--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Although it has been fashionable to deny…" description: "\"Although it has been fashionable to deny it, anti-slavery doctrines began to appear in Christian theology soon after the decline of Rome and were accom..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b1/rodney-stark-7977_abolition_although-it-has-been-fashionable-to-deny_791227.jpg" --- # Although it has been fashionable to deny it, anti-slavery… ![“Although it has been fashionable to deny it, anti-slavery doctrines began to appear in Christian theology soon after the decline of Rome and were accompanied by the eventual disappearance of slavery in all but the fringes of Christian Europe. When Europeans subsequently instituted slavery in the…” quote by Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b1/rodney-stark-7977_abolition_although-it-has-been-fashionable-to-deny_791227.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b1/rodney-stark-7977_abolition_although-it-has-been-fashionable-to-deny_791227.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b1/rodney-stark-7977_abolition_although-it-has-been-fashionable-to-deny_791227.jpg) > “Although it has been fashionable to deny it, anti-slavery doctrines began to appear in Christian theology soon after the decline of Rome and were accompanied by the eventual disappearance of slavery in all but the fringes of Christian Europe. When Europeans subsequently instituted slavery in the New World, they did so over strenuous papal opposition, a fact that was conveniently 'lost' from history until recently. Finally, the abolition of New World slavery was initiated and achieved by Christian activists.” [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Christian theology historically opposed slavery, yet Christians later participated in and abolished it, showing complex moral evolution. **In simple terms:** Christian views on slavery changed over time. Key Takeaway Understand the nuanced history of moral change. Themes slavery religion history Mood thoughtful analytical Type historical ethical When to use this quote - academic study - activism - policy making Key Concepts ethical evolution institutional hypocrisy Questions to Reflect On - How do we reconcile past contradictions? - What lessons apply to current injustices? A Different Perspective Moral progress is often uneven and contested. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Abolition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abolition/) [Activist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activist/) [Anti slavery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anti-slavery/) [Christian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christian/) [Christian theology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christian-theology/) [Decline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decline/) [Doctrine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctrine/) [Europe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/europe/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Fashionable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fashionable/) [Fringe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fringe/) [New world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/new-world/) [Opposition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposition/) [Rome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rome/) [Slavery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slavery/) [Theology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theology/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Let us start with the biggest no brainer of injustice in the world and that is slavery,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-haugen/let-us-start-with-the-biggest-no-brainer-of-injustice-in-the-world/) [Gary Haugen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-haugen/) > [“Most so-called success in the world is slavery.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/most-so-called-success-in-the-world-is-slavery/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [You're a slave in your own country, White Man. Each year you get to keep less of the fruits of your labor; each year…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-lincoln-rockwell/you-re-a-slave-in-your-own-country-white-man-each-year-you-get-to/) [George Lincoln Rockwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-lincoln-rockwell/) > [ “\[I\]f we could imagine a world without slavery and abolish that institution, then we can face the troubles we have now. . . .… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-leuzzi/i-f-we-could-imagine-a-world-without-slavery-and-abolish-that/) [Tony Leuzzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-leuzzi/) > [I really do think I can make a contribution in helping eliminate the disparity here in Australia and doing my small bit to help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-forrest/i-really-do-think-i-can-make-a-contribution-in-helping-eliminate-the/) [Andrew Forrest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-forrest/) > [“Employment is world slavery”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/employment-is-world-slavery/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [You cannot afford a world with slavery, which literally takes someone and turns them into a machine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-forrest/you-cannot-afford-a-world-with-slavery-which-literally-takes-someone/) [Andrew Forrest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-forrest/) > [“We shall need all the anti-slavery feeling in the country, and more; you can go home and try to bring the people to your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/we-shall-need-all-the-anti-slavery-feeling-in-the-country-and-more/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [I welcomed the organization of the Anti-slavery