Hey Justin, what an interesting and well articulated essay. Multiple decades ago when I was in high school, one of the debate topics was slavery. Even though I was vehemently against slavery I was given the task of developing a debatable case for pro-slavery. The teach was also extremely anti-slavery but it taught me how to develop viable arguments for almost anything. In my case, even though I wasn’t a believer at the time, I used many biblical references to support my argument (although as you pointed out, probably not correctly).
Thank you James! I really appreciate you sharing that with me.
The Bible is rich with description, so it can be really easy to invoke Bible verses out of context to support any world view. I have certainly done this mistakenly myself.
You hit the nail on the head though. One can develop arguments that seem viable on the surface for almost any position! Kind of scary when you think about it!
Very thoughtful with a true understanding of the culture of the Bible, Justin. I cover this with students and it is amazing how much abuse has been done to these texts taken out of context. The fact that the Bible often reports without immediately condemning doesn’t mean God is giving the green light. He often works in cultures that are anything but ideal knowing that something better was coming in Jesus.
However, I must endorse the principles laid out in the mosaical law covenant for establishing order where there is no order.
In accordance with that,slavery was implemented due to thievery or debt.
And apon the year of jubilee all debts were canceled.
Now, as far as the enslavement of Africans,
The heads of their tribes sold them unto various people who saw a way to fulfill their greed. They were sold much like Joseph was sold by his brethren. So the guilty party here is first the head of tribe,second the company's involved with the greedy act.
And again, slavery is NOT condemned in the scriptures if it is applied properly.
Hey Justin, what an interesting and well articulated essay. Multiple decades ago when I was in high school, one of the debate topics was slavery. Even though I was vehemently against slavery I was given the task of developing a debatable case for pro-slavery. The teach was also extremely anti-slavery but it taught me how to develop viable arguments for almost anything. In my case, even though I wasn’t a believer at the time, I used many biblical references to support my argument (although as you pointed out, probably not correctly).
Thank you James! I really appreciate you sharing that with me.
The Bible is rich with description, so it can be really easy to invoke Bible verses out of context to support any world view. I have certainly done this mistakenly myself.
You hit the nail on the head though. One can develop arguments that seem viable on the surface for almost any position! Kind of scary when you think about it!
Very thoughtful with a true understanding of the culture of the Bible, Justin. I cover this with students and it is amazing how much abuse has been done to these texts taken out of context. The fact that the Bible often reports without immediately condemning doesn’t mean God is giving the green light. He often works in cultures that are anything but ideal knowing that something better was coming in Jesus.
Solid work brother!
Amen and Thank you Matt. I really appreciate the feedback!
You’re crushing it Justin. Keep going!
Good read Justin.
However, I must endorse the principles laid out in the mosaical law covenant for establishing order where there is no order.
In accordance with that,slavery was implemented due to thievery or debt.
And apon the year of jubilee all debts were canceled.
Now, as far as the enslavement of Africans,
The heads of their tribes sold them unto various people who saw a way to fulfill their greed. They were sold much like Joseph was sold by his brethren. So the guilty party here is first the head of tribe,second the company's involved with the greedy act.
And again, slavery is NOT condemned in the scriptures if it is applied properly.
Thanks Robert.
I agree that mosaic law establishes order where there was disorder. I do state that in the article.
“These regulations were meant to limit abuse and preserve human dignity in a very broken world.”
Also, I think it’s important to define terms properly. Your comment says “slave” in both the context of “man stealing” and “indentured servitude.”
These are distinct moral issues. This is where much of the modern confusion lies.
Wow, this was such a joy to read. Very well explained, this has helped me greatly thank you.
Thanks Joseph! I really appreciate it.