The sin of slavery is one of which it may be said that without the shedding of blood there is no remission.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Garfield suggests that ending slavery required violent sacrifice, referencing biblical language about atonement.
- In plain terms
- Slavery could only be ended through bloodshed.
- What can you take from it?
- Great moral evils often require great cost to correct.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is violence ever necessary for justice?
- What costs must society pay for freedom?
Another view
It equates political change with religious atonement, which may oversimplify history.
More from James A. Garfield
My God! What is there in this place that a man should ever want to get into it?
Permalink to quote #13 Strangulatus pro republica.
Permalink to quote #15 I love to deal with doctrines and events. The contests of men about men I greatly dislike.
Permalink to quote #12
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