Christian Slavery shows how Protestant missionaries sought to align Christianity with slavery. In the process, they helped to create race and White Supremacy. Enslaved and free Black Christians resisted racialized religious exclusions and fought to claim their place within the church. Gerbner reveals the roots of the struggle over religion and freedom in American and Caribbean history, illuminating the enduring legacy of slavery on Christianity and race today.
“[Christian Slavery] should assume its place as a foundational text for early American studies of race and religion.”
“Gerbner’s welcome study…shines a light on Christianity’s complicity in the development of modern racism.”
“Christian Slavery … lays bare the religious roots of white supremacy – a legacy that remains with us today.”
“This cogent, tight, and clearly written book will take pride of place in Atlantic world studies.”
“A profound work of history… Without a doubt, anyone interested in understanding religion and race … will benefit from reading this book.”
“Meticulously researched, insightful, and at times haunting.”
“Boldly conceived, elegantly written, and insightful. It will be of great value to students and scholars in the field for a long time.”
“Gerbner’s carefully and clearly argued narrative, flowing from prodigious research and documentation, contributes important historiographic correctives on Black Christianity in the early Atlantic colonial world.”