Impractical Religion

Scripture is the backbone of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Page after page of the novel contains some reference to Scripture—I don’t think two pages go by without the Bible being referenced in some way. Obviously, Stowe sought to defend her abolitionist views with the same weapon of the slave owners: the Bible. As I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, I was encouraged spiritually—Stowe’s use of Scripture challenged me to use and demonstrate my faith in every area of my life.

But, I must agree with the critics that Stowe’s use of Scripture may have created an impractical character.

Jane P. Tompkins, a 1970s feminist critic of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, outlines Stowe’s thesis as one focused on “the saving power of Christian love.” Stowe demonstrates and personifies this thesis through Uncle Tom and Evangeline St. Clare. Both characters humbly give their lives in service to others. Uncle Tom sacrifices himself for the salvation of Shelby’ other slaves and eventually gives his life for the freedom of Cassie and Emmeline. Eva, the little evangelist, takes the sin and trials of others to heart. She dies calling her loved ones to Christ, just as her name suggests. I love these pictures of faithful Christian witness.

At this point, the title to my blog post may confuse you. I am not suggesting that Stowe should not have used personification of Biblical characters in her novel. Quite the opposite, in fact. But I must grudgingly admit that some of the critics were right when they concluded that Uncle Tom was too religious to be real.

So, what got me to this point—that Uncle Tom is impractically religious? In the article that appeared in London’s The Times on 3 September 1852, the journalist notes that not even pre-fall Adam could life up to the perfection Stowe gives Uncle Tom. At first, I wanted to disagree. I wanted to shout, “BLASPHEMY!” so all could hear my distain for such a comment. But then, I started thinking about Uncle Tom—a man who was saved in late life at a camp meeting, a man who served as a pastor, a man who consistently witnessed to those above him, a man who died bringing others to Christ—all while under the bonds of slavery. Would I be able to show such faith under the same circumstances? As I read, I began to realize that Stowe may have, indeed, created an impractical religious character.

As George Holmes cynically noted in his criticism, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report they are found in Uncle Tom.”

(477)