And what else did Christianity accomplish?" he said. "Here's what Christianity accomplished. Christianity accomplished the mob. The mob. It accomplished not only your senseless butchery, the extermination of all those involved in it, black and white, but the horror of lawless retaliation and reprisal-one hundred and thirty-one innocent niggers both slave and free cut down by the mob that roamed Southampton for a solid week, searching vengeance. I reckon you didn't figure on that neither back then, did you, Reverend?
The quote reflects on the chaotic and violent realities attributed to Christianity, particularly in the context of the mob mentality. The speaker highlights how religion contributed to a brutal backlash, resulting in the indiscriminate killing of innocent people during times of social unrest. This underscores the moral complexities and darker aspects of human behavior incited by fervent beliefs and the quest for vengeance.
Furthermore, it points to the unintended consequences of religious movements, which can lead to horrific acts against fellow humans under the guise of righteousness. By discussing the atrocities committed in the name of revenge, the quote brings attention to the historical impacts of Christianity and its role in fostering divisions and violence among communities, reminding readers of its profound ethical implications.