Does the Bible condone slavery?

Question

please use specific verses to back your answers up!

Answer 1

The entire book of Philemon was written to specifically that point.

Answer 2

It condones salvery, but not the type of slavery you might expect. In Hebrew tradition and also many of the syriac traditions (those places of the early church), People who were in debt would agree to servitude for specific nobleman provided the nobleman paid off thier debts for them. This would be for a specific time (fluctuating according to the amount of debt paid of by the master). Only in rare cases would some one be in so much debt that they would agree to servitude for the rest of thier lives.

verses:Leviticus 25:39-40 for example. This was a benefit for the slave because it prevented them from having to be imprisoned.

This is a very different form of slavery compared to what was practiced by America, and colonial England during the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. In these cases, Africans were forced into slavery against their will.

Answer 3

There are lots of verses regarding slaves. The Bible does not condone or prohibit slavery. But it's very specific on how you treat people around you no matter what they do, slave or free, or who they are.

We are all slaves of some type, to sin or to righteousness.

Answer 4

Ephesians 6:5

Answer 5

God allowed slavery because of the weakness and sin in man's hearts. But it is obvious in His word that He did not wish slavery to exist when he said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Some use these verses to say the Bible condones it: "And they that have believingmasters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.Let as many servants {this is SLAVE in Greek} as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed."
But God is basically telling them if they are stuck in that lot in life to be content and to use to show thier masters Christ's love: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
But God made sure that the Isrealites treated their slaves really good and after seven years give them their freedom in Exodus 21.

Answer 6

Slavery at that time is not what we think of today. It was not forcing innocent people into hard labor. Either they were individuals captured during battle, criminals or indentured servants. In the first case, your choice for prisoners of war was to kill them, or put them to work for you. If they were to be released, they would come back to fight again. In the case of indentured servants, people who owed a debt and could not pay, could work for those whom they owe the money until the debt was paid. We cannot superimpose a western mindset into a 1st century culture. The Bible does not prescribe it, it simply states what was at the time, and gives rules for proper treatment of these individuals.

Answer 7

There were slaves then, and even indentured slaves.
No different then paying a person minimum wage to clean your house today. Or the wages most employers pay today.

Does the Bible condone it, no.
But it did say that slaves are to obey their masters. I think it teaches obedience.

Answer 8

The Bible teaches us to love one another...therefore, it focuses more on what we ought to do in any situation. Slaves are commanded to submit to their owners, as we are called even to love our enemies. Without enemies, how can we learn to love? Though if we can gain our freedom, we are told to do so in the Bible. And by obeying God's word in all situations, we discover what true freedom really is....for eternity.

18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Pet 2)

(BTW, this in no way condones racism or says anything about blacks being inferior to whites, etc...)

Answer 9

Why?

Are you trying to stop slavery that is happening somewhere in you life experience? It's not a matter of if it does or if it doesn't but what is it's significance today?

Answer 10

Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.