Early African American Secularism

Michael Ruse

doi:10.1017/9781108562324.032

31 - Early African American Secularism

from Part V - Classical Modernity: Social and Political Currents

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 September 2021

Edited by

Michael Ruse: Affiliation:
Florida State University
Stephen Bullivant: Affiliation:
St Mary's University, Twickenham, London

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Summary

In Frederick Douglass’ second autobiography, My Bondage and My Freedom, published in 1855, he notes that his religious views during the course of his life “pass[ed] over the whole scale and circle of belief and unbelief, from faith in the overruling Providence of God, to the blackest atheism” (Blassingame et al. 2003). Just three years earlier, in what is perhaps his most well-known speech, Douglass likewise noted that rather than embrace a pro-slavery gospel or a gospel indifferent to the institution of slavery, “I would say welcome infidelity! Welcome atheism! Welcome anything! In preference to the gospel, as preached by those Divines!” (Douglass 1852) While his 1852 speech, “What to the slave is the fourth of July,” is more well known for its harsh denunciations of American republicanism, his critique of Christian Churches and ministers occupies just as prominent a role and, when combined with insights from his autobiographies and other sources, marks him as one of the earliest black intellectuals to embrace secularism.

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge History of Atheism , pp. 568 - 582

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108562324.032 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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References

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31 - Early African American Secularism

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