Introduction
The period when slavery dominated Southern culture is known as the Antebellum era. It divided people geographically between the North and South. The purpose of this research is to analyze how religion was used to argue both for and against slavery.
The Academic Examination
Scholars have documented how slavery was rationalized in different time periods. Academic biblical scholars have examined how slavery appears in ancient texts within their historical context. Research reveals that there are at least seven passages in the Bible where God is depicted as directly permitting or endorsing slavery. Two of the most significant are found in the Law of Moses, where God permitted the Israelites to take slaves from conquered peoples permanently, and allowed Israelites to sell themselves into slavery temporarily to pay off debts (Exodus 21:2-11; Leviticus 25).
What the Texts Actually Say
Biblical texts regulate rather than condemn slavery. The Old Testament permits permanent enslavement of conquered peoples and temporary debt slavery for Israelites. Jesus never explicitly condemned slavery, which pro-slavery advocates historically emphasized. Paul's letters were also frequently cited to support slavery.
Scripture used to Support Pro-Slavery
Historical pro-slavery advocates pointed to specific passages:
Old Testament Regulations: Contains regulations for slavery rather than prohibitions (Exodus 21, Leviticus 25)
New Testament Instructions: Includes instructions for slaves to obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22)
The Modern Understanding
Contemporary scholarship emphasizes understanding these historical interpretations while rejecting slavery as incompatible with human dignity. Modern scholars recognize these texts reflected ancient contexts, differing from later chattel slavery systems.
The Bible does not present a unified stance on slavery, containing both passages that can be interpreted as supporting human dignity and freedom, as well as passages that regulate rather than condemn slavery.
Passages Often Cited by Opponents of Slavery
The concept of Human Dignity: The concept of humans being created "in the image of God" (Genesis 1:27) suggests inherent human dignity.
An individual having free will: The Exodus narrative depicts God liberating the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Brotherhood: Paul's letter to Philemon encourages treating a runaway slave as a "beloved brother."
That no one should have one hundred percent loyalty with any other human other than god and not owned by a human - Spiritual belief: Galatians 3:28 states there is "neither slave nor free" in Christ.
The argument of the founding principle that all humans shall be treated equal: The foundational principle that all humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) provides a theological basis for human dignity and equality. The Golden Rule - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - conflicts with the practice of slavery. The Exodus narrative celebrates liberation from bondage, and prophetic literature often champions justice for the oppressed.
Conclusion
What we discovered is that there is no definitive answer and there are contradicting statements for both sides. Legal scholars continue the debate on if the bible condoms slavery or if it supports it.
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