Black lives in early America 2-19

Contextual Overview

  • Discussion centers on the usage of the Bible to justify slavery, initially critiqued by some Catholics, but with mounting critiques against pro-slavery interpretations.

Pro-Slavery Biblicalism Explained

  • Definition of Biblicalism: The approach asserting that literal interpretation of the Bible dictates what is acceptable in God's eyes and what is sinful.

  • Arguments of Pro-Slavery Advocates:

    • Claim the Bible supports slavery, suggesting it is permissible for Christians to enslave Africans.

    • Notable scriptures cited include:

    • Leviticus 25:39-46:

      • States that Israelites cannot enslave each other but may have bondmen and bondmaids from heathens and strangers forever.


      • "And if thy brother be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant..." (Leviticus 25:39)

    • Cursed Be Canaan: Genesis story where Noah curses Ham's son, Canaan, interpreted as justifying the enslavement of black people.

    • The curse states: "Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren."

    • Interpretation of Heathens:

    • Group of people (inclusive of Gentiles, pagans, and infidels) who are considered outside God’s love and hence can be enslaved.

    • Wall of Partition: A metaphorical reference to the division between God’s chosen people (the Jews and later Christians) and the heathens, further licensed the enslavement of these groups.

Samuel Sewell and his Arguments Against Slavery

  • Biographical Sketch:

    • Samuel Sewell: A Puritan and judge involved in the Salem Witch Trials (1692).

    • After realizing the wrongful execution of innocent people, he repented and later published his abolitionist views in 1700, titled "Joseph."

  • Sewell's Reasoning Against Slavery:

    • Advocated an antislavery view grounded in a legalistic interpretation of Scripture, distinguishing between Old and New Testament laws.

    • Central argument:

    • Enslaving Africans is equally sinful as the biblical story of Joseph being enslaved by his brothers.

    • Responds to four objections commonly made by slaveholders:

Objection 1: Curse of Ham

  • Claim: Black people are cursed due to Noah's curse on Ham.

  • Sewell's Response:

    • Enforcing God’s curse on humans is not our duty.

    • The curse applies to Canaan, not Ham, and was fulfilled through the extermination of Canaanites in ancient Israel.

    • Africans (e.g., Ethiopians) are descendants of Cush, not Canaan, and thus not cursed.

    • Biblical support for positive views of Africans can be found in:

    • Psalm 68:31: "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God."

Objection 2: Spreading the Gospel

  • Claim: Slave trade is justified as it allows the spread of Christianity.

  • Sewell's Response:

    • Evil acts cannot be justified by the good results they might yield, as articulated by Apostle Paul.

    • Principle: "Evil must not be done that good may come of it."

Objection 3: African Wars

  • Claim: Captured Africans should be enslaved as they are lawful captives from inter-tribal wars.

  • Sewell's Response:

    • Every war has both just and unjust sides, and slavery from conflict lacks clarity on legality.

    • Suggested that instead of purchasing enslaved Africans, Christians should liberate them, invoking the golden rule.

Objection 4: Abraham's Servants

  • Claim: Abraham had servants, suggesting God’s approval for slavery.

  • Sewell's Response:

    • Lack of details in the Bible about the nature of Abraham's servants does not imply endorsement of slavery today.

    • Israelites were forbidden from enslaving each other, indicating a moral evolution in God’s expectations.

    • Moral Principle: "Christians should have a more loving disposition towards all human beings."

The Wall of Partition Concept

  • Emphasizes that a literal and metaphorical partition separated believers from non-believers, previously justifiable societal practices under the Old Testament law, unlike today.

  • Divine Expectation: Christians must abolish slavery rooted in that new love and unity in Christ as per Ephesians 2:11-14.

The Development of Providentialism

  • Core Aspect: God punishes societies engaging in slavery as seen through the lens of biblical history.

    • Illustration: Isaiah's prophecy showing God using other nations (like Assyria) to chastise Israel for immorality.

  • Key Contributors: Samuel Sewell, Ralph Sandifer, and Benjamin Lay argued for divine punishment against slave societies reflecting the need for abolition.

Abolitionism within Quaker Society

  • Historical Context: Some early Quakers, as individuals, opposed slavery but not collectively until after the French and Indian War (1754-63).

  • French and Indian War Impact: This war catalyzed opposition against slavery as it was perceived as divine retribution for past sins of slavery by white Christians.

  • Key Figures: John Woolman and Anthony Benezet successfully influenced Quaker movements to embrace abolitionism and educate against the moral failings tied to slaveholding.

  • Quaker Statement (1754): Encouraged the liberation of slaves as a Christian mandate, prompting widespread abolitionist sentiments among Quakers, compelling them to set free their slaves and provide reparations.