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dc.date.accessioned2020-11-13T15:52:12Z
dc.date.available2020-11-13T15:52:12Z
dc.date.issuedn.d.
dc.identifier.urihttps://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/42601
dc.descriptionUndated handwritten essay written by Addison Clark (?) titled "The Abuse of Christianity" in which the author critiques the use of religion for the purpose of causing division. The example used is that of Northern preachers stirring "hate towards the people of the South" during the Civil War.
dc.format.medium7.5x12.25 paper
dc.relationJoseph Lynn Clark Papers (MS 156)
dc.rightsPrior written permission from TCU Special Collections required to use any document or photograph.
dc.sourceBox 117, Original Speeches and Compositions of Addison and Randolph Clark folder
dc.subjectClark, Addison, Sr.
dc.subjectDisciples of Christ
dc.subjectCivil War
dc.titleThe Abuse of Christianity
dc.typeDocument
dc.description.transcriptionThe Abuse of Christianity Very often in the prosecution of criminal designs it becomes necessary for their successful accomplishment for men to assume some disguise which may conceal their real intentions. The universal respect which religion claims, even from those who claim themselves unbelievers in its doctrine, is often used to advantage by individuals of the most debased private character; and the testimonials of a minister often accompany a heart where every feeling is black as death. If not why is it that so much is immoral? To the spirit of Christianity exhibits itself in the conduct of purposeful Christians? Why that bitter personal and denominational abuse which I so often to be found in journals which style themselves advocates of Christianity! Thoughts that can issue only from the ants overflowing with rancorous hate and not only all courtesy is disregarded but common decency of expression is forgotten, language is used epithets employed, which would start those children of vice to be found in the dark alleys of the most densely thronged cities, whose mind gist with darkness never conceived an idea of their Creator; or whose name never sang in their ears only in an oath That such is sometimes the conduct of those who are called Christians, is a fact evident to everyone: it needs no proof. Unless such things detract the impartial reader’s opinions of the Christian religion, he must detect the wolf through his disguise. During the late war we had many examples of the influence of religion used for basic purposes in the conduct of many of the Northern clergy. In which the Rev. Gunderson, Beechum, Gardner and a host of smaller creatures gathered their congregations about them, and preached – if such we must call it -as if communal from the regions of Pandemonium for the purpose of looking the feelings of those so unfortunate as to hear them, into furious hate towards the people of the South. To cause this much to boil with rampant madness as the billowing waves of the ocean where the subterranean fires kind of some island sloping calmly beneath its placid waters, and touch them that such was the religion of him who preached peace on earth and good will amongst all mankind.


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