Question

Contrast the religious rituals and values of the household with the aspirations of Christianity

From the novel: "Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass"

Answer 1

In Frederick Douglass's narrative, the religious rituals and values of the household were used to justify and maintain slavery, while the aspirations of Christianity promoted freedom and equality.

Step-by-step explanation:

Religious Rituals and Values of the Household

In Frederick Douglass's narrative, religious rituals in the household were often used to justify and maintain the institution of slavery. Slaveholders would often profess Christianity, but their actions contradicted their professed beliefs. For example, Douglass describes how slaveholders justified selling their own children as a way to appease their White wives.

Aspirations of Christianity

On the other hand, Christianity itself presented aspirations of freedom, equality, and justice, which directly contradicted the values and practices of slavery. In Douglass's narrative, he describes how he used his growing knowledge and understanding of Christianity to question the hypocrisy and injustice of slavery.