Abolition Quote by Simon Schama
“The notion that religion can actually be something... attached to progressivism seems so bizarre. But all you have to say is that Abolition wouldn't have happened without it. The way in which African Americans managed to achieve a degree of self-determination was through the church.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: History of Religion, 2018, University of Cambridge
He argues that religious institutions were crucial to African American self‑determination and abolition, despite seeming contradictory to progressive ideals.
In simple terms: Religion helped African Americans achieve self‑determination and abolition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complex role of faith in social movements.
Themes
social justice
religion
history
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- Studying religious influence on civil rights
- examining faith‑based activism
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Abolitionism
African American agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How did churches empower African Americans?
- What tensions arise between progressive politics and religious tradition?
A Different Perspective
Religious narratives can also perpetuate oppression, requiring nuanced analysis.
![“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 maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77f/thomas-jefferson-43_abolition_you-have-not-been-mistaken-in-supposing_184816.jpg)
