Racism
by Dave Brown
Return to the Pilgrim's Page
Second Article on this page: Scroll Down for Does the Bible Promote Slavery?
Some have tried the old trick of redefining the word so it cannot possibly apply to them – but let’s agree to go with the standard dictionary definition:
1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. 2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
The person who practices racism is called a racist, a word that can also be an adjective (as in, a racist statement). The word race has a fairly narrow dictionary definition; but we all understand that discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, color, gender, or even economic standing is equally as evil. Thus, allow us to use the words race and racism to include these differences between classifications of humans as well. These are the definitions that will apply in this article.
We wish to answer the question: What does the bible have to say about racism? First, let us establish that racism is nothing new. Most do not realize that the popular story of Jonah is a story of racism. Jonah refused God’s command to go to the Gentile country of Nineveh because he actually wanted God to destroy them. How much hatred can one person have for another race than this? Notice the following when Jonah’s preaching was so effective that it caused those of Nineveh to repent …
Jonah 4:1-3
4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.
2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hastened to flee unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and who relents from punishing evil [in those who repent].
3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
What an amazing confession! Certainly this is difficult for most of us to fathom. Yet it seems in our society today there are some who feel the same way and are, in fact, giving their lives to the destruction of another race. What unspeakable evil! And yet we see, there is nothing new under the sun.
Is such a feeling in any way justified? Listen to Peter talk about the law of the Jews and how he violated that man-made law because racism was not God’s will.
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus made it very clear in the story of the Good Samaritan that "our neighbors" who we are to love are NOT to be determined by any racial or ethnic characteristics.
For a review of the story of the Good Samaritan that will only take three minutes, click this URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqrVuW3hxpY&t=7s
Acts 10:28-29
… and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and (yet) unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean: wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for.
It is recorded previously in Acts 10 that Peter was shown that it is not God’s will for us to discriminate by race. This cannot be made any clearer, and those today who want to teach that the bible propagates racism are speaking for Satan and not for Jesus. Satan is a liar and will use every trick to divide us and produce hatred among us – but we are not ignorant of his devices.
And so, Peter preached to them just as he had to Jews, without discrimination …
Acts 10:34-38
34 And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 but in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him.
36 The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all.)
37 that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 (even) Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Again to the Christians of Rome, Ephesus and Colossae:
Romans 2:10-11
… but glory and honor and peace to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek: for there is no respect of persons with God.
Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
Colossians 3:23-25
23 … whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;
24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 For he that does wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
And to all churches everywhere and for all times, the following is the truth of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit:
Galatians 3:27-29
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.
It is a terrible sin for us to divide the body of Christ by race or anything else. We are all of Christ – Christians and Christians only – if we are following Jesus Christ and serving him according to His will.
Let us all search ourselves and all of the organizations that we are members of (religious or otherwise). Let us all recognize the evil that comes from racial and other such divisions. An organization, even though it calls itself a church, cannot be of God if such Satanist divisions are being practiced. Let us set our minds to righting these wrongs before these divisions continue to tear up the fabric of the culture and society in which we live.
Does the Bible Promote Slavery?
by Dave Brown
Consider the alleged bible contradiction is between the following two passages:
Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters , with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Philemon 1:15-17
15 For perhaps he was therefore parted (from thee) for a season, that you should have him forever;
16 no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as myself.
A few things to deal with before discussing these passages directly; we appreciate your patience.
Has the bible been used to justify slavery? Of course it has. But the misuse of God’s truth cannot be used as a criticism of God or the bible. Satan has misused God’s word since the very beginning, even to the point of the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4). The dishonest actions of clearly profane and unjust men reflect only upon them, and not on the bible.
Slavery in the Old Testament Times
As for the Old Testament edicts regarding slavery, consider the following scholarship:
SLAVE
Hired service was little known anciently; slavery was the common form of service. But among the Hebrews the bond service was of a mild and equitable character; so much so that `ebed, "servant," is not restricted to the bond servant, but applies to higher relations, as, e.,g., the king's prime minister, a rich man's steward, as Eliezer (Gen 15:2; 24:2), God's servant (Dan 9:17). Bond service was not introduced by Moses, but being found in existence was regulated by laws mitigating its evils and restricting its duration. Man stealing was a capital crime (Deut 24:7); not only stealing Israelites, but people of other nations (Ex 21:16). The Mosaic law jealously guarded human life and liberty as sacred. Masters must treat Hebrew servants as hired servants, not with rigour, but with courteous considerateness as brethren, and liberally remunerate them at the close of their service (Deut 15:12-18; Lev 25:39-41).
