Final answer:
Slaves indeed appropriated the Bible in ways that were applicable to their struggles, often diverging from the intended message of subservience pushed by slave owners. They reinterpreted Christian teachings to inspire hope and resistance against their bondage, crafting their spiritual narratives that contributed to a culture of resilience and aspiration for freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slaves indeed appropriated the Bible in a way that was relevant to their life situations and concerns, contrary to the intentions of slave owners who attempted to use religion as a form of social control. Enslaved people in the United States were often exposed to Christian teachings that preached a message of subservience, with white overseers or selected slaves delivering sermons that reinforced the slaves’ subordination. However, African Americans and Christian spirituals reveal that they found hope and inspiration in the Bible for freedom from bondage, despite the oppression.
While slaveholders used Christianity to justify and maintain their authority, believing that it would promote morality and the benevolent ruling over their slaves, ultimately, this did not translate into widespread acceptance of such views among the enslaved. Instead, oppressed individuals and groups were able to recontextualize the scriptural messages to foster their resilience and aspirations for emancipation. The spiritual and religious practices that developed within slave communities became a source of strength and a part of the broader struggle for freedom and human dignity.
Noteworthy is the historical context of the United States’ founding principles, which were juxtaposed with an economic system sustained by slavery. The prevailing racial and religious rhetoric of the time included interpretations of the Bible, such as the so-called "Curse of Ham," to legitimize the enslavement of Africans. Nonetheless, the enslaved did not fully accept their masters’ interpretations of scripture and often used their faith as a form of resistance and solace.