The Role of Christian Ministers in the Antebellum South: Preaching for or Against Slavery

During the Civil War era, the issue of slavery was a contentious topic, dividing churches and communities. This article delves into the stance of Southern Christian ministers, focusing on the prevalent attitudes towards slavery among Southern Baptist churches and the risks they faced for opposing it.

Divided Views Among Southern Baptists

The Baptist Church, like many others, was divided over the issue of slavery. In the South, most Baptists viewed slavery in a way that Thomas Jefferson did—recognizing it as a social and moral evil but not necessarily as a sin. This sentiment was reflected in the memories of early 19th-century ministers, such as Jeremiah Bell Jeter.

In his book, The Recollections of a Long Life (1891), Jeter recounted the prevailing opinion in Virginia: "At that period there was a prevalent opinion in Virginia not that slavery was in all cases sinful but that the system imposed great responsibilities and was fraught with many evils economic, social, political, moral and should be as soon as possible abolished."

While some ministers did recognize the numerous issues with slavery, it was not a widespread public stance. Biblical teachings and practical considerations often led Southern Baptists to accept the status quo of slavery.

Preachers and Abolitionism

Contrary to what might be expected, few Southern preachers openly preached against slavery. It was not merely a matter of fear or loyalty to the Confederate cause; preaching against slavery or merely possessing abolitionist literature was extremely dangerous. Southern states had strict laws against such activities, and those who dared to speak out often faced serious consequences.

For example, Amos Dresser, a native of Cincinnati, was flogged in Tennessee in 1833 for possessing abolitionist pamphlets. Similarly, John Gornith, from Ohio, was whipped in Virginia in 1851 for the same infraction. These incidents were far from isolated. The situation became even more dangerous after the 1856 attack by Preston Brooks, a representative from South Carolina, on Charles Sumner on the U.S. Senate floor. Sumner had given an abolitionist speech, and Brooks responded by nearly beating him to death with a cane.

Another notable incident involved Cassius Clay, a Kentuckian known for his anti-slavery stance. In 1849, Clay was attacked by six men, two of whom were lawyers, and nearly stabbed to death during a speech in Kentucky supporting abolition. It is noteworthy that Kentucky, although a slave state, did not secede from the Union. Such violent retaliation against abolitionists underscored the fear and hostility surrounding the issue of slavery in the South.

Support for Slavery Among Southern Ministers

While Southern ministers did not openly condemn slavery, their support for the institution was clear. Many believed that slavery was God’s will and argued that it helped elevate the African race. This perspective was exemplified by James Henry Thornwell, a Presbyterian minister from South Carolina, who stated:

"The general operation of the [slave] system is kindly and benevolent; it is a real and effective discipline, and without it we are profoundly persuaded that the African race, in the midst of us, can never be elevated in the scale of being. As long as that race, in its comparative degradation, coexists side by side with the white, bondage is its normal condition."

Thornwell believed that slavery was not only sanctioned but also beneficial for societal progress. He and other Southern ministers argued that without slavery, the African race would remain in a state of degradation, hindered in its development and progress.

Conclusion

Christian abolitionism was a significant movement in the North, particularly among both white and black Christian communities. In contrast, abolitionism was virtually absent in the South, where few ministers preached against slavery. The reasons for this discrepancy were complex, involving political, economic, and social factors. The risks associated with voicing opposition to slavery were too great, and the support for slavery among Southern ministers reinforced the status quo.

Understanding the stance of Southern Christian ministers during the Civil War era provides perspective on the broader context of the slavery debate in the United States. It highlights the challenges faced by those who sought to challenge the institution and the deep divisions that permeated American society.