"There is a great difference between Christianity and religion at the south. If a man goes to the communion table, and pays money into the treasury of the church, no matter if it be the price of blood, he is called religious"

This quote by Harriet Ann Jacobs talks to the hypocrisy of faith in the South throughout the time of slavery. Jacobs is highlighting the fact that individuals in the South were willing to pay cash to the church, even if it was the cost of blood, and were still considered spiritual. This quote is a criticism of the method religion was used to validate slavery and the mistreatment of African Americans. It is a suggestion that faith should be utilized to promote justice and equality, not to oppress and make use of people. Jacobs is mentioning that there is an excellent distinction in between Christianity and religious beliefs at the South, and that real Christianity must not be utilized to condone oppression.