Baptists and the American Civil War: January 16, 1861

Samuel Boykin, Christian Index (Georgia) Editor

Amidst great excitement, Georgia’s secession convention begins. Yet observers are apprehensive that the vote, to be taken later, will be close (such apprehension would prove to be unfounded).

The Christian Index weighs in on the issue of slavery and secession, courtesy of editor Samuel Boykin (pictured).

Of slavery: “It is plainly perceptible that slavery is authorized by the Bible and by the God of the Bible, and it is only as thus authorized, nay enjoined, could we defend and perpetuate it.”

Regarding the regional disunion brought about by differences over slavery: “Can light & darkness dwell together? Can irreconcilable enmity and cooperation dwell together?” (“Knowing the Time that it is High,” p.2)

And thus, Boykin’s desire for the Georgia secession convention: “We believe and hope the Convention itself will show substantially a unanimous front for immediate secession.” (“The Convention,” p. 3)

From a wealthy slaveholding family, Boykin remains an ardent supporter of slavery and the Confederacy throughout the Civil War years.