History of Christianity and Slavery
Since the dawn of civilization, slavery has been around in some form or other. Many ancient cultures and theologies, including Christianity, have been implicated in the evil of slavery. One of the greatest injustices in world history is the use of Christianity to condone and even promote the heinous practice of slavery. To make matters worse, several religious arguments were employed to support and maintain the slavery system in parts of the world.
The rise of Christianity began in the 1st century among the small Jewish sect known as the followers of Jesus. Jesus spoke against oppression and cruelty and preached a life of submission and service. He even advocated the abolition of the institution of slavery in some of his teachings.
At the same time, however, some scholars argue that the earliest Christian authors were not as explicit in their condemnation of slavery. Most of the early church fathers and theologians simply ignored the issue, or at least failed to confront it head-on.
In spite of this apparent silence, there were some theologians who spoke out against the practice of slavery. The most prominent of these was certainly Saint Augustine, who wrote in his City of God that slavery is contrary to the nature of God and should be abolished. Augustine’s teachings had a profound influence on the development of Christian thought, so his views on slavery certainly carried some weight.
Despite these reservations, many theologians continued to find ways to use Christianity to justify slavery. One of the most common arguments was that the domination of slaves was a form of discipline, a way for masters to help their servants become better people. This idea had some biblical support, as within the Old Testament God often spoke of disciplining his people. This same idea of discipline was also trivialized and used to support slave-master relationships.
Another justification for slavery was the concept of racial superiority. This idea was taken from the belief that humans were created in the “image of God” and that certain races were more deserving of freedom and rights than others. This view held that certain races were naturally inferior and deserved to be enslaved.
Finally, the concept of economic necessity was also used to justify slavery. Some theologians argued that slavery was essential in maintaining a healthy economy, and that it was therefore necessary in order to ensure the prosperity of a nation.
Christianization of Slavery
In addition to these theological arguments, certain Christian practices and beliefs were employed to help maintain the system of slavery. One example is the practice of baptism, which was used to Christianize slaves and thus make them “more obedient” to their masters.
Christian beliefs were also used to reinforce the existing power structure. For example, it was believed that masters had a divine mandate to dominate their slaves, as God was believed to have commanded them to do so.
During the colonial period, Christian missionaries were sent to colonized regions to propagate the faith and “convert” the native inhabitants. This was often done with ruthless and coercive tactics, including the threat of physical and spiritual punishments if they did not conform.
One consequence of this was the spread of a type of Christianity that was heavily influenced by European and colonial values. This form of Christianity reinforced the existing power structure, which often included forms of slavery and exploitation.
Although some Christian denominations actively opposed the institution of slavery, others went to great lengths to support and perpetuate it. Slaves were taught to accept their situation and submit to their masters in order to gain spiritual salvation. In some cases, Christian beliefs even served to fuel the Transatlantic slave trade.
Anti-Slavery Movements in Christianity
Despite their role in supporting the slavery system, certain Christian denominations fought against the institution of slavery, particularly in the 19th century. Most notable among these was the Methodist Church, which actively campaigned against the evils of slavery.
The movement was furthered by the works of Christian abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, who campaigned on behalf of African and Caribbean slaves. Wilberforce and others argued that slavery was fundamentally incompatible with the teachings of Jesus and that it degraded the inherent dignity of all humans.
William Lloyd Garrison, the founder of the American Anti-Slavery Society, was another prominent figure in the Christian abolitionist movement. Garrison viewed slavery as a sin and sought to engage the church in the struggle against it. He argued that Christian duty and love were incompatible with any form of domination and oppression.
In addition to these individuals, many other denominations and churches were active in the anti-slavery movement. Quakers, Baptists, and Presbyterians were among the denominations that spoke out most vocally against the injustice of slavery.
Legacy of Christianity and Slavery
Although slavery was officially abolished in the 19th century, Christianity’s role in supporting the institution still lingers in the form of systemic racism and injustice. In many places around the world, African descendants are still denied basic human rights and treated with contempt.
Furthermore, certain Christian denominations still advocate for the subordination of certain races and sexes. These denominations often have troubling doctrines regarding gender and racial hierarchies, which can have a damaging effect on the lives of vulnerable minorities.
Finally, there is still a lingering sentiment in some Christian circles that the institution of slavery was somehow a moral or necessary evil. This view is outdated and harmful, and serves to minimize the sheer suffering endured by millions of people for centuries.
Modern Day Troubling Practices In Christianity
The Christian faith is not the only religion to legitimize and perpetuate oppressive systems of power. In many non-western cultures, traditional religious practices have been used to justify atrocious acts, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or the forced marriage of young girls.
In some countries, religious minorities are still subjected to persecution and violence in the name of religion. These acts are often justified by citing scripture, making it difficult for secular authorities to intervene.
Furthermore, certain religious beliefs and practices can be used to deny basic human rights, such as the right to equal marriage or the right to practise a religion other than the state religion. This is particularly common in authoritarian states, where the ruling party often manipulates religious ideals to perpetrate injustice.
It is therefore essential that religious authorities around the world denounce these oppressive practices and challenge the ideologues that use religion to promote discrimination and violence.
Christian Perspective Regarding Slavery
Today, the vast majority of Christian denominations reject the practice of slavery and recognize it as an outdated and unjust institution. The Christian faith stands firmly in opposition to all forms of domination and subjugation.
The modern-day church sees slavery as a violation of basic human rights, and recognizes the far-reaching implications of such a practice on individuals, families and communities. Themes of reconciliation, justice and emancipation are commonly found in the scriptures, and many Christian denominations work to promote these values in the world.
In addition, many churches and denominations are actively involved in fighting against modern forms of exploitation and oppression, such as human trafficking and gender-based violence. They seek to uphold the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of race, class or gender.
Finally, Christian denominations continue to uphold the belief that all humans are created in the “image of God” and deserve to live a life of peace and dignity. This belief is fundamental to the Christian faith and serves as a powerful reminder of the value and worth of every person.
