Domestic Slavery Considered as a Scriptural Institution

by Richard Fuller, Keith Harper (Editor), Nathan A. Finn (Editor)

Domestic Slavery originated in the nineteenth century as a literary debate. The chapters were originally the letters of Southern pastor Richard Fuller and Northern educator Francis Wayland, with each defending their respective positions. Historians of Southern religion consider Domestic Slavery to be one of the major contributions to the nineteenth-century debate over the peculiar institution. This critical edition of Domestic Slavery, which includes annotations and an appendix of related documents, represents the first reprint of this important work to be published since the mid-nineteenth century.

Genres: Religion, History

216 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Josh]

A fascinating series of letters between two friends and ministers of the gospel, one pro-slavery and one pro-emancipation. Very illuminating primary source document.

[Jacob O'connor]

This was an uncomfortable read. However, I highly recommend it. The book is about two pastors, one from the North and one from the South, debating slavery as an institution shortly after the Civil War. One of the things that make it uncomfortable is how well the southern pastor argues in support of slavery. Obviously, any modern readers will agree with the northern pastor. Also, he ultimately makes the better case.
The arguments by both pastors are outstanding. Equally as impressive is how civil both were. Good lesson for us today.

[Dan]

This book is reproduction of a public debate between Francis Wayland (a antislavery Northerner) and Richard Fuller (a proslavery Southerner) on the institution of slavery and what the Bible has to say about it. Great look into moderate positions in the period right before the Civil War. While hindsight being 20/20 makes us agree with Wayland's position, Fuller does show that slaveholders in the South were called to treat their slaves with dignity and love.

[Peter]

Two pastors before the civil war debate whether slavery in the U.S.A. is approved or condemned by scripture. The discussion is surprisingly easy to read and understand for a historical document. There are lessons here on how to approach the Bible carefully to understand God's intent in the whole of scripture.

[Frederick]

This book presents a noteworthy interchange of opinions published in the early part of the nineteenth century between an anti-slavery northern Baptist and a pro-slavery southern Baptist. It is well worth reading for any student of Antebellum America.