Abstract

In this paper, I aim to explore the intricate interplay between slavery and the concept of evil, ultimately seeking a deeper understanding of their relationship. While critically evaluating these notions, I posit that solely relying on a historical analysis of contingent acts of evil, as proposed by Steven Mintz in his work "The Problem of Evil: Slavery, Freedom, and the Ambiguities of American Reform," falls short of providing a comprehensive moral perspective on the evil-slavery connection. To enhance the scope of this thesis, I advocate for including philosophical and theological perspectives—those that Mintz attempts to exclude. Such a multifaceted approach is essential because every contingency is inherently linked to some form of necessity. By acknowledging this link, we can gain more insight into contingent acts of evil, such as slavery. Thus, a holistic understanding of the relationship between evil and slavery necessitates historical analysis and philosophical and theological explanations regarding the underlying necessities that give rise to evil.