It is interesting to examine religion and slavery. Jacobs offers the reader a speech by the "pious" Reverend Pike:
"Hearken, ye servants! Give strict heed unto my words. You are rebellious sinners. Your hearts are filled with all manner of evil...Instead of serving your masters faithfully, which is pleasing in the sight of your heavenly Master, you are idle, and shirk your work. God sees you. You tell lies. God hears you. Instead of being engaged in worshiping him, you are hidden away somewhere, feasting on your master's substance; tossing coffee grounds with some wicked fortuneteller, or cutting cards with another old hag. Your masters may not find out, But God sees you, and will punish you" (89).
Pike goes on to condemn slaves of their superstitious beliefs, and further splatters sin across their backs, threatening that God sees their every move and will thus punish them. Even a holy man preeches the importance of staying loyal to a slave's master. He says, "...you are quarreling, and tying up little bags of roots to bury under the door steps to poison each other with. God sees you" (89). He pokes fun at their customs, and places judgment on their actions. It is interesting how religion can be used as such a powerful tool. I realize that the extent to which religion and power could be discussed is lengthy. Seemingly, throughout history, humans have used God to justify their actions, whether it be positive or negative actions. In this situation, this supposed "holy man" is literally using God as a way to control the slaves. "God is watching you...God will punish you..." Just as if a master were to take a slave and whip them into compliance, the Reverend takes the fear of God, whips with sin and guilt and leaves lashes on the mind.
Jacobs poses the question, "Are doctors of divinity blind, or are they hypocrites?" (95). She brings up the subject of missionaries and wonders how Americans can venture out to help fellow human beings, but ignore those struggling in their own country. She wonders how Northern clergyman can come to the South and honestly be convinced that slaves are content with their way of lives. Jacobs wants to know how a man of God can describe slavery as a "beautiful patriarchal institution" (96). I would like to know, as well. As far as I know, in terms of Christianity, God is the "master." People live as equals, treating each other as they would wish to be treated. I do not believe that when a master whips a slave, they are condoning that they deserve the punishment in return. The white slave owners would defy the word of God while simultaneously using God's words to justify their inhumane actions.
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