Southerner's View Of Slavery

The southern part of America believed strongly about the issue of slavery. Southerners felt as if slavery was a “positive good” rather than a “necessary evil”. The north on the other hand held slavery at the perspective of cruel and evil. The southerners defended slavery using the Bible, the church, and popular political views. The southerners were convinced the Lord wanted slavery. The southerners read the Bible and interpreted it in a way where slavery was considered morally right in the eyes of God. “ [s]laves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22). This was just one of the many bible verses the southerners used to make slavery look morally acceptable in society. Another southern accepted source used was the church. The church said, “ [f]or the right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example” (Rev. Dr. Richard Furman (Baptist), EXPOSITION of The Views of the Baptist). The church also used the bible as a veil to overshadow slavery. The church told southerners, “ [t]hey [Northerners] assume that slavery is a sin and therefore ought to be abolished. We contend that it is a Scriptural institution” (The Southern Baptist Convention, “State of the Country,” …show more content…
Calhoun supported the idea of a “positive good” rather than the view of the “necessary evil”. He viewed slavery as an important aspect to society not only for the Americans but the Africans as well. Calhoun disclosed that, “ [n]ever before has the black race of Central Africa, from the dawn of history to the present day, attained a condition so civilized and so improved, not only physically, but morally and intellectually”