# Is Slavery Endorsed By the Bible **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 8, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853 "2010-11-08T01:41:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/1 "2010-11-08T01:41:40Z")
Seen by this: [http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247](http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247) (As a cite not as “go there and debate them”). My personal thoughts are that God sanctioned slavery in Classical times because the Roman economy was based on slavery and most pre-industrial economies were either slave or serf based. In addition the Classical slave system was not race based and often provided great opportunities as civil servants or teachers and in gaining freedom. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/2 "2010-11-08T01:48:53Z")
God took his cues from the state of the Roman economy? ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/3 "2010-11-08T01:50:37Z")
This is an example of the sort of convoluted mental silliness that it takes to be a Christian. In order to reconcile an all-loving God with supporting slavery you’re pretending that slavery is _totally fun_. ---
**Author:** ![UDS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecae2f/32.png) [@UDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UDS)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/4 "2010-11-08T01:52:08Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > Seen by this: [URL=“[http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247](http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247)”]. . . In addition the Classical slave system was not race based and often provided great opportunities . . . in gaining freedom. In much the same way that banging your head repeatedly against a brick wall provides great opportunities to stop. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/5 "2010-11-08T01:52:15Z")
Taking the Bible literally is a form of mental slavery. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/6 "2010-11-08T01:52:22Z")
No I’m not. What I’m saying is that the Roman economy was going to transition into a modern capitalist/social democratic economy of the West to-day anytime soon, so God tolerated it as a necessary evil. There were no abolitionists back than at any rate. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/7 "2010-11-08T01:52:59Z")
Slavery was pretty common in ancient times. The only societies that (as a strict rule) never had slavery were hunter-gatherer societies. I’ve read (but can’t find any citations at the moment) that there are no known cases of anyone in ancient times saying that slavery is simply wrong in all situations. Even the slave rebellions in ancient times weren’t about freeing all slaves. They were about slaves breaking free from their masters (and usually killing them) and escaping, often to places where they then could enslave others. The Bible may accept slavery, but it’s not true that it opposes the permanent freeing of all slaves. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/8 "2010-11-08T01:54:22Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > Seen by this: [http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247](http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=24247) (As a cite not as “go there and debate them”). > > My personal thoughts are that God sanctioned slavery in Classical times because the Roman economy was based on slavery and most pre-industrial economies were either slave or serf based. Well, I agree its sanctioned in the Bible because it was the norm at the time, anyways. > [@](#): > > In addition the Classical slave system was not race based Kind of a marginal point. I’m not sure owning a slave is less evil just because he happens to be the same race as you. > [@](#): > > and often provided great opportunities as civil servants or teachers and in gaining freedom. Or an opportunity to be worked to death in the fields. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/9 "2010-11-08T01:54:28Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > Slavery was pretty common in ancient times. The only societies that never had slavery were hunter-gatherer societies. I’ve read (but can’t find any citations at the moment) that there are no known cases of anyone in ancient times saying that slavery is simply wrong in all situations. Even the slave rebellions in ancient times weren’t about freeing all slaves. They were about slaves breaking free from their masters (and usually killing them) and escaping, often to places where they then could enslave others. The Bible may accept slavery, but it’s not true that it opposes the freeing of slaves. Exactly! Paul says to slaves to gain their freedom by legal means if they can. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Kobayashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/10 "2010-11-08T01:54:48Z")
Yes, many times - and never condemned, even by Jesus meek and mild. See Exodus 21:2-6, Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Leviticus 25:44-46 and many more instances. The reason being it was written, codified and compiled by primitive men in less enlightened times. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/11 "2010-11-08T01:54:57Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > No I’m not. What I’m saying is that the Roman economy was going to transition into a modern capitalist/social democratic economy of the West to-day anytime soon, so God tolerated it as a necessary evil. There were no abolitionists back than at any rate. For omnipotent beings there are no _necessary evils_. So are you saying God is not omnipotent or not all-loving? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/12 "2010-11-08T01:55:05Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > No I’m not. What I’m saying is that the Roman economy was going to transition into a modern capitalist/social democratic economy of the West to-day anytime soon, so God tolerated it as a necessary evil. There were no abolitionists back than at any rate. Why does god have to tolerate anything? ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/13 "2010-11-08T02:01:13Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Well, I agree its sanctioned in the Bible because it was the norm at the time, anyways. > > Kind of a marginal point. I’m not sure owning a slave is less evil just because he happens to be the same race as you. > > Or an opportunity to be worked to death in the fields. Which was just as likely if you were free also. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/14 "2010-11-08T02:02:14Z")
