The relationship between Christianity and slavery in the Confederacy is a complex and deeply troubling one. Here are some key factors that explain why many Confederates reconciled their belief in slavery with their Christian faith:
1. Biblical Justification:
* Old Testament: Proponents of slavery pointed to the Old Testament, where slavery was practiced and regulated within the Israelite community. They argued that if God had condemned slavery outright, he would not have included rules for its practice.
* New Testament: They argued that the New Testament did not explicitly condemn slavery. They noted that figures like Paul addressed slaves and masters, providing instructions for their roles, but did not call for the abolition of the institution. They interpreted passages about slaves obeying their masters as an endorsement of the existing social order.
2. Paternalism and Christian Duty:
* Paternalistic View: Many slaveholders adopted a paternalistic view of slavery, arguing that they were providing for the basic needs of enslaved people who they believed were incapable of caring for themselves.
* Christian Duty to "Civilize": They also believed they were fulfilling a Christian duty by introducing enslaved Africans to Christianity and "civilizing" them. They saw themselves as benevolent guardians, overlooking the inherent violence, exploitation, and dehumanization of the system.
3. Racial Hierarchy and Interpretation of Scripture:
* "Curse of Ham" Interpretation: Some used the "Curse of Ham" narrative from Genesis to justify racial hierarchy. They falsely claimed that Africans were descended from Ham and were cursed to be servants.
* Belief in Black Inferiority: Many white Southerners believed that Black people were inherently inferior and incapable of self-governance. They used this belief to justify slavery as a necessary means of social control.
4. Social and Economic Factors:
* Economic Dependence: The Southern economy was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, particularly for cotton production. Slavery was deeply ingrained in the social and economic fabric of the region.
* Social Status and Power: Owning enslaved people was a sign of wealth and social status. Abolishing slavery would have meant a significant loss of economic and social power for many white Southerners.
5. Selective Interpretation and Ignoring Contradictory Teachings:
* Ignoring Equality and Love: Pro-slavery Christians often ignored or downplayed the teachings of Jesus about love, compassion, and the inherent worth of all people.
* Focus on Order and Authority: They emphasized biblical passages that supported order, authority, and the status quo, while minimizing teachings that challenged social hierarchies.
6. Theology and Hermeneutics:
* Literal Interpretation: The way that people interpret the bible played a role. The literal interpretation of scripture was popular and it ignored the context and overarching themes in the bible.
* Lack of biblical teaching: Some did not have access to robust theological teaching, and their interpretations of the bible were shaped by society around them.
Counterarguments and Dissent:
It's important to note that not all Christians in the South supported slavery. There were abolitionist Christians who vehemently opposed the institution based on their faith. They argued that slavery was a violation of God's love and justice, and that it contradicted the teachings of Jesus. However, they were often a minority voice and faced significant persecution in the South.