In class we are reading "On Being Brought from America" by Phillis Wheatley. In this poem Wheatley expresses how being brought to America has changed her and her view of life. Being brought to America and into a life of slavery has exposed her to Christianity. Christianity has opened her eyes to the positive side of life. Now that she has found God she is in a better place. Phillis Wheatley believes that no matter your skin color, if you convert to Christianity then you will go to heaven. Unlike other writers of this time, Wheatley looks at slavery in a positive way. In Wheatley's eyes if it wasn't for slavery she would have never found Christianity, and she would have continued to stray on the wrong path.
Honestly, I can't seem to understand how being enslaved and finding Christianity is better than not finding Christianity at all and being free. In my opinion I just don't think that religion is worth the years of verbal and physical abuse that slaves went through. I just find it hard to believe that she is just content being a slave as long as there's a place for her in heaven. Although there is a lot I don't understand, Phillis Wheatley does seem to be in a better place and she seems happy.
I agree. Like how could finding Christianity make up for losing your freedom. I would prefer to be a heathen with rights, than a Christian in shackles.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas. If you truly believe in Christianity then you also believe in heaven, and you believe that Heaven is eternal. Can you imagine why someone would prefer to live his/her brief life on earth as a slave rather than spend eternity in Hell?
ReplyDeleteMake sure you read page 4 of the assignment and follow the logistics.
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