At the Altar of Lynching

At the Altar of Lynching

By Donald G. Mathews

Book Description

This profound historical examination reveals how religious conviction became entangled with racial violence in the American South through the lens of one tragic case. When a workplace dispute between Sam Hose, a black laborer, and his white employer escalated to murder, the aftermath illuminated the complex relationship between faith and injustice in Jim Crow society.

Distinguished historian Donald G. Mathews presents a compelling analysis of how deeply religious communities transformed an act of violence into what they perceived as moral restoration. The book explores the troubling reality of how evangelical Protestant culture, including many women believers, came to view lynching not as barbarism but as a sacred act that restored cosmic balance after what they considered a heinous crime.

Through meticulous research, Mathews demonstrates how religious intensity within segregated communities could override legal processes and justify extreme violence. This work challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truth about how spiritual beliefs can be manipulated to support systemic oppression and brutality.

For those seeking to understand the historical roots of American racism and the complex role of religion in social justice, this book offers essential insights. It serves as a sobering reminder of how faith communities must remain vigilant against allowing religious conviction to justify hatred and violence against others.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 354 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Hose, sam, 1875-1899
  • ✓ Explore Lynching
  • ✓ Explore Racism
  • ✓ Explore Racism--history
  • ✓ Explore Evangelicalism--social aspects--history
  • ✓ Explore Violence against
  • ✓ Explore Evangelicalism--social aspects--southern states--history
  • ✓ Explore Southern states, history

Topics Covered

Hose, sam, 1875-1899 Lynching Racism Racism--history Evangelicalism--social aspects--history Violence against Evangelicalism--social aspects--southern states--history Southern states, history Evangelicalism Lynching--georgia--coweta county--history Altars--social aspects--history Race relations Hv6465.g4 m37 2018 Southern States History / united states / 19th century African americans, crimes against African americans--violence against--georgia--coweta county--history Altars--social aspects--southern states--history Religious aspects African americans--violence against--history Religious life and customs Race relations--history African Americans Racism--southern states--history Lynching--southern states--religious aspects--history Lynching--history Social aspects Altars Lynching--religious aspects--history His036040 364.1/34 History

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