
On July 5th, 1852, former slave Frederick Douglass spoke to free Americans for the anniversary of the Fourth of July. “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” is ironic because it is a speech about celebrating freedom that is delivered by someone who was once in chains. His speech begins with honoring the men that gave their lives for what they hoped to be a free America. Douglass then turns the tables to remind his audience that although this holiday is a meaningful celebration for many, for others it is an outline of hypocrisy and suffering. Douglass spends much time criticizing the Christian church and the huge role it played in the creation and expansion of slavery. He quotes “The American church is guilty, when viewed in connection with what it is doing to uphold slavery; but it is superlatively guilty when viewed in connection with its ability to abolish slavery” (Douglass, 270). He argues that slavery is upheld and operated through the Christian church. Viewing the mindset of people who were victims and culprits of such distorted religious beliefs can help us further understand Douglass’s argument against the church. A passage written by John Jea, a man sold into slavery, sheds light on his suffering and experience being brainwashed through religion. The article “Christianity as a Justification for Slavery”, goes more into detail of why the issue of slavery was in relation to religious beliefs. Both of these sources can assist in the interpretation of Douglass’s belief that Christianity was twisted by extremist to become the main support of slavery. 

Preaching Obedience to slaves, a short passage from The Life, History, and Unparalleled Sufferings on John Jea, the African Preacher, is a direct reflection on the hardships of being a slave. John Jea speaks of the hypocrisy his master uses when putting slavery in the same context with God. Jea’s master claimed to be a man of God despite the fact that he owned slaves and led them to believe his cruel punishments were merciful and an act of religion. Viewing Jea’s perspective of being a slave under control of a man with a “God-like” complex can fully support Douglass’s argument. For example, Jea speaks about how his owner used religion to justify why he was beaten or held from getting an education. He explains, “not informing us of God, heaven, or eternal punishments, and that God hath promised to bring the secrets of every heart into judgment, and to judge every man according to his works” (Jea,1).  He shows the reader that his master kept them ignorant of their humanity and the truth about God, afterlife, and judgement after death. It shows that many people who considered themselves to be agents of God, were actually the ones enforcing evil. Throughout Douglass’s speech, he speaks about how the Christian extremists are the ones who are to blame for the misinterpretation of the religion. Reading Jea’s experiences is significant to making sense of why Douglass revealed his anger towards the church and Christians who are silent about such a tragic issue. 

In addition, “Christianity as a Justification for Slavery” clarifies Douglass’s statements by giving background information of the time period. The article shows the reasons why people believed slavery was okay in the eyes of God. During this time period, Christian anti-abolitionists argued that slavery was a religious act of mercy. The article states “Slaveholders believed that slavery would liberate Africans from their savage-like ways, especially if they were infused with Christianity” (Harrill, 1). These views are not just distorted because of the racist mindset, but also because it is a clear manipulation of a religion. The Christian extremists actually thought that they were doing something noble, by owning slaves and exposing them to their religion.  Douglass makes a point in his speech that these distorted views are what is fueling the fire for slavery. He expresses his anger towards the manipulation of the bible. The article gets more into detail of how certain parts of the bible are taken literally. For example, stories in the bible sometimes involve slavery. Instead of realizing that this was a completely different time period with inhumane practices, Christian extremist took it as an “okay” to use slavery. The article helps us understand the mindset and background of the religious extremists. Knowing this information can guide an understanding to Douglass’s blame on the Christian church. 

Part of Frederick Douglass’s mission was to stop the ignorance that “Christians” had towards slavery and religion. His speech is powerful but also has a tone of hurting. As a man of faith, he explains his frustration with the Christian church, mostly, the extremist who changed what the religion is actually about. Douglass believes Christianity, which is supposed to have values centered around peace and forgiveness, was a strong supporter in the evil process of slavery. Understanding Douglass’s message is supported with the knowledge and understanding of both sides of the issue. John Jea’s story shows us the perspective of a slave living under the control of one of these Christian extremists. Reading about his masters “god-complex” and cruel punishments sheds light on the true evil of the time period. John Jea’s hardships is a perfect example of what Frederick Douglass was fighting for. The understanding of the Christian church and time period also helps us support Douglass’s argument. “Christianity as a Justification for Slavery” gives information on the viewpoints of a Christian slave owner during that time period. It gives knowledge on the misinterpretation of the bible and manipulation of the religion. Both sources signify Douglass’s anger towards the church and overall blame it should have for being the number one supporter of slavery. 
