Modern Westerners take it for granted that every life is valuable. But ideas like equality before the law and the importance of caring for the vulnerable are by no means self-evident. So where did they come from? Why are we so attached to the idea of “inalienable human rights”?
This lesson looks at the part that Christianity played in the history of slavery in America… for better, and for worse.
Introduce
Discuss
Students indicate where they think Christianity should be placed on a spectrum between ‘oppression’ and ‘freedom’. (Slavery in “Christian” America Slides)
Students create a slide with three words, three images, and three emojis that describe the word “slavery”. They then explain your choices to a small group or partner.
Listen & Discuss
- Song: Queen of the Fields (5:38)
Listen to the Alicia Keys song and read the lyrics. Discuss the insight this gives to the experience of slavery in the United States?
Observe & Respond
Display the images of US slavery in the 1800’s and invite the class to share their observations. Students imagine they are one of the people depicted or described in the above song or images, they write down how it would make them feel and what they would say to their master. (Slavery in “Christian” America Slides)
Engage
Watch & Respond
Watch the documentary excerpt ‘Slavery in “Christian” America’. (8:34)
Students draw or find an image to contrast the experiences of slaves on plantations in the United States with the plantation owners. They then make a list of basic rights and freedoms that were denied to slaves.
Discuss how the Biblical idea that every person has inherent equality and dignity, because they are made in the “image of God” inspired the slaves in America? Also consider how the Bible was misused by the slave masters to justify their actions? Reflect on how the slaves responded to Christianity – how unexpected was this?
Display the Frederick Douglas quote. Students write a one-sentence version in their own words. (Slavery in “Christian” America Slides)
Bible Study
Students use a generative AI like ChatGPT to get an overview of the key themes and events in the book of Exodus. They then write a 2-3 sentence summary of the book – it’s story and meaning (they can google a key verse too).
Discuss what Exodus reveals about the character of God, and why the slaves in America were inspired and strengthened by this story.
Students read James 5.1-6 and answer the following questions.
- What does James say is coming on the people he speaks against in this passage, and why?
- In what ways does this passage reference what we know about the slave owners?
- What is your reaction to the words of judgment in this passage? When it comes to the brutal practice of slavery, do you think this judgment is justified?
Students read Galatians 3.26-28 and create an anti-slavery poster which expresses the ideas Paul is communicating.
Respond
Short Composition
Students compose a letter to a “Christian” slave owner in the 1800s in America’s South challenging their practices, including some Bible passages (from this lesson – or others).
Creative Design
Display the provocative billboard and discuss its argument in light of Colossians 3:22 – 4:1. (Some argue that Jesus was concerned first with individual change, not with social revolution, and that just a few Christians could not overthrow the entire Roman system of slavery.) (Slavery in “Christian” America Slides)
Students create a digital design for a billboard that responds to the one the class has been looking at, drawing on one or more Bible passages referenced in this lesson.
Class Brainstorm
Students explore the slavery infographic to identify examples of modern slavery, exploitation and/or oppression, both in Australia and globally. The class brainstorms some steps our government could take to fight modern slavery.
Extension
Students research a Christian organisation that is fighting against modern slavery (e.g., Hagar, A21, The Freedom Project, International Justice Mission). They create a series of slides that outline the organisations’ History, Mission, Current Projects or Initiatives, and a Story of the personal impact the organisation has made on an individual.