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
The bible teaches that only the New Testament applies to us today. While this is relevant to our actions and beliefs, it a different subject that space prevents us from covering in any detail now (if interested, click here). It should be clear that just because an act or practice is reported without comment in the Old Testament (such as Abraham’s deception in Genesis 12:13), this does in not indicate God’s approval of it. There are many things (such as polygamy) that God allowed (suffered) in these times. When we say that God should not have allowed these things, we are judging God. Remember, the Old Testament law is not like the New Testament, which speaks strictly along spiritual lines. Many of the Old Testament laws were carnal in nature in that they were civil laws that dealt with their current conditions. Along the lines of civil law, we can all see that there are many obviously sinful practices that are regulated rather than prohibited by our governments today – this does not make them right. Example: lying per se is not against our laws.
This should not be difficult to understand – civil laws have to allow a greater exercise of free will than do God’s spiritual moral laws. Indeed today the strongest critics of the bible insist upon a far greater freedom in their personal actions than that known to be required by most all religions. This is one of the main reasons they are so persistent in trying to neutralize biblical teachings. They need not be so concerned, however, since most Christians understand that greater latitude must be allowed. The determination of exactly where the government draws the line will continue to be a subject for cultural debate, as it should be.
The Old Testament edicts given regarding slavery were to regulate the practice. The free market of our individual skills (i.e., the freedom to “get a job”) is of relative recent origin. It is extremely difficult for us today to judge the practices of primitive cultures with our current mindsets dictated by our existing economic environments. To say “things were different” is an understatement; they were so different that should we be transported back to that time we would be virtually dysfunctional. But God understood the nature of mankind at that time, and He allowed a certain degree of latitude that was essential to His divine purposes, which were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The New Testament Teachings
The two verses given above are often thought to be in contrast. The first is instruction to bondservants, which would include slaves, to properly love their masters and discharge the duties that their current obligations or stations in life have put them under. It is important to realize that many at this time had become bondservants by borrowing money that they could not pay back or otherwise falling into similar misfortune. But we are not disputing that some were “stolen” and sold (despite the practice being condemned: Deut. 24:7; Ex. 21:16). This is quite similar to what was true in the United States up to about the mid-1800s.
This advice given to masters and slaves in Ephesians 6 does not deal with the question of whether slavery per se was approved by God or not. It just deals with those who are under those constraints. It showed them that, not only is a Christian’s station in life unimportant to their salvation, but also that by following Jesus they would act in a way that could lead to the salvation of their masters and many others.
The second passage deals with a runaway slave, Onesimus. Philemon is a beautiful epistle of love that we urge everyone to take the time to read (five minutes for most readers). Onesimus had escaped from Philemon and somehow got to Rome where Paul had led him to the truth and to be baptized into Christ. Philemon was already a Christian. Just how the providence of God brought all of this about cannot be determined. However, Paul makes it quite clear that, although he could, as an apostle of Jesus, command Philemon to release Onesimus, he would not do that for Philemon’s sake. Philemon’s actions must be out of his own heart and free will in order to benefit both him and Onesimus. Paul strove for the greatest possible good.
Unlike the Old Testament where the edicts were quite explicit, the New Testament teaches in principles. This is essential because God does not want only our outward actions; He wants our inward hearts as indicated in 2 Corinthians 3:6: “… who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit : for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.”
The following condemns any form of enslavement of our fellow man: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” -- Lev. 19:18; Mt. 19:19; 22:39: Mk. 12:31; Rom. 13:9; James 2:8. This law of love goes way beyond formal slavery. For example, it would include ALL of the evil that is being perpetrated today by parts of the banking system that convinced people that they could essentially have something for nothing, and then quickly sold their debt to others leaving both the borrower and the bond holder stranded while some of them piled up the cash.
This left many perceived “home owners” in a state of slavery – if you do not believe it, ask the ones who lost both their jobs and most of the equity in their homes. They had no place to go and nowhere to turn. Any effective edict against slavery would have to extend to those guilty of all such practices, many of which are extremely difficult to root out because of the complicity of the regulators. But the command “love thy neighbor as thyself” adequately covers all such crimes against our fellow man to those who are willing to recognize it – albeit few are. To outlaw all banking practices today is quite analogous to outlawing all slavery in ancient times. It is just not that simple, and those who rail for such would be the first to oppose it when it threatened their own personal holdings.
To the innocent let us just proclaim – when you borrow money you enslave yourself to those who now own that part of your future life necessary to work off the loan repayment, with considerable interest. Is this evil and wrong? – should we forbid all borrowing and lending? Of course not; such would be absurd in our current economic culture. But let us not hide our heads in the sand and pretend that this is not a form of slavery. In those cases that it gets to the point of the use of loan sharks this is so apparent that none would argue.
