slavery and published letter from a fugitive slave.
- Compares the narratives of douglass and jacobs demonstrating the full range of demands and situations that slaves experienced, and the mistreatment that they experienced.
- Analyzes how jacob's sister endured sexual abuse and was forced to bear a child. most women slaves faced sexual harassment or abuse at an early age, causing psychological problems as they developed into mature women.
- Analyzes how douglass' narrative of the life shows how black males were treated with disrespect even after slavery had been abolished in the north.
- Analyzes the differences between jacob's and douglass' narratives. the themes of freedom and the need to end slavery were the same.
- Analyzes how gender separated the two narratives, and gave each a distinct view toward slavery.
- Analyzes how douglass and jacob's lives moved in different directions, but it is important not to miss the common will that their narratives proclaim of achieving freedom.
1020 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglas on Equality and Justice for Slaves and Womenanalytical essay...ing the general public to view their fellow men, as less than what they truly are, their equals. The institution of slavery has blinded the clergy and churches of America, causing them to sit idly by as an injustice is being brought upon God’s people, a god that all men share. Christianity has become a tool in which the separation of whom receives liberties and whom does not becomes its clearest. As Douglass says “ At the very moment that they are thanking God for the enjoyment of civil and religious liberty […] they are utterly silent in respect to a law which robs religion of its chief significance, and makes it utterly useless to a world lying in wickedness.” Christianity has become a tool of oppression for the elite; used to deny unalienable rights to their fellow man, the same rights their own fathers had fought so valiantly for during the founding of America.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the idea of americanism, as viewed by frederick douglass, comes in two variations. the first is the american who sits idly on the accomplishments of their fathers that fought tooth and nail against the british for freedom.
- Analyzes how the fugitive slave act played directly into the pockets of the white male elite.
- Opines that women and slaves felt the hardships of inconsistent legislation, but on a different level than those who were denied even the most basic liberties.
- Analyzes how the united states of america has been a republic based on christian values since its origins. slavery goes against everything that the word of god stands for.
- Analyzes how the church holds much of the blame for the desolate shape that christianity lays in within america.
1148 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass Narrative And Christianity Analysisanalytical essayDouglass makes the distinction between the true and false forms of Christianity clear in the Appendix of his Narrative. He first characterizes the Christianity of Christ, practiced by himself, his fellow slaves, and non-slave owners in general, as genuine and peaceable. This sort of ideology is true to what Douglass interprets as the actual teachings of the Bible, and adherents are humble, kind, impartial, and nondiscriminatory. Douglass then distinguishes this proper ideology from the “corrupt, slave-holding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land” (430). Douglass believes that slavery and Christianity are opposing forces. The teachings of C...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how frederick douglass' narrative highlights the discrepancies between the religions of slaves and slave-owners, and condemns the insincere ideology of slavery in america.
- Analyzes how douglass makes the distinction between the true and false forms of christianity clear in the appendix of his narrative.
- Analyzes how douglass, who holds devout christian views, is not condemning religion in general. he believes that christianity of the land and christ are entirely opposite.
- Explains that true christianity consists of word from the bible, an inherent sense of right and wrong, and recognition of good deeds and moral behavior. the ideals of christianity strictly oppose the practice of slavery, making the slave-owners’ claims of devout faithfulness flawed.
535 wordsRead More - Slavery: Religious Justification and Abolitionanalytical essayWhat role did religion play in the justification and abolition discourses that emerged in the nineteenth century in both the Antebellum South and the Ottoman Empire?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that religion played an important role in the discourse used to justify and challenge slavery in both the ottoman empire and the antebellum south.
- Explains that the american abolitionist movement emerged in the 1930s, as part of the second great awakening. the quakers resisted enslavement using christian teachings.
- Explains that there were obvious divisions between different denominational churches on the question of slavery and abolition. methodist and baptist churches took opposite stances on slavery.
- Analyzes how both northern and southern states used the bible as a weapon in their argument for why slavery was justified or not.
- Explains that the ottoman empire was established with the ulema as the guardian of the society.
- Analyzes how amal ghazall argues that the muslim world in the nineteenth and early twentieth century was undergoing many transformations, including modernization.
- Explains how the qur'an was later employed using different versus or authentic to the context to make anti-slavery arguments.
