The Abolitionist Hymnal

A Study In Emancipation

In 19th Century America, faith communities sang their opposition to slavery through abolitionist hymns. The Anti-Slavery Harp compiled by William W. Brown was one collection of these songs helping Christians stand up for persons caught in chattel slavery. Today, the monster of slavery still exists through bonded labor, sex trafficking and the forced military service of minors. The Abolitionist Hymnal by Carl Thomas Gladstone reclaims historic abolitionist hymn texts and puts them to new tunes to continue the fight against modern-day slavery.

We invite you to rally your church, small group or neighbors for continuing the fight to end human trafficking. To that end, we hope these discussion questions can help you and your crew study the emancipating call of the Gospel for all persons everywhere.

 

Claim the Name (Galatians 3:28)

In Galatians we are reminded that a person can not be labeled a “slave” because all persons have equity in the love and justice of Jesus. So whenever the world claims that some persons are subservient to others, that is a monstrous idea and should be crushed.

  1. What news stories, movies or other media have you witnessed that revealed the “slaver’s sin” of modern-day human trafficking?

  2. The fight against slavery requires heroes putting their powers to work together. What’s your superpower that could mobilize people in this fight? Can you inspire people with words or art, can you make big donations to orgs fighting human trafficking? How can you meet the need for heroes in this work?

  3. What is one step you will take to claiming the name “abolitionist” today?

 

Remember Your Siblings (Philemon 1:16)

In his letter, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon “no longer a slave, but as a brother.” So, too, we are called to remember our ties to all persons, particularly those the world has enslaved today.

  1. This song reminds us of the “grief as large as the ocean” experienced by persons whose family members are also enslaved. When have you seen a family member or friend caught in a deadly situation, and what lengths would you have gone to free them from it?

  2. These lyrics offer some comfort to those enslaved by reminding them that “the nation is quaking” and big changes are coming. What would it take for big changes to happen in our world today in the fight to end human trafficking?

  3. What comfort will you offer an individual or what global efforts will you join in order to deliver your fellow humans from bondage today?

 

Beware Fair Disguises (Galatians 5:1)

In Galatians we are warned not to “submit again to a yoke of slavery.” So it is important to recognize the modern forms of slavery today, even those that hide in plain sight.

  1. Maybe you’ve heard that the annual NFL Super Bowl is usually accompanied by a rise in sex trafficking in the event’s host city. Why do you think such a public event harbors such elicit behavior?

  2. The Polaris Project offers training to recognize the modern slavery that may hiding all around us. What would you do if you saw any of the signs of human trafficking in action?

  3. The lyrics of this song call out the press for it’s silence on this issue. How will you work to raise awareness of human trafficking and advocate for the stories of it’s victims to be told?

 

Have Hope (Ephesians 6:9)

In Ephesians, we hear instructions to those known as masters to “stop threatening” those known as slaves. It is a reminder that we are all children of God and should treat one another in love.

  1. Who do you think of in your life as the powerful ones, in need of a reminder to treat people more justly?

  2. How have you found ways to rejoice in the face of adversity?

  3. Check out the Not For Sale Campaign - what stories or actions there will you tell your friends about, because they give you hope?

 

Proclaim Freedom (Luke 4:18)

Sometimes, we need to take on the burden of the oppressed. In Luke 4, Jesus claims his role as advocate for those imprisoned and enslaved. He calls for their freedom.

  1. Who are the advocates for the poor and the oppressed that you admire today?

  2. In what ways could you “toil on” in your own advocacy for those caught in human trafficking until all captives are freed?

  3. This work takes encouragement and support. How will you support those who are working for the freedom of the oppressed?

 

Know Your Masters (2 Peter 2:19)

In 2 Peter 2 of the various masters that rule our souls, master we allow and which drive us to oppress others. For the 19th Century United States, the twin masters of comfort and wealth led to unspeakable acts by white people against their brothers and sisters in Christ.

  1. What masters drive our ill-behavior toward others today?

  2. Ever-present racism in America deserves a reckoning with “the light of truth.” What insights do you gain from reflections like “The Danger of A Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and how do they affect your understanding of the consequences of systemic racism?

  3. With what new stories will you engage that could help you awake, “never more to sleep” to the struggles of others?

 

Get On Board (Proverbs 22:16)

Proverbs reminds us that any benefit gained by oppressing others ultimately leads to ruin. Abolitionists in the 1800s tried to remind everyone of this with songs like this one. The end of slavery was inevitable, so you might as well get on board the freedom train.

  1. What oppressive policies or behaviors in the world do you truly believe will end in your lifetime?

  2. What steps do you, your friends and family, your community or your elected officials need to talk to make sure that oppression ends?

  3. Like the flashing of the freedom train’s light - what evils will you seek to expose so that they can come to an end more quickly?

 

Send With Blessings (Deuteronomy 23:15)

Deuteronomy 23 reminds us of the power advocates have to help persons escaping slavery by simply not alerting their former enslaver. It is one basic blessing we can offer. And operators of the underground railroad and liberators like Harriet Tubman went well above and beyond that.

  1. When have you felt like you escaped from a bad situation? What blessings made that possible? What blessings to you wish you’d had in that moment?

  2. How should churches be more active in offering blessings to victims of human trafficking today?

  3. One blessing we might be able to give are donations to organizations fighting human trafficking today. Regardless of how much or how little, where would you consider supporting this fight with your gifts?