Society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerrit-smith/i-welcomed-the-organization-of-the-anti-slavery-society/) [Gerrit Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerrit-smith/) > [The anti-slavery parties were also called spoilers, including the Republican party that went on not just to abolish slavery but they actually take over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/the-anti-slavery-parties-were-also-called-spoilers-including-the/) [Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/) > [The British had this idea they were heroes in the anti-slavery movement but they also were beneficiaries of the slavery trade. It was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paterson-joseph/the-british-had-this-idea-they-were-heroes-in-the-anti-slavery/) [Paterson Joseph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paterson-joseph/) > [“I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/i-am-naturally-anti-slavery-if-slavery-is-not-wrong-nothing-is-wrong/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [It is manifestly vital to the success of the anti-slavery cause, that the authority and influence of proslavery, especially of slaveholding, ministers should be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerrit-smith/it-is-manifestly-vital-to-the-success-of-the-anti-slavery-cause-that/) [Gerrit Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerrit-smith/) > [Historically, narratives of forgiveness were part of both the anti-slavery movement and the civil rights movement in America. 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' for instance, was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthea-butler/historically-narratives-of-forgiveness-were-part-of-both-the-anti/) [Anthea Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthea-butler/) > [I shall continue to invent new anti-slavery programmes around the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-batstone/i-shall-continue-to-invent-new-anti-slavery-programmes-around-the/) [David Batstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-batstone/) ## More by Rodney Stark > [High testosterone levels have been proven to make men more likely to commit crimes. The tendency in men toward risky behaviour keeps turning up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/high-testosterone-levels-have-been-proven-to-make-men-more-likely-to/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“Keep in mind that democracy merely gives power to the people; it does not ensure that power will be used wisely or humanely.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/keep-in-mind-that-democracy-merely-gives-power-to-the-people-it-does/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“Laws requiring a certain frequency of church attendance, the taking of Communion, and baptism of infants soon appeared all across the Lutheran areas of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/laws-requiring-a-certain-frequency-of-church-attendance-the-taking-of/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“But Christendom was not merely a community of warriors or even a community of the nobility. It was a civilization! Unfortunately, for generations everyone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/but-christendom-was-not-merely-a-community-of-warriors-or-even-a/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“No doubt Western modernity has its limitations and discontents. Still, it is far better than the known alternatives—not only, or even primarily, because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/no-doubt-western-modernity-has-its-limitations-and-discontents-still/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [... All questions concerning the rise of Christianity are one: How was it done? How did a tiny and obscure messianic movement from the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/all-questions-concerning-the-rise-of-christianity-are-one-how-was-it/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“By the seventh century, Christianity probably was far stronger and more sophisticated in North Africa and Asia than in Europe.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/by-the-seventh-century-christianity-probably-was-far-stronger-and/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [There was only one decline in church attendance, and that was in the late 1960s when the Vatican said it was not a sin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/there-was-only-one-decline-in-church-attendance-and-that-was-in-the/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“But following these Stone Age discoveries, progress was slow. It is estimated that in terms of the standard of living, things were pretty much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/but-following-these-stone-age-discoveries-progress-was-slow-it-is/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [Mormons are an extraordinarily educated and professional population. They have all these virtues: They work hard, don't skip school, have no scandals. Consequently, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/mormons-are-an-extraordinarily-educated-and-professional-population/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [Because God is perfect, his handiwork functions in accord with immutable principles. By the full use of our God-given powers of reason and observation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/because-god-is-perfect-his-handiwork-functions-in-accord-with/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [Many people who say they have no religion are simply saying they have no official religious affiliation. They may actually have strong personal beliefs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/many-people-who-say-they-have-no-religion-are-simply-saying-they-have/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“there is at least as much, and probably much more, variation on these matters among the Protestants of various types included in these merged…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/there-is-at-least-as-much-and-probably-much-more-variation-on-these/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [“What shall we Christians do with this rejected and condemned people, the Jews?’ Luther offered seven actions. First, to set fire to their synagogues…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/what-shall-we-christians-do-with-this-rejected-and-condemned-people/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [Leading Christian theologians such as Augustine and Aquinas were not what today might be called 'strict constructionists.' Rather, they celebrated reason as the means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/leading-christian-theologians-such-as-augustine-and-aquinas-were-not/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) [Explore all 85 Rodney Stark quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) ## More Abolition quotes > [Unpleasant questions are being raised about Mother's Day. Is this day necessary? . . . Isn't it bad public policy? . . . No…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-baker/unpleasant-questions-are-being-raised-about-mother-s-day-is-this-day/) [Russell Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-baker/) > [Anarchism is a definite intellectual current in the life of our times, whose adherents advocate the abolition of economic monopolies and of all political…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rudolf-rocker/anarchism-is-a-definite-intellectual-current-in-the-life-of-our-times/) [Rudolf Rocker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rudolf-rocker/) > [Anarchism as a political philosophy seeks to dissolve all forms of authority and power, and if possible, wishes their complete abolition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-marshall/anarchism-as-a-political-philosophy-seeks-to-dissolve-all-forms-of/) [Peter Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-marshall/) > [“I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-lloyd-garrison/i-am-aware-that-many-object-to-the-severity-of-my-language-but-is/) [William Lloyd Garrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-lloyd-garrison/) > [It seems like cloud cuckoo land. If anyone is suggesting that I would go to Parliament and suggest the abolition of the Pound Sterling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-thatcher/it-seems-like-cloud-cuckoo-land-if-anyone-is-suggesting-that-i-would/) [Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-thatcher/) > [We invite people working for peace to span generations and national boundaries, and gather together to communicate. Let us firmly join hands and foster…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iccho-itoh/we-invite-people-working-for-peace-to-span-generations-and-national/) [Iccho Itoh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iccho-itoh/) > [Insofar as we may at all claim that slavery has been abolished today, we owe its abolition to the practical consequences of science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/insofar-as-we-may-at-all-claim-that-slavery-has-been-abolished-today/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [ You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my dispos\[i\]tion to… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/you-have-not-been-mistaken-in-supposing-my-views-and-feeling-to-be-in/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery let us reaffirm the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ban-ki-moon/on-this-international-day-for-the-abolition-of-slavery-let-us/) [Ban Ki-moon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ban-ki-moon/) > [Capitalism as a social order and as a creed is the expression of the belief in economic progress as leading toward the freedom and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-drucker/capitalism-as-a-social-order-and-as-a-creed-is-the-expression-of-the/) [Peter Drucker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-drucker/) > [“What is, so to speak, the object of abolition? Not so much the abolition of prisons but the abolition of a society that could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred-moten-and-stefano-harney/what-is-so-to-speak-the-object-of-abolition-not-so-much-the-abolition/) Fred Moten and Stefano Harney > [I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/i-can-only-say-that-there-is-not-a-man-living-who-wishes-more/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [As a long-termist, I acknowledge there are more pressing causes than the abolition of private property.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ash-sarkar/as-a-long-termist-i-acknowledge-there-are-more-pressing-causes-than/) [Ash Sarkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ash-sarkar/) > [Colonization was the idea that once slavery ended African-Americans should be encouraged - or required, in some people's view - required to leave the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-foner/colonization-was-the-idea-that-once-slavery-ended-african-americans/) [Eric Foner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-foner/) > [I am for socialism, disarmament, and, ultimately, for abolishing the state itself... I seek the social ownership of property, the abolition of the propertied…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-nash-baldwin/i-am-for-socialism-disarmament-and-ultimately-for-abolishing-the/) [Roger Nash Baldwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-nash-baldwin/) [Browse all 229 Abolition quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abolition/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Although it has been fashionable to deny it, anti-slavery doctrines began to appear in Christian theology soon after the decline of Rome and were accompanied by the eventual disappearance of slavery in all but the fringes of Christian Europe. When Europeans subsequently instituted slavery in the New World, they did so over strenuous papal opposition, a fact that was conveniently 'lost' from history until recently. 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