The issue of slavery has been a longstanding one in American history. Slavery is the marred canvas on which many racial issues are painted today. The slavery question was one that divided evangelical Christians to the core and ultimately resulted in the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention. In his piece, “The Slavery Question,” William Buck takes on the noble task of defending slavery, while J.M. Pendleton offers his examination of Buck’s claims in his letters. Both pieces offer strengths and weaknesses which will be briefly examined. However, while both pieces present their arguments clearly, Pendleton’s logical assertions outweigh Buck’s, making for a more convincing argument on Pendleton’s part.
Comparison
Both Buck and Pendleton …show more content…
Earlier, it was discussed that Buck viewed Africans, prior to enslavement, as ignorant, idol-worshippers, and ultimately were in need of care and salvation. The problem with this is that Buck’s view is devoid of any actual historical bases. Yes, tribal practices in some parts of western Africa may have been viewed as barbaric (such as cannibalism), yet Buck completely overlooks the fact that Africans thrived in all areas of life without inference from Europeans, Portuguese, or the like. Africa has long been regarded as the world’s wealthiest continent in terms of natural resources, so Africans would have flourished off the richness of the land, learning to cultivate crops and utilize the resources to accumulate wealth and stability. Two, Africa was full of thriving nations and tribes, at one point boasting superpowers like Egypt and Ethiopia. Three, the spiritual condition of the land would have been no worse than in America or some European nations at the time. Many of the slaves would have been animist or Islamic, as Islam had begun to spread. However, the continent was also home to church father’s like Augustine and Tertullian. The idea that the Africans needed to be civilized or tamed is rooted in an unfair assessment of the African people and their ability as one’s too created in God’s image to produce and environment in which life could flourish.
Though the argumentation on Pendleton’s part is superior, so too is the foundational appeal of his piece. Buck’s piece is founded upon a defense of the political and moral argument for slavery, masked by a pseudobiblical appeal. However, Pendleton’s piece is founded in a sound analysis of Buck’s claims that seeks to draw believer’s in with a right understanding of God’s word and what the Lord would have for His
Comparison
Both Buck and Pendleton …show more content…
Earlier, it was discussed that Buck viewed Africans, prior to enslavement, as ignorant, idol-worshippers, and ultimately were in need of care and salvation. The problem with this is that Buck’s view is devoid of any actual historical bases. Yes, tribal practices in some parts of western Africa may have been viewed as barbaric (such as cannibalism), yet Buck completely overlooks the fact that Africans thrived in all areas of life without inference from Europeans, Portuguese, or the like. Africa has long been regarded as the world’s wealthiest continent in terms of natural resources, so Africans would have flourished off the richness of the land, learning to cultivate crops and utilize the resources to accumulate wealth and stability. Two, Africa was full of thriving nations and tribes, at one point boasting superpowers like Egypt and Ethiopia. Three, the spiritual condition of the land would have been no worse than in America or some European nations at the time. Many of the slaves would have been animist or Islamic, as Islam had begun to spread. However, the continent was also home to church father’s like Augustine and Tertullian. The idea that the Africans needed to be civilized or tamed is rooted in an unfair assessment of the African people and their ability as one’s too created in God’s image to produce and environment in which life could flourish.
Though the argumentation on Pendleton’s part is superior, so too is the foundational appeal of his piece. Buck’s piece is founded upon a defense of the political and moral argument for slavery, masked by a pseudobiblical appeal. However, Pendleton’s piece is founded in a sound analysis of Buck’s claims that seeks to draw believer’s in with a right understanding of God’s word and what the Lord would have for His