Unitarians Emphasized Human Worth
William Ellery Channing stressed human dignity in opposing slavery in his influential 1835 “Slavery” essay. Boston Unitarian congregations became centers for abolitionist organizing despite initial caution. Their rational theological approach challenged pro-slavery biblical literalism through textual analysis. Unitarians focused on reason and human worth rather than emotional appeals. This offered intellectual foundations for Christians uncomfortable with slavery’s moral implications. Their approach attracted educated reformers who sought logical arguments against the peculiar institution.
