Instead they turned the biblical literalism against their oppressors, showing that the message of Christ was meant for all and was meant to eliminate differences, not reinforce them. For these black evangelicals, being a Christian meant right belief and right living, being theologically traditional and socially progressive in terms of racial equality. A Christian did not frequent dance halls and speakeasies, nor did a Christian prevent someone from voting because of skin color. For the ministers in this study, the message was abundantly clear, and Christ demanded it. White fundamentalists had
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