The Problem of Slavery in Christian America: An Ethical-Judicial History of American Slavery and Racism

by Joel McDurmon

The Revolution, however, resulted in the disestablishment of the Anglican church in key southern States. After the war, Anglican clergymen fled, and evangelicals had free rein, legally, across the States. It seemed like a heavenly gift: a wide open mission field void of the most prominent opponents to date. Yet even after a few decades of the new normal, Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians combined had only added a few percent of the population to their rolls. It was a dismal failure, and a time for self-evaluation and change. The only change they could muster, however, was the one they already made with the onset of religious toleration and a free market, so to speak, on potential members: evangelical clergy ceased their fiery denunciations of civil officials especially, and “assiduously cultivated goodwill among the ruling gentry by affirming their support for the established hierarchy.” While they still retained a legalistic stance against drinking, dancing, and ostentation, they nevertheless relaxed their approach in an effort to do what modern “seeker-sensitive” churches do: fill the pews, especially with wealthy members.

Sin changes churches more than churches change sinners