What role did religion play in the system of slavery

Religion helped African Americans become slaves. most Christian preachers made people believe that African Americans were animals without souls. When this idea was spread, rich people began to believe that slaves were property because they were animals. However religion amongst slaves was encouraging to them. They preached among themselves and it gave many the strength to carry on each day. It even encouraged some to run away to the north and to gain their freedom. A very shameful role. People [ some preachers ] promoted the idea that Blacks were animals, therefore no souls, so it left people who should have known better feel free to treat slaves as animals or property

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