"That Hatred of a Lie": Nat Turner, John Brown, and Revolutionary Love

Abstract

This paper explores the lives, theological convictions, and violent insurrections of Nat Turner and John Brown through the lens of political philosopher Joy James's concept of Revolutionary Love. By analyzing Du Bois's invocation of both Turner and Brown at the 1906 Niagara Movement gathering at Harper's Ferry, the paper examines the paradox of rejecting violence while remembering those who used it in the name of justice. It argues that both Turner and Brown exemplify Revolutionary Love—a form of agape-driven political will to organize and struggle, nonviolently or violently, for the dignity and liberation of the oppressed. The study delves into the religious experiences, social contexts, and moral choices of each figure, emphasizing their dedication to their cause, their willingness to sacrifice, and the unresolved ethical tensions arising from their violent actions. While not justifying their violence, nor the suitable analytic for that set of moral conclusions, this framework does help reinterpret their legacies, complicating simplistic portrayals of fanaticism and highlighting the enduring power of spiritually grounded, justice-oriented love in their struggles against systemic oppression.