On religious controversies I check [religioustolerance.org](http://religioustolerance.org) The nice thing about the site is that it is fair to both believers and unbelievers alike. It is then interesting to notice that on this subject the report comes as very critical of the bible and to the ones that did follow it literally: [http://www.religioustolerance.org/sla\_bibl.htm](http://www.religioustolerance.org/sla_bibl.htm) > [@](#): > > Quotations by learned men from the 19th century: > > - “[Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God…it is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation…it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts.” Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America. 1,2 > > - “There is not one verse in the Bible inhibiting slavery, but many regulating it. It is not then, we conclude, immoral.” Rev. Alexander Campbell > > - “The right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example.” Rev. R. Furman, D.D., Baptist, of South Carolina > > - “The hope of civilization itself hangs on the defeat of Negro suffrage.” A statement by a prominent 19th-century southern Presbyterian pastor, cited by Rev. Jack Rogers, moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA). > > - “The doom of Ham has been branded on the form and features of his African descendants. The hand of fate has united his color and destiny. Man cannot separate what God hath joined.” United States Senator James Henry Hammond. 3 > [@](#): > > - Paul had every opportunity to write in one of his Epistles that human slavery – the owning of one person as a piece of property by another – is profoundly evil. His letter to Philemon would have been an ideal opportunity to vilify slavery. But he wrote not one word of criticism. > > - Jesus could have condemned the practice. He might have done so. But there is no record of him having said anything negative about the institution. > > Eventually, the abolitionists gained sufficient power to eradicate slavery in most areas of the world by the end of the 19th century. Slavery was eventually recognized as an extreme evil. But this paradigm shift in understanding came at a cost. Christians wondered why the Bible was so supportive of such an immoral practice. They questioned whether the Bible was entirely reliable. Perhaps there were other practices that it accepted as normal which were profoundly evil – like genocide, torturing prisoners, raping female prisoners of war, forcing rape victims to marry their rapists, executing religious minorities, burning some hookers alive, etc. The innocent faith that Christians had in “the Good Book” was lost – never to be fully regained. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/15 "2010-11-08T02:05:54Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > Which was just as likely if you were free also. Your saying that working conditions were just as harsh for slaves as for freemen in all of the ancient world? I’m pretty skeptical. The First Servile War, for example, was apparently started because slave labor was so cheap and plentiful after the Punic Wars that landowners didn’t really bother providing food for their slaves anymore. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/16 "2010-11-08T02:19:13Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > Which was just as likely if you were free also. This, and the early comment that slaves could gain their freedom by legal means, misses what the bible did say, AFAIK the bible says that the only ones that could get freedom that way were Israelite slaves. They could also get freedom during a Jubilee. You were a slave but not an Israelite? Tough, you remained an slave until you died. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/17 "2010-11-08T02:59:21Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > Slavery was pretty common in ancient times. The only societies that (as a strict rule) never had slavery were hunter-gatherer societies. I’ve read (but can’t find any citations at the moment) that there are no known cases of anyone in ancient times saying that slavery is simply wrong in all situations. Even the slave rebellions in ancient times weren’t about freeing all slaves. They were about slaves breaking free from their masters (and usually killing them) and escaping, often to places where they then could enslave others. The Bible may accept slavery, but it’s not true that it opposes the permanent freeing of all slaves. Yes, and that’s generally because in the ancient world most people wouldn’t want to be enslaved, but most of those same people would have no problem enslaving others. Most wouldn’t want their land conquered, but would have no problem conquering others. “Do unto others…” actually wasn’t as “obvious” as it seems in retrospect. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/18 "2010-11-08T04:24:15Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > No I’m not. What I’m saying is that the Roman economy was going to transition into a modern capitalist/social democratic economy of the West to-day anytime soon, so God tolerated it as a necessary evil. There were no abolitionists back than at any rate. Except for the slaves themselves, of course, and they didn’t count because God said it was okay because slavery was going to lead to something good anyway. And besides, it wasn’t a racist thing. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/19 "2010-11-08T04:31:34Z")
**Is Slavery Endorsed By the Bible** If the answer is yes, do you plan to go out and buy a few? ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853/20 "2010-11-08T04:40:16Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > Taking the Bible literally is a form of mental slavery. One doesn’t have to be a fundamentalist to interpret the bible as being supportive of slavery. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-slavery-endorsed-by-the-bible/559853.md?page=2)