If someone was a slave owner, but was a Christian, would they go to heaven?
2006-11-20 09:13:13 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I assume you're trying to point to Bible references about owning slaves. It seems like Christians in New Testament times were not being very Christian if they owned slaves. But it's not quite so simple.
In that time, having slaves was legal and very common. Some slaves were brought in and sold, but most were just poor people who owed someone money. Some people actually sold themselves to a wealthy man to be protected from a creditor. They and their families then lived with and worked for the rich family.
To suddenly turn your slaves into the street (there was no help for them), because you had become a Christian, would have been less loving than protecting them and being a good person to work for.
In Paul's letter to Philemon, he suggests that Philemon should free his slave Onesimus, because he was a Christian brother. But also, so that he could come to preach with Paul.
2006-11-20 10:06:25 · answer #1 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't think slavery is justifiable by the Bible. Paul tells us that all of us are equal, and I believe God sees us that way as well. However, in the past there were Christian men and women who held slaves, and I assume it is them that you refer to. I would ask you: Is sexual sin (ie premarital sex) justifiable by the Bible? No. But some Christians make this mistake. Everyone is guilty of sin. But God is both gracious and just. It is not for me to speak the mind of God, but I believe if someone has accepted the message of Jesus, that person is pure in God's sight, no matter what he or she has done.
2006-11-20 17:20:57 · answer #2 · answered by janeowyn180 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are basing a question about salvation on merit. We are saved and go to heaven when we accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us, period. But, we are to live by the law of the land, our land says any kind of slavery is against the law and a Christian needs to obey that law. Still, it has nothing to do with his salvation.
2006-11-20 17:18:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians do not have slaves because the slave is our brother.
2006-11-20 17:16:35 · answer #4 · answered by ___ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thankfully, I am not the judge. God will look at the situation, at their heart, and judge them accordingly. Despite slavery being a despicable thing, there were many good people who were slave owners.
2006-11-20 17:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by straightup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A slave owner? Who does that anymore?
2006-11-20 17:15:02 · answer #6 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The answer is in the Bible, find a copy in a hotel room and find out for yourself. May God bless your reading of the scriptures that you find understanding. Peace and Love.
2006-11-20 17:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe so, my computer has a slave drive. So, I don't think it would hinder me. By the way, I don't believe in going to heaven. Figure that out.
2006-11-20 17:15:26 · answer #8 · answered by Egyptian Prince 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
They would go to "slave heaven"
2006-11-20 17:14:35 · answer #9 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Ask yourself, what is being a christian? Than you will have answered your own question.
2006-11-20 17:20:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