Incompatibility of Slavery and Christianity in Uncle Toms Cabin

The anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe was written at a time when slavery was a largely common practice among Americans. It not only helped lay the foundation for the Civil War but also contained many themes that publicized the evil of slavery to all people. The book contains themes such as the moral power of women, human right, and many more. The most important theme Stowe attempts to portray to readers is the incompatibility of slavery and Christianity. She makes it very clear that she does not believe slavery and Christianity can coexist and that slavery is against all Christian morals. She believes no Christian should allow the existence or practice of slavery.
One major character Legree, who is a slave master on the plantation, practices slavery on a daily basis and treats his slaves very violently. Whereas, another important white character, Eva, who is seen as this picture perfect angelic child, fails to understand why a difference between whites and African-Americans even exists. Stowe uses both of these characters to show how slavery and Christianity are incompatible and even goes on to prove that religion can be used to fight slavery. Stowe also uses Christ Figures to underscore this idea. Arguably one of the biggest Christ figures, Tom, dies so other slaves, like himself, can escape and earn their freedom. Eva also dies for a similar reason and so can be considered a Christ figure. They both stay true to their Christian values even while they are being put through such suffering. Stowe’s use of sacrifice by these two accentuates the main theme of slavery and Christianity being two things that are completely incompatible.
Readers see the rivalry between slavery and Christianity beginning right from the start of the novel. Early on in chapter nine Mrs. Bird is defending her strong beliefs about the treatment of slaves. She says, “I wouldn’t give a fip for all your politics, generally, but I think this is something