A Saint In The Slave Trade: Peter Claver 1581-1654

by Arnold Henry Moore Lunn

""A Saint in the Slave Peter Claver 1581-1654"" is a biography of the life of Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to serving African slaves during the 17th century. The book, written by Arnold Lunn, explores Claver's early life, his journey to becoming a Jesuit priest, and his mission to minister to slaves in the New World. Claver arrived in Cartagena, Colombia in 1610, where he encountered the horrific conditions of the African slaves who were brought to the New World for forced labor. He made it his life's work to minister to these slaves, offering them food, clothing, and medical care, as well as spiritual guidance. He was known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of the slaves, and he became known as the ""slave of the slaves.""The book also delves into the historical context of the slave trade during Claver's time, exploring the role of the Catholic Church in the slave trade and the efforts of other religious figures to improve the lives of slaves. Lunn provides a detailed account of Claver's life and his impact on the lives of the slaves he ministered to, as well as his legacy as a saint in the Catholic Church.Overall, ""A Saint in the Slave Peter Claver 1581-1654"" offers a fascinating look at the life of a man who dedicated his life to serving those who were marginalized and oppressed, and his impact on the history of the Catholic Church and the fight against slavery.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Biography, Catholic

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1935

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite saint stories are always of those working in the world. St. Peter Claver's charism was to love the slave, rather than rid the world of slavery, a task that went to other saints.

This book includes an interesting history of the Church's role in changing attitudes on slavery. Not surprisingly it was the Church above all others who convinced cultures of the equality and humanity of all races (this is a different tack than simply outlawing the slave trade--and one that would prove more successful in the long run). Took place at a time in history when many public sinners (slave traders) could be denied absolution and be convinced of the need to confess and return to the Church. Not so for today (abortionists and pro-abortion politicians are nothing more than slave traders with an M.D.).

[Séamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit dated due to its 1935 publication, this book nevertheless explores the complex nature of the Church’s fight against slavery with a surprising deal of nuance and valuable insight, exploring its successes and failures along the way, from the Roman Empire all the way through the New World. The theme of the divide between loving humanity in general vs. individuals in particular permeates this book in a way which made it a timely complement to the Brothers Karamazov, which I’m also reading at the present. It contains the depths of Dostoevsky’s morality debates, yet is is perfectly realized through numerous historical examples. Although certainly influenced by the Catholic perspective and imbued a touch of hagiography in regards to the figure of St. Peter Claver, it’s nonetheless worth a read to any interested in the history of the horrors of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the early beginnings of the fight against it.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book about St. Peter Claver, find a different book. If you want to read a book about what it means to be a saint, or about the churches position on slavery, then this is a great book! Many good topics in this book using an amazing saint to showcase the difference between sanctity and social reform. What it means to be holy is different that than simply doing good things.