Noll relates that the American defenses of slavery from Scripture “had virtually no influence outside the country.”80 Other orthodox Presbyterians abroad viewed the South’s self-defense as right next to blasphemy. The United Presbyterians of Scotland erupted with scorn in 1861, condemning the southern churches’ defense as “the foulest and most revolting” doctrine ever enunciated since the crucifixion. They made clear where they stood: “Sympathy with the Southern States! We have as much sympathy with them as with a gang of robbers or a crew of pirates.”
