Eng48A
Journal for Apess
Nov. 3, 2011
Author Quote
"What then is the matter now? Is not religion the same now under a colored skin as it ever was? If so, I would ask, why is not a man of color respected"(1055)?
 |
| William Apess |
Internet Quote
"I felt convinced that Christ died for all mankind – that age, sect, color, country, or situation make no difference. I felt an assurance that I was included in the plan of redemption with all my brethren." – A Son of the Forest
 |
| Jesus Christ |
Brief Summary
To say that God "loves everybody" is false. Apess cites passages from the Bible that state God is, in fact, a bit of a racist. Christianity caters to the white man and Apess even directly states that "the white man, being one in fifteen or sixteen, are the only beloved images of God"(1054).
Your Idea/Reactions/Responses to the Author's Ideas
Religion is one of many ways one is able to console oneself and find reason within the world and why everything works the way it works. Apess, a Native-American preacher, must have found it incredibly difficult to live in a society that condemns any "inferior race" when he is trying to live under the principles of God. Its merely hypocritical of the religion to have a way of understanding that gives way to the heart, yet limits the accessibility to those who are of different color. It's aesthetic and "skin-deep" (1057). Apess makes a bold statement allocating the differences between Christians. It is confusing to understand why Native-Americans are exemplified from fair treatment because of the color of their skin, the way they behave, or that they are simply different. The white men of America who live by the daily principles of Christianity neglect to give Native-Americans respect and treat them like third-class citizens, if citizens at all. It's ironic that they would believe to find themselves in heaven when, by the Holy Book, they do not belong there.
No comments:
Post a Comment