Skip to content

African race Quote by Robert Lewis Dabney

“For the African race, such as Providence has made it, and where He has placed it in America, slavery was the righteous, the best, yea, the only tolerable relation” quote by Robert Lewis Dabney
Download Open image
““For the African race, such as Providence has made it, and where He has placed it in America, slavery was the righteous, the best, yea, the only tolerable relation””

Robert Lewis Dabney

About This Quote

Source Sermon: “The Southern Church and Slavery”, 1860

He argues that slavery is divinely ordained and the only humane system for African Americans in America.

In simple terms: Slavery is presented as God‑approved and necessary.

Key Takeaway

Question the moral justification of slavery.

Themes

religion race ethics history

Mood

controversial critical

Type

historical theological

When to use this quote

  • American South
  • religious discourse
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

theodicy social hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is any system ever truly “righteous” for all?
  • How does faith justify oppression?
A Different Perspective

Moral reasoning ignores human rights and suffering.

3.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Robert Lewis Dabney

Explore all 9 Robert Lewis Dabney quotes

More African race quotes

Browse all 7 African race quotes