The Role of Christianity and Islam in Slavery: A Wesleyan Interpretation

Abstract

This paper is a detail of slave trade and how it impacted Africans and specifically how it became a source of inspiration for John Wesley the founder of Methodism in his mission endeavors. The article uses Wesleyanism in reference to John Wesley’s mission work. Muslim or Christian Slavery refers to slave trade that was driven by followers of Islam and Christianity. The paper is divided into subsection. First, John Wesley (1703-17891) the founder of Wesleyan movements including Methodism is discussed and his role in the fight against slavery. The paper delves into how religion was used to advance or fight against slave trade; especially looking at the role played by American Methodist in this task. The paper concludes by challenging religions especially Christianity and Islam to be sensitive to this history whenever they advance their outreach.