Did the Bible writers endorse slavery? Or did they impose limitations on the peculiar institutions common to the ancient world?
2007-11-19 01:52:20 · 8 answers · asked by christiandefenderfaith 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Slavery has been a fact of life throughout history. For example, the philosophers of Athens were able to sit around drinking wine and thinking about justice because 19 slaves supported every Greek citizen (400,000 slaves, 21,000 citizens).
Typically, a master could maltreat, beat, or kill a slave. He could use slave girls for sexual pleasure, and if she became pregnant, kill the child without a second thought.
The Old Testament tried to regulate slavery, though it was permitted, like divorce, because people had hard hearts. For example:
+ Dt 23:16-17 commands that runaway slaves be given refuge.
+ Ex 21:16 prescribes the death penalty for kidnapping a person and selling him into slavery.
+ Dt 15:12 and Lv 25:40 limit slavery to a term of years. Freed slaves must be provided a wealth of supplies (Dt 15:13-15).
+ Ex 21:20 prescribes the same punishment for killing a slave as for killing a free man.
+ Dt 21:13 allows sexual relations with a slave only with marriage to her.
No surprise that Hebrews hated and limited slavery. As the Bible writers stated repeatedly, "You were once slaves in the land of Egypt" (Dt 5:15; 15:15; 16:12; 24:18, 22).
Cheers,
Bruce
2007-11-19 02:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The biblical version of slavery is this: If a person became indebted to the point where he couldn't pay his bills, he would ask a benefactor to pay off his debt in return for six years of servitude. At the end of those six years, the slave had a choice. He could leave, and his benefactor would send him off with some food and supplies, or he could willingly choose to stay for life. It was up to him.
"If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything." (Exodus 21:2)
"If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you must let him go free. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today. But if your servant says to you, "I do not want to leave you," because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, then take an awl and push it through his ear lobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your maidservant. Do not consider it a hardship to set your servant free, because his service to you these six years has been worth twice as much as that of a hired hand. And the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do." (Deuteronomy 15:12-18)
Further, if a slave escaped from his master, the Bible says that you aren't to turn him over to his master. "If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand him over to his master." (Deuteronomy 23:15)
Because at that time there was no welfare or bankruptcy, this was the method of paying off one's debts. It was through servitude.
2007-11-19 10:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Slavery is a part of history. And there was a year of Jubalee in Israel where those in debt were free from debt. And slaves were freed (I think).
But slavery started because some owed & couldn't repay. Or a city was taken captive.
So? Jesus came to set the captives free. But there is still slavery & a slave may remain a slave in this life, but there is freedom in Christ Jesus. To have victory in this life no matter what our situation is.
2007-11-19 09:57:49 · answer #3 · answered by t a m i l 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Historically, some types of slavery were practiced by both:
Judaism (Bible: Old Testament) and
Christianity (Bible: New Testament).
When Christopher Columbus came to the Americas, he made many Indians slaves as part of his mission to bring European Catholicism to the Americas. Columbus/his fellow missionaries also stole gold from the Indians which was used later to decorate the ceilings of non-profit Catholic Churches in Europe.
2007-11-19 10:01:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
the writers of the Bible opposed slavery
2007-11-19 09:55:44 · answer #5 · answered by oceansoul 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The Old Testament is in full agreement of slavery and encourages you to make slaves of neighbors. Leviticus
2007-11-19 09:57:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Just, but you as a master were responsible for the well being of your slave and not abuse your slave.
2007-11-19 10:03:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus endorsed slavery.
2007-11-19 09:56:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