Why does the Bible propagate slavery? Exodus 21, for instance, is all about enslaving fellow men!?

Answer 1

There can be no excuse for any type of slavery. The bible is a book written by men and all religions are man-made with the purpose benefitting the leaders of them.

Most religions condone slavery. All will give excuses and explanations but education is the key to answers.

research, research, and search

Answer 2

When we read the Bible carefully, we realize that G-d did not command slavery, it existed even before the Jews became a nation. Just like killing and rape and divorce and many other crimes... It was really so common and part of the biblical history that is not something our creator approves of. The Jews were slaves in Egypt also and G-d delivered them from slavery. G-d is not responsible for that atrocious act, it's human sin. But G-d always will come up with a plan to deliver anyone from slavery, it is proven history. G-d loves us all and wants us all to enjoy his creation and freedom. It is a sad thing to do to any human and no one should be deprived of the freedom that G-d has for all his creation, unfortunately it's about control and power for man. Man invented slavery not G-d.

Answer 3

theres new testament passages also condoning slavery, i know youll get the its the Old testament remark from some dedicated christians.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5 NLT)



Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)



In the following parable, Jesus clearly approves of beating slaves even if they didn't know they were doing anything wrong.



The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it. "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given." (Luke 12:47-48 NLT)

Oh and for the that was then this is now remarks: Pre civil war, almost 200 (not too long ago!) years ago slavery was condoned, and enforced by bible believing christians.

Answer 4

Biblical literalists are sure to come up with excuses for both Old Testament and New Testament scriptures that permit the owning of slaves, yet they themselves will denounce the practice.

Slavery is wrong, and no human being should be allowed to own another. But nowhere is this stated in the bible.

At least the bible admonishes slave owners to treat their slaves fairly and humanely.

For the most part.

Answer 5

I think that that was the culture of the time. Slaves were an important part of society and the old world economy. So it is natural for the writers of the Bible to mention them. Just as it was natural for early American writers to talk about slavery. Does that mean that all Americans and Europeans are all about enslaving fellow men? Most of the Pre-Civil war letters and economic writings mentioned Slaves?

Answer 6

Slavery as spoken of in the Bible is very different than slavery as we think of it today. You should know this if you've actually read the entire chapter you refer to. Slaves were protected under the law, and were not to be treated harshly. The provision of slavery was to ensure that those who indebted themselves to others and were unable to pay would have a means of life, and the person who was owed money would be repaid. The slaves were taken care of physically, and were to be released from service after a maximum of 7 years. Slaves could even choose to stay with their master permanently. Slaves were nearly equivalent to butlers and maids of today. Equating Biblical slavery to modern-day slavery is very misleading.

Answer 7

War, poverty, and crime were the basic factors that reduced persons to a state of servitude. Captives of war were often constituted slaves by their captors or were sold into slavery by them. (Compare 2Ki 5:2; Joe 3:6.) In Israelite society a person who became poor could sell himself or his children into slavery to care for his indebtedness. (Ex 21:7; Le 25:39, 47; 2Ki 4:1) One guilty of thievery but unable to make compensation was sold for the things he stole, evidently regaining his freedom at the time all claims against him were cared for.—Ex 22:3.

At times slaves held a position of great trust and honor in a household. The patriarch Abraham’s aged servant (likely Eliezer) managed all of his master’s possessions. (Ge 24:2; 15:2, 3) Abraham’s descendant Joseph, as a slave in Egypt, came to be in charge of everything belonging to Potiphar, a court official of Pharaoh. (Ge 39:1, 5, 6) In Israel, there was a possibility of a slave’s becoming wealthy and redeeming himself.—Le 25:49.

Answer 8

The Bible sucks.