Final answer:
Olaudah Equiano paraphrases the teachings of Christ in his autobiography primarily to expose the hypocrisy of purportedly Christian slaveholders and to directly challenge the morality of slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Olaudah Equiano's autobiography, he often paraphrases the teachings of Christ to show the hypocrisy of Christians who support slavery and to condemn the practice of slavery. This approach served to highlight the stark contrast between the compassionate and just teachings of Christianity and the cruel, inhumane behaviors of slaveholders who professed to be Christians. By invoking the moral and ethical principles of Christianity, Equiano sought to reveal the contradiction in slaveholders' actions and encourage ethical reflection and change among his readers.
Equiano's respectful compassion for those who mistreated him and other slaves creates a bridge of empathy that could lead to a change of heart in his audience. Moreover, his critical observation of the religious landscape—the so-called 'Christian' country that practices slavery—aims to unveil the ironies and moral inconsistencies prevalent within a society that professes Christian values yet tolerates the oppression and exploitation of human beings.