During the era of American slavery, Christianity became both a tool for oppression and a source of hope for enslaved African Americans. Slaveholders leveraged the Christian faith, twisting its messages to reinforce submission and obedience to them. Out of necessity, slaves developed “invisible churches”—hidden gatherings where they could practice their faith outside the controlling eyes of their masters.
The Role of Religion in Enslavement
Christianity was introduced to African slaves shortly after they arrived in the Americas. Although they initially practiced African traditional religions, their exposure to Christianity over time reshaped their beliefs. Slaveholders, however, seized upon this new faith as a way to control their slaves.
They organized regular, supervised church services where white preachers were hired to preach selected Bible verses that emphasized obedience to masters. One former slave, Taylor, recounted how his owner brought in a white preacher whose sermons echoed a single theme: slaves should respect their masters and never steal.
American Slaveholders used these selective Bible passages to promote a version of Christianity that reinforced their authority, teaching enslaved Africans to be submissive and obedient. This selective preaching was intended to support the continuation of slavery by convincing their slaves that it was their duty, according to religious teachings, to obey their masters and accept their position.
The preachers never referenced those parts in the bible that talked about freedom and liberation from slavery”, while passages like Ephesians 6:5 (see below) encouraging obedience and submission were emphasized.
Servants , be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.” Ephesians 6:5.
The Rise of Invisible Churches
While the white-controlled churches preached subjugation, many slaves sought a different message that resonated with their own hardships and spiritual needs. With strong religious convictions and a desire for connection, slaves began holding their own secret gatherings—what would later become known as “invisible churches.” These meetings were held after long days of labor, often deep into the night. Gathering in secluded locations, slaves would meet in forests, ravines, or other hidden spots, to listen to the gospel.
Invisible churches were designed for stealth. Since discovery of these meetings could result in severe punishment or death, slaves employed various strategies to muffle their sounds and maintain secrecy. For example, they would place iron pots and wash pots around their gatherings, with sticks lifting the pots slightly off the ground. The pots helped absorb the sound of their voices, allowing them to pray, and preach without alerting their masters.
In these meetings, chosen black preachers delivered sermons that focused on justice, hope, and liberation. Here, the Bible was not a tool of oppression but a source of encouragement, offering visions of freedom and equality. The stories of Jesus’ suffering on the cross held special meaning for them, as they drew parallels between His suffering and their own daily struggles. This connection gave them comfort and a profound sense of solidarity with Christ, whom they saw as a fellow sufferer.
These Invisible churches were empowering spaces that helped enslaved Africans in the US to cope with the suffering and brutalities of slavery, while they prayed for freedom and deliverance. Yet, ironically, this hope also worked in favor of the slaveholders to some degree. The spiritual support and hope that invisible churches provided, in a way, prevented the slaves from succumbing to complete despair or turning to open revolt, as slaves who held on to faith were less likely to rebel.
This hope enabled them to endure each day, waiting, fervently praying and believing in eventual freedom while being good slaves to their masters.
How is it helping now?