The Great Awakening: Calvinism, Race, Slavery, and Jonathan Edwards
A couple of weeks ago I was engaged in a forum debate surrounding Rev. Jeremiah Wright honoring nation of Islam’s leader Luis Farrakhan. The discussion actually centered around the article at the following site.
http://sweetness-light.com/archive/obamas-mentor-gives-farrakhan-his-award
What was the issue? How can a Christian honor a racist man like Luis Farrakhan? Even though I pointed out that Luis Farrakhan was being honored for his community service in down trodden Black communities, the lynching continued.
I then saw a double standard. The same people ridiculing Rev. Jeremiah Wright for honoring a man who they perceived as an evil racist man (Luis Farrakhan), cherished another man whom was perceived as a not so bad man–the puritan Johnathan Edwards, a man who was a slave owner. A man who was racist. Unfortunately, the revealing of a double standard did not calm the raging mob. They quickly defended their man-of-honor attempting to justify his ownership of slaves. Talk about a double standard!!! see debate here:
http://www.hcr.fm/forum/showthread.php?t=27520&highlight=jeremiah+wright
Now, Jonathan Edwards was a Calvinist. According to Kevin Jackson [ see his blog at http://seekadoo.blogspot.com/2008/03/theology-and-slave-trade-i-was-recently.html] the Calvinism of men like Jonathan Edwards helped them to accept slavery. He says that “Calvinists of the era were more likely to support the institution slavery…” because of their view of God’s sovereignty. The way things are is because God wants them that way thus bringing glory to God (Jackson).
Now in order to be fair about this Jackson’s assessment, you should all know that according to his blog, he is committed to Arminian Theology thus he may have an axe to grind against Calvinists. But besides that, did the Calvinism of the men of that era blind them from seeing the evils of slavery? Any Thoughts? Resources?
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Love, Faith, and Peace!
Previously I said this, “I am a full time undergrad student finishing up my last semester. I plan to go off to grad school and pursue more education on theology, Biblical studies and also a hands-on education in urban community development.?”
Since then I have graduated and have been accepted at Palmer Theological Seminary and Eastern University. I am undecided on which I would be going to although I am leaning towards a M.A. in Urban Community Development. Please pray that I receive discernment as to where God would want me at.
Using the arts, theological reflection, and knowledge of my cultural context, I seek to promote sound living, advocating for peace and justice in urban communities.
I am currently a Church Community Worker out of Mennonite Central Committee ( East Coast) designated in Philadelphia.
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Genetic fallacy. Whether or not Calvinism was used to help “accept” slavery doesn’t make Calvinism wrong. You’re a heretic
If I’m hearing you right, you aren’t here trying to knock Calvinism - just raising a potential weakness/flaw into view. Am I off base?
Re: Wright, Farrakhan, and Edwards: I must confess it’s easier to honor Edwards, since he died hundreds of years ago.
I’ve read/heard only a little of his work, and it disgusted me. But yet he’s had a powerful influence, I think many times a good influence, on America in times past.
I’m wondering - why not honor each of these men for their good contributions, and acknowledge and learn from their mistakes?
Yes Eugene. You are hearing me right. I am not knocking Calvinism which is why the previous comment is inapplicable. And, if I was , that would not make me a heretic. (looking confused about that comment). What I am doing is looking at Calvinists and Calvinism in the era of American slavery and raising questions about what happens when both are combined (the Calvinist and Calvinism). Lets be real, Calvinists today did not think like Calvinists did in the Colonial Era. Clearly all Calvinists do not think like the Calvinists who created apartheid in South Africa. Today I doubt that Calvinists would own slaves. I hope I am wrong.
To Concerned: A Genetic Fallacy is when you reject an argument, a thing, etc, because of it’s origin. If I was committing a genetic fallacy I would be saying something like this: Calvinism is false because Jonathan Edwards was a Racist. That was not an argument that I made.
No, but that’s the inference you make with this type of post.
Besides…. if it’s opposite was so appealing to folks, why did we end up multiple black methodist denominations ? Oh yeah…I forgot… the Methodists in the 1800’s ALSO didn’t want n*ggers in spiritual charge over them.
You need a clue.
I fail to see the genetic Fallacy. Where did I imply that Calvinism was false because Jonathan Edwards was a racist? BTW, I’m a Calvinist if you was to judge me theologically. Just not a dogmatic one.