The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery with Sean McGever
Mar 5, 2025
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Sean McGever, historian and author of "Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery," discusses the uncomfortable truths about evangelical founders like Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and George Whitefield. He explores their blind spots regarding slavery, the justification of their actions in the context of the 18th century, and the evolving church perspectives on moral issues. McGever emphasizes the need for self-reflection on historical moral failures and encourages a nuanced understanding of church leaders, their legacies, and ongoing cultural blind spots.
The podcast discusses how prominent Christians in the 18th century, like John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards, had significant blind spots regarding slavery.
It emphasizes the crucial yet often overlooked role of enslaved individuals as the primary voices in the abolitionist movement, challenging moral justifications for slavery.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own potential blind spots and the importance of aligning faith with action on social issues.
Deep dives
The Cultural Norm of Slavery in Historical Christianity
During the 1700s, slavery was widely accepted as a normative institution within both society and the church, particularly among those in power. Historians often highlight that church leaders and influential figures did not question the moral implications of slavery, viewing it primarily as a system that needed management rather than abolition. This period witnessed a troubling disconnect, where many Christians were deeply entrenched in the very institution they were supposedly called to challenge. The prevailing belief was that slavery could be regulated according to biblical texts, which were misinterpreted to support its continuation.
Key Figures and Their Blind Spots
Prominent Christian figures such as John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and George Whitefield played significant roles in shaping modern evangelicalism but had significant blind spots regarding slavery. For instance, Edwards, known as America’s greatest theologian, owned slaves and had no apparent moral conflict with that reality, which reflected the value system of his time. Similarly, although Wesley ultimately opposed slavery, he spent nearly four decades silent on the issue due to his focus on evangelism rather than social justice. George Whitefield’s initiative to aid orphans led him to support the legalization of slavery in Georgia, showcasing how even well-intentioned actions can contribute to horrific practices.
The Role of the Enslaved in Advocacy
Enslaved individuals themselves have often been overlooked in discussions about abolition and social justice, yet they were the primary voices against the institution of slavery. The first abolitionists were the enslaved individuals who, despite the extreme personal risk, fought for their freedom and rights. Their stories and testimonies significantly influenced the abolitionist movement, providing firsthand accounts that challenged the moral and theological justifications of slavery prevalent among church leaders. Recognizing their contributions is crucial to understanding the full narrative of the abolitionist movement and the complex interplay of voices at that time.
Wesley's Transformation and Modern Implications
John Wesley’s eventual opposition to slavery came after years of silence, influenced by his exposure to the harsh realities faced by enslaved people. However, his arguments against slavery were not biblically based, highlighting a potential gap in theological reasoning within the evangelical movement regarding social issues. This lack of a scriptural foundation for his stance led to a delayed and fragmented response within the Methodist denomination, which continued to support slavery for many years after Wesley's lifetime. This raises crucial questions for modern Christians about the importance of aligning faith with action on pressing social issues without allowing cultural conditioning to cloud moral judgments.
Assessing Our Own Blind Spots
The podcast encourages listeners to take a reflective approach to identify their own potential blind spots concerning faith and morality. By examining historical figures through a critical lens, individuals are prompted to ask difficult questions about their beliefs and where they may align with harmful societal norms. This self-examination is vital in fostering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of faith, culture, and ethics in the modern world. Just as Wesley and Edwards grappled with their contexts, contemporary believers are encouraged to seek truth actively and recognize that the journey of faith involves continual learning and growth.
We all like to think of ourselves as good people, right? Had we been around “back then,” we would have opposed slavery, marched for women’s suffrage, and rescued Jews from the Holocaust. But can we be so sure? The reality is that many prominent Christians, including those considered to be the Founding Fathers of Evangelicalism, have had major blindspots, particularly concerning slavery. But does the context and timeline in which you grew up provide a credible excuse for your behavior? Today’s guest, Sean McGever, is a historian and the author of “Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield.” Hear him unpack how the cultural thinking of the 18th century impacted Christianity and whether or not we should take that into consideration, or cancel these men altogether. Plus, is it generally true that Christians led the eventual abolitionist movement? And what are some possible modern blind spots in our culture today?
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