James Henley Thornwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Henley Thornwell
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| Born | December 9, 1812 |
| Died | August 1, 1862 (aged 49) |
| Occupation | Theologian |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Witherspoon |
| Children | 9 |
James Henley Thornwell (December 9, 1812 – August 1, 1862) was an important American Presbyterian minister and writer. He lived in South Carolina during the 1800s. This was a time of big changes in the United States, including the American Civil War.
Thornwell was a teacher and even became president of South Carolina College. He also taught at Columbia Theological Seminary. He was a well-known figure in the Presbyterian church in the southern United States. He wrote and preached about religious and social topics.
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Thornwell's Career and Beliefs
When the American Civil War began, James Henley Thornwell supported the Confederacy. He helped start the Southern Presbyterian Review magazine. He also played a big part in creating the Presbyterian Church in the Confederacy. Thornwell gave the first sermon and wrote the first official message for this new church group.
Views on Slavery
As a supporter of the Confederacy, Thornwell believed that slavery was morally right. He thought it was justified by Christian teachings. He argued that those who opposed slavery, like the Republicans, were against Christianity.
However, Thornwell also had some unique views for his time. He preached that African Americans were people created in the image of God. He said they were just like white people. He believed that slave owners should treat enslaved people with kindness and care. He even suggested they should call enslaved people their "brothers."
Thornwell himself owned slaves. He often used the Bible to argue that slavery was allowed by God. Because he had been an orphan, he felt that enslaved people should be treated with love and guidance. He wanted a kinder version of slavery. He thought that free labor could lead to poverty and social problems. So, he believed a reformed, more Christian form of slavery was better.
Later Life and Legacy
James Henley Thornwell died on August 1, 1862. He had been sick with tuberculosis for a long time. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina.
Remembering Thornwell
An administrative building at the University of South Carolina was named after him. However, in July 2021, a university group suggested removing his name from the building.
Historians have studied Thornwell's ideas. Professor Eugene Genovese said that Thornwell tried to imagine a Christian society. This society would balance social order with fairness. It would also respect individual freedom and dignity.
Thornwell believed that everyone in society was connected to each other and to God. He thought that slavery was a part of society. He tried to combine Christianity, care for others, and slavery into one idea. Some historians have even described his vision for society as having some similarities to fascism.
See also
