Bible Team Challenge

                                                                                   Associated Press
An official copy of the Bible itself, from which all passages originate.

    In class, a partner and I explored the pros and cons of slavery when it came to

the bible. Here are varied passages that demonstrate both perspectives.

       

For slavery in the Bible:

     

     In colonial Boston, a Puritan mentor named Cotton Mather frequently used the Bible as a way to affirm the enslavement of Africans. He justified this by asking white slavers to do this so that they could Christianize those whom they enslaved. This could be due to the fact that in the Hebrew Bible, Moses tells the Israelites to acquire and keep slaves. Link 1

    In Ephesians 6:5, as well as Colossians 3:22, Paul explicitly states, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." Link 2

    In the law of Moses, God permitted the Israelites to take slaves from conquered peoples and places, so that they may be able to pay off debts (Exod 21:2-11; Lev 25:44-46). 

Against slavery in the Bible

    “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

    With this passage, Galatians displays how no human should stay and bear ownership over one human rather than the other. Specific imagery is used as well through the word yoke: a wooden bar that contains animals such as cows to do work, an inhumane device that clearly should not be used against any mortal being.

     “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.”

A herd of bulls nailed to a yoke

(Exodus 21:16)

    In this message, slavery would be considered kidnapping in the words of Exodus, as well as “being in the kidnapper’s possession.” This displays the need for change in inequality, such as slavery, in the manner in which slaves are sold off to others. 

    “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31: 8-9)

    As this section is read, the importance and equality are clearly valued more than putting one over others when it comes to the amount of rights handed out like an assignment. There was no need to assume a role of slave or slavery; all people of all kinds are fed and tended to, just as they were made equal under the hand of Christ.