The Convictions of Slavery in Accordance to God, Himself Anonymous College

In 1836 Angelina Grimke writes an “Appeal to the Christian Women of the South,” in hopes of inspiring southern Christian women to join in her advocacy to end slavery. During this time, people heavily invested themselves in their religion, Christianity in particular, devoted to serving the Lord. Grimke, a Christian herself, uses this to her advantage. She thoughtfully devises the appeal to connect with her fellow devout women, using the Bible as a sound source of validity. She furthers her use of religion in an attempt to connect southern women with those in the north, allowing southern women to relate to other women who, also, disagree with slavery, thus empowering their efforts for change. In doing so, she hopes to inspire a change within these women through a connection with God. Although Grimke wants women to genuinely see the immorality of slavery in regards to Christianity, religion potentially serves as a guilt trip for these women, at the very least. No matter the intentions behind their change of heart, with the help of Christianity and moral high ground, Grimke strives to open these women’s eyes to the horrific realities of slavery, thus inspiring a change of heart and, hopefully, action.

A majority of the United...