Why do the ten commandments forbid such things as stealing and adultery, but place no ban on slavery?
The tenth commandment: Do not be envious of your neighbor's wife, his slave, his maid, his ox, his donkey, or anything else that is your neighbor's.
Why would slavery not only not be forbidden in the core moral guide of Christianity, but actually be given an implied thumb up?
2006-06-17 11:02:34 · 8 answers · asked by metalgoomba 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Slavery, as it pertained to the jews, was different from in most other parts of the world. Jews, for instance were required to free whatever slaves they had every seven years. In addition, they were supposed to treat their slaves with decency - shouldn't rape or kill or beat half to death. As a result, slavery was never very profitable or common among the Israelites. Also, being a slave would therefore imply something different. Given time, you would be free. Thus you should serve your master with dedication and loyalty until such time as you were freed. Love thy neighbor, no matter what station you are in life.
2006-06-17 11:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by Caritas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slavery was a normal and ordinary part of life then. It was more important back then that the slaves were properly treated.
We have all in some sense or other become slaves of a different kind these days. Most of us have to work to earn money to feed and clothe ourselves. Employees these days often find themselves at the mercy of unfair and oppressive employers in much the same way as slves were in the past.
I think you would find that there are very few Christians these days with slaves.
2006-06-17 11:20:40 · answer #2 · answered by movedby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think king James had something to do with that word slave being put in there so england could justify slave trade.It is a violation of human rights when some one works for money and can't afford food,clothing,shelter,transportation and recreation for them and their family.I see people now days go to work on homes everyday and make enough to sleep under a bridge .That is slavery or worse than slavery.
2006-06-17 12:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by drastx007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In ancient times, when one side won a war, they would take captives for the losing side to be their slaves, no matter what the skin color was, so when the Bible was written, slavery was very common and considered ok.
2006-06-17 11:08:56 · answer #4 · answered by dancingqueen378 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Implied? You can't even give it that much, it wasn't just implied, it was basically saying, "do this, we don't care." I guess the Lord was wrong about slavery... hey, what happened to him being infalible anyway?
2006-06-17 11:12:02 · answer #5 · answered by Joe Shmoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the Jews rebelled against Gods will, He sent them into slavery. If God says slavery is okay, then it must be okay. Who are we to question God?
This I believe; http://homelessheart.com/testimony.htm
2006-06-17 11:07:56 · answer #6 · answered by Don S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't say 'slave'. It says man servant. And if you would follow the ten commandments, you would have no slaves. How could you enslave someone you loved as yourself?
2006-06-17 11:11:42 · answer #7 · answered by oldman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An answer to your question requires careful and deliberate thought. Think about it.
2006-06-17 11:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by butch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