Frederick Douglass Religion Analysis

Interestingly, lots of people in the 1800’s were amazed by religion and its effect on their spiritual and psychological well-being. In almost all the southern states, it was common for people to believe in God for comfort and relief. Those who lived a God-fearing life back then were able to have hope that life would get better. Although Christianity was prevalent, it seemed difficult for slaves to believe fully in God and enjoy its goodness and positivity. In this book, it is stated by Frederick Douglass himself that slave owners, who happened to be Christian, knew of the good works of Christianity. In spite of their perspectives, slaves were still treated poorly. Furthermore, slave owners looked past the positivity that Christianity had to offer and still spewed hate. …show more content…
It was clear to Frederick Douglass that slavery among those in the south had an interesting effect on Christianity. Also, it was believed by Douglass that Christians in the south were distorted by society in that time. This might have been the start of false religious virtue. Although Christianity is love, slaves in the southern states experienced the opposite. It can’t be concluded that religious exposition of the evils of bondage is okay, but it’s very clear that society had, and still has, a way of customizing ideals to fit the way people want things to be. Fortunately, Douglass found a way to separate the Christianity that showcases the type of Christian who shows respect from the Christianity that shows the special cases when people are mean to Southern slaves. Douglass understands how the latter type of Christianity represent false virtue of the slave