Theodore Parker

Theodore Parker

Personal Statement:

Hello, my name is Theodore Parker. I was born on August 24, 1810 in Lexington, Massachusetts. I did not have much of an education growing up, but I eagerly educated myself. In 1830, I passed Harvard’s entrance examination; however, I did not have enough money to enroll. So, I opened my own school in Watertown, Massachusetts and saved up some money. Then in 1834, I enrolled in and attended the Harvard Divinity School. I am an advocate of transcendentalism and a vocal abolitionist. I made a unique brand of transcendental theology and social activism that was different from the orthodox Congregational Church. As a Transcendentalist preacher, I believe in the inherent goodness of both people and nature. In my teachings, I encourage people to experience God individually and personally. As a part of the Abolitionist Movement, I also opposed the Fugitive Slave Act and supported John Brown’s Harpers Ferry raid.

Issues:

I am involved in the issue over slavery and issues within the orthodox bounds of the Congregational Church. I have worked to abolish slavery, and I advocate transcendentalism. My main motivation is religious.

Solutions:

I believe legislation should be made to abolish slavery. I have been successful in influencing many people and spreading my ideas. Thousands of people have come to hear my sermons. I also went on lecture tours and sometimes made 100 appearances in a year. My work against slavery has been somewhat successful. In opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act, my followers and I created the Committee of Vigilance, which helped hide fugitive slaves in Boston. I raised money and supported Brown’s Harpers Ferry raid in 1859, and even though the raid did not succeed, I believe it will inspire other larger slave rebellions. My biggest obstacle has been the South’s stubborn desire to keep slavery.

Relationship to Others:

As well as being for abolition and transcendentalism, I am also in favor of many other reforms. I am a supporter of women’s rights and endorse women’s suffrage. I also want better schools and universal education. I am also in favor of temperance. In addition, I urge that the criminal justice system reform criminals, not punish them. I support utopian communities. I support Brook Farm, a New England utopian community founded by my good friend George Ripley.  

I would be comfortable talking with Frederick Douglas, Henry Thoreau, David Walker, Adin Ballou, Wendell Phillips, and Harriet Tubman because they all shared my views on the abolition of slavery.

I’d be uncomfortable talking with Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun because they both supported slavery.