Which of the following statements about slaves and religion is true?

The statement asserting that many enslaved individuals found empowerment through religion is true because religion played a significant role in the lives of enslaved people throughout history. It offered them a sense of community, hope, and resilience amidst their oppressive conditions. Despite the fact that slaveholders often sought to use religion to reinforce obedience and submission, enslaved individuals frequently adapted Christian teachings to inspire their own beliefs and practices. This adaptation often included elements of African spiritual traditions, which helped to create rich religious rituals that promoted a sense of identity and empowerment.

Religion also served as a means of resistance, where enslaved people would sometimes find solace in messages of liberation and justice found within religious texts. Spirituals, which were songs sung by enslaved people, frequently contained themes of hope and freedom, reflecting their aspirations for liberation and often embodying a yearning for a better life. Thus, it is evident that for many enslaved individuals, religion was a source of strength and empowerment rather than merely a tool of oppression.