- Analyzes how the ulama came to different conclusions, showing slavery was not firmly grounded in the religion of islam but rather an interpretation of the verses that are deployed.
- Analyzes how the bible and the qur'an refer to slaves as people but neither explicitly condemns slavery. while antebellum and ottoman slavery created entirely different forms of bondage, abolitionist rhetoric was very similar.
- Describes the works of bertram wyatt-brown, lewis tappan, and john b. boles, eds. masters and slaves in the house of the lord.
- Describes the sources of the book, deliver us from evil: the slavery question in the old south.
- Cites harriet jacobs' incidents in the life of a slave girl and james brewer stewart's holy warriors.
- Describes the books of bernard lewis, maurice j. bric, william mullligan, and newbell n. puckett, the magic and folk beliefs of the southern negro.
- Cites abzug's cosmos crumbling: american reform and the religious imagination.
1358 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass: The Psychological Approaches Used to Maintain the Institution of Slaveryanalytical essaySlave-owners forced a perverse form of Christianity, one that condoned slavery, upon slaves. According to this false Christianity the enslavement of “black Africans is justified because they are the descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons; in one Biblical story, Noah cursed Ham's descendants to be slaves” (Tolson 272). Slavery was further validated by the numerous examples of it within the bible. It was reasoned that these examples were confirmation that God condoned slavery. Douglass’s master...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how douglass discusses the deplorable conditions in which he and his fellow slaves suffered from while on colonel lloyd’s plantation.
- Analyzes how slave owners forced a perverse form of christianity, one that condoned slavery, upon slaves. douglass's master, captain thomas auld, epitomizes the christian southern slaveholder.
- Analyzes how douglass describes a great deal of violence committed by slaveholders.
- Analyzes how douglass' paranoia and lack of trust among slaves is reinforced by the cutting of family ties. slaves from different plantations would argue over whose master was better.
- Explains that slaves' powerlessness causes them to depend on their masters for food, clothing, and shelter. this dependence on them was integral to the preservation of the master's power and the sustaining of slave society.
- Analyzes how slaves were encouraged to drink whisky during christmas and new year's holidays to ensure they remained dependent.
- Analyzes how douglass realized the true meaning of freedom when he started learning to read. his mistress, sofia auld, taught him the a, b, and c's.
- Analyzes how the disillusioned slave recognized that the success of the institution of slavery is based on the slave's illiteracy. slaveholders were adamant about withholding any knowledge from slaves.
- Analyzes how douglass unveiled every kink in the well-oiled machine known as slavery. he revealed the false christianity of the south, the nonsensical dependence of slaves upon their masters, and the lack of understanding of freedom.
- Cites gale encyclopedia of american law, donna batten's 3rd ed. vol. 13, detroit, 2011. the slave experience: living conditions.
- Cites tolson, claudette l., "white supremacy." encyclopedia of race and racism.
1326 wordsRead More - Frederick Douglass And Slaveryopinionated essayAbolitionist Frederick Douglass was the most distinguished and influential black leaders of the nineteenth century. Douglass focused his writings on the harshness and brutality of slavery. He describes in many of his books accounts of his own experiences as a slave. A reader is able to perceive a clear image of slavery through Douglass' words. His writings explain the effects of slavery and the struggle to overthrow it, as well as the condition of free blacks both before and after the Emancipation, the politics of the Civil War, and the failed promise of Reconstruction the followed.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that books account of his own experiences as a slave.
- Explains slavery and the struggle to overthrow it, as well as the condition of free.
- Narrates how his aunt's screams awakened him and she would be tied and whipped on her.
- Analyzes how words, no tears, and no prayers, from his gory victim, seemed to move his iron heart.
- Explains that slaves were told that god made whites to be masters, while blacks were slaves.
- Explains that douglass wanted to know how his master knew what god knew.
- Opines that douglass is free as long as his brother is a slave.
- Proposes that the slaves be freed as a war measure and let the people join the union army.
- Opines that the rebel army was deprived of the labor which kept it alive.
- Explains that douglass wrote about the civil war to get more people to help save.
- Narrates how douglass witnessed this first as a child, and later, many more of these incidents would occur.
664 wordsRead More