Slavery By Equiano Essay

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). This quote from the bible highlights an important theme in Equiano’s autobiography/abolition text. Throughout Equiano’s story there is a contrast between a white slaveholder’s Christianity and actual Christian beliefs. While Equiano exemplifies himself as a true Christian, slaveholder Christians have perverted faith. It is seen that Christianity is used positively by Equiano and negatively by Christian slave-owners. Double edged, Christianity helped justify and support slavery while empowering and encouraging Equiano and the abolition of slavery.
The common accepted method to twist the words of scripture to meet with the lifestyle choice to participate in the slave-trade, negatively impacted African slaves and free African men. As the word of god, in the words of an African slave, says “your God, who says unto you, do unto all men as you would men should do unto you?” (34). As these types of cries for mercy
Equiano exceeded in his duties as an ideal Christian and worshiper of the faith. As Equiano states, “I began to raise my fear from man to him alone.” (88) through Christianity, he was able to overcome his fear of white men while being enslaved to the fear of God alone. Equiano believed that “if it were God's will I ever should be freed it would be so… if it was not his will it would not happen” (80). Showing how he attributed his life circumstances to God’s will and guidance. In doing so he escaped his fears. For as long as he was a good Christian, God would have mercy on him. In fact, Equiano notes many events in his life that suggested God was watching over him. Equiano’s strong faith and devotion lead to his connections with people who in turn supported him and his story as advocacy for the abolition of