FD's Autobigraphy

Question 1

Parody of the 1808 hymn Heavenly Union

Answer 1

none of the people singing it are actually part of any real union of humanity. When they go back home after church, they become slaveholders again.

Question 2

What Douglass says about American Christianity

Answer 2

1. not impartial the way Jesus professed it
2. upholding values of purity when women are being sold for prostitution
3. North guilty for complying and owning people
4. justification for action rather than conviction of sin

Question 3

context to autobiography

Answer 3

1. written at the end of the new revivals in america; people are coming to religion with no change of heart
2. George Armstrong: “The Christian Doctrine of Slavery”
   - slavery not only justified but necessitated for the christianization of slaves

Question 4

Things Douglass leaves out

Answer 4

1. Invisible institution as a syncretistic brand of Christianity
2. Does not mention efforts to establish holy union by people like Charles Finney

Question 5

Charles Finney

Answer 5

1. “you can go to heaven too!”
   most likely to sell religion 1794
2. all seats are free; rich could not rent seats