Is slavery ordained by God in the Bible?

Question

If not, why did so many main stream churches and people who called themselves Christians support slavery during the civil war? Were they wrong in their convictions?

If so many were wrong then, could so many be wrong today in their beliefs about homosexuality?

Answer 1

The laws concerning slavery were put into place to protect slaves, not to condone slavery. They took slaves, but they couldn't treat their slaves the way the nations around them treated slaves. It's not that God ever approved of it, but He restricted their exertion of power.

I do believe the slavery during the Civil War was much more brutal than in the OT. And I believe those who had slaves, used OT laws to support their activities. I don't know if they believed they were right, or if they simply twisted doctrine to justify themselves.

The difference I see in the matter of slavery and homosexuality is that slave owners used scripture that did not command slave ownership to gain something for themselves. There are commands against homosexuality, and what do Christians gain by prohibiting homosexuality? There is no personal gain I can think of.

My sympathy wishes you were right - that we've misunderstood the command. I know that people struggle with this. But my concern is that I don't think we've misunderstood, and I know that God gives us laws for our own good.

Abolishing slavery did not keep anyone from doing God's will. (There was no command requiring slave ownership.) Abolishing restrictions on homosexual behavior is going against a command. While my heart goes out to those who struggle with this, I cannot in good conscience say that it would be okay to go against God's commandment. I say that for their sake. Not because it will benefit or harm me one way or another.

Answer 2

Slavery has always existed, it still exists today. It is part of the human psyche to want to use people and get as much out of them as possible for the smallest outlay.

However, the Bible lays down that slaves are to be treated fairly. It doesn't promote slavery but realises that although people were going to want to own slaves, they should treat them with compassion.

William Wilberforce was a Christian who was apalled by slavery and campaigned to have it abolished in Britain and British colonies. Two hundred years ago, Britain was the first country to outlaw the practise and the Royal Navy enforced this ruling.

Now African slaves are taken to middle eastern countries like Saudi Arabia. I've just read a book about a young girl who was kidnapped from her village in the 90s and became a slave in a Saudi household. No British or American involvement whatsoever. How about getting King Fahd to apologise?

Answer 3

Was slavery ordained? No, but the texts to both the Hebrew scriptures and the new testament presuppose the existence of slavery. Hebrews were not expected to enslave each other. The NT is more complex, but in the end Paul could not bring himself to exclude slavery pure and simple.

In the early church, many Christians were slaves, and the faith grew both among slaves and in the Roman army. Eventually, Christians, too, saw themselves as "brothers" and therefore outside the realm of slavery.

Later, the church would become entangled in the economic of slavery and it would take bold action on the parts of people like George Fox to call attention to the internal contradictions.

IMHO, people who are homosexual belong in the church.

HTH

Charles

Answer 4

Your premise is flawed. Here are the facts:

The Catholic Church has never officially taught that slavery is morally acceptable.

Throughout the centuries individual Catholics and Christians have engaged in the slave trade or owned slaves but it was never a doctrine. Therefore, you can chalk this up to bad behavior that these individuals are responsible for...not the Church. Even if high officials in the Church participated, it is they who are responsible for their personal sins....not the Church.

Remember also that pagans and Muslims and atheists have also traded slaves and owned slaves (and still do today).

So no....the Church was never wrong about slavery b/c it never has been a dogma. And no she is not wrong about homosexuality because in that case the Church HAS consistently and officially taught that gay and lesbian acts violate the natural order.

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God bless.

Answer 5

It was not ordained by God but permitted and managed at a given time. As for southern Christians supporting slavery, some of their arguments would be wrong but not all. Indentured servitude is not "necessarily" immoral, given certain conditions, but chattel slavery is most certainly wrong in all cases.

Answer 6

Wow! Great thinking!
Maybe the Bible is wrong about that whole adultery thing...and robbing people, it's probably wrong about that! And please don't judge me if I kill or abuse children...it's a lifestyle choice right?

Why are you asking your questions here? Are you looking for answers or validation?
If you're looking for answers...read the Bible(all of it).
It lays it out plain and clear.

By the way. It was the pressure of the church, that helped ban slavery, both in Europe and America.

Answer 7

slavery was supported during biblical times. But not abuse of slaves however. God wants us to be humble and orderly. Working for your slave master is like working for your boss today. He expects for you to follow the rules that they give in order to be fed, or paid, or housed, etc. It is really the same concept as a working person today. You work so that you may be benefited later.
.

Answer 8

humans have never been known for taking holy books word for word, though it may seem hypocritical.

It's just like suicide bombers - of course islam says killing is wrong, but they believe, somehow, they will be rewarded. Because they were doing it for a good cause.

Smiliarly, in the war, they thought what they were doing was for a good cause.

Answer 9

Sin is made up since no god exists to be offended by it. Religion is a tool and a panacea for the masses. Easier to control people in bad times if they believe they will be rewarded for their suffering. Religion remains as a medieval artifact with no basis in reality.

Answer 10

Slavery has its origins in the bible, which is the founding book of Christianity!