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Frederick Douglass Religion Analysis

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In the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass explores religion through two different lenses. Religion, in this case Christianity, has two different practices. The slaves, which were colored people, believed one version of Christianity, while, the masters, which were white Americans, believed in another version of Christianity. Douglass explains that the slave owners used Christianity as justification to the cruel ways they treated slaves. Christianity became the main religion in the United States. With Christianity becoming as popular as it was, everyone including slaves began to practice it. However, according to Douglass there was “the Christianity of Christ” and “the Christianity of this land.” Douglass describes Christianity …show more content…
Auld. When Douglass first meets Mrs. Auld he is amazed by how kind she is. This is the complete opposite of his previous experiences with white women. Douglass doesn’t say anything about her church or religious activities, however, he still describes her as angelic and holy and as a perfect model for a Christian woman. He says, “Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music” (Douglass 351). which makes her immediately a follower of God and true Christianity. Douglass also states how Mrs. Auld did not judge individuals and would allow slaves to look her in the eye as though they were her equal. Upon receiving instruction from her husband Mr. Auld on how to treat slaves, it is as if the true Christianity is no longer present. As she “learns” how to treat Douglass, she turns into the devil and becomes the opposite of an angel. “That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that angelic face place to that of a demon” (Douglass 351). Mrs. Auld becomes the shift from true to false Christianity and turns from an angel to a devil with the simple introduction of slavery. An individual who is a true follower of Christ would not be capable of making such a switch the way Mrs. Auld did. This instance just further showcases the hypocrisy of Christianity through

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