Those who insist upon an edict “thou shall not own slaves” just do not understand how various economic systems work. Christians who love their fellow man as the New Testament commands will not have any idea to enslave anyone in any way. But the vast majority who do not understand this would ignore the command in any event. And there is no limit to which such things will be used to criticize God’s word.
Conclusion
The principles of love taught in the New Testament are largely responsible for the progress that has been made in making slavery a criminal offense in many countries. The fact that it is a criminal offense, however, does not mean that it has been eliminated. To those who oppose slavery, we would advise that your efforts would be better spent researching and attacking what today is called “human trafficking.” When you do, you will be appalled to find that slavery (and much worse wickedness) are still heinous evils that appear to be ignored by many in the highest seats of our governments. Of course, it is much easier to attack the bible than to be activists opposed to the atrocious crimes that are still today enslaving many in the worst possible way.
For a more in-depth treatment of the bible and slavery, see the following by Jon Davis:
https://medium.com/@stimpy77/does-the-bible-endorse-slavery-e9c9fcbacada
For an outline review of the reasons for the severity of the Old Testament laws, see this intensive and comprehensive study done by Steven Rudd:
http://www.bible.ca/sin-no-jails-prisons-in-judaism-old-testament-law-of-moses-slavery-welfare-jewish-comparison.htm
Jesus gives his conditions for eternal life: God's Plan of Salvation
Return to the Pilgrims Page
1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. 2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
The person who practices racism is called a racist, a word that can also be an adjective (as in, a racist statement). The word race has a fairly narrow dictionary definition; but we all understand that discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, color, gender, or even economic standing is equally as evil. Thus, allow us to use the words race and racism to include these differences between classifications of humans as well. These are the definitions that will apply in this article.
We wish to answer the question: What does the bible have to say about racism? First, let us establish that racism is nothing new. Most do not realize that the popular story of Jonah is a story of racism. Jonah refused God’s command to go to the Gentile country of Nineveh because he actually wanted God to destroy them. How much hatred can one person have for another race than this? Notice the following when Jonah’s preaching was so effective that it caused those of Nineveh to repent …
Jonah 4:1-3
4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.
2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hastened to flee unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and who relents from punishing evil [in those who repent].
3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
What an amazing confession! Certainly this is difficult for most of us to fathom. Yet it seems in our society today there are some who feel the same way and are, in fact, giving their lives to the destruction of another race. What unspeakable evil! And yet we see, there is nothing new under the sun.
Is such a feeling in any way justified? Listen to Peter talk about the law of the Jews and how he violated that man-made law because racism was not God’s will.
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus made it very clear in the story of the Good Samaritan that "our neighbors" who we are to love are NOT to be determined by any racial or ethnic characteristics.
For a review of the story of the Good Samaritan that will only take three minutes, click this URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqrVuW3hxpY&t=7s
Acts 10:28-29
… and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and (yet) unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean: wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for.
It is recorded previously in Acts 10 that Peter was shown that it is not God’s will for us to discriminate by race. This cannot be made any clearer, and those today who want to teach that the bible propagates racism are speaking for Satan and not for Jesus. Satan is a liar and will use every trick to divide us and produce hatred among us – but we are not ignorant of his devices.
And so, Peter preached to them just as he had to Jews, without discrimination …
Acts 10:34-38
34 And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 but in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him.
36 The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all.)
37 that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 (even) Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Again to the Christians of Rome, Ephesus and Colossae:
Romans 2:10-11
… but glory and honor and peace to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek: for there is no respect of persons with God.
Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
Colossians 3:23-25
23 … whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;
24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 For he that does wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
And to all churches everywhere and for all times, the following is the truth of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit:
Galatians 3:27-29
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.
It is a terrible sin for us to divide the body of Christ by race or anything else. We are all of Christ – Christians and Christians only – if we are following Jesus Christ and serving him according to His will.
Let us all search ourselves and all of the organizations that we are members of (religious or otherwise). Let us all recognize the evil that comes from racial and other such divisions. An organization, even though it calls itself a church, cannot be of God if such Satanist divisions are being practiced. Let us set our minds to righting these wrongs before these divisions continue to tear up the fabric of the culture and society in which we live.
Does the Bible Promote Slavery?
by Dave Brown
Consider the alleged bible contradiction is between the following two passages:
Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters , with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Philemon 1:15-17
15 For perhaps he was therefore parted (from thee) for a season, that you should have him forever;
16 no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as myself.
A few things to deal with before discussing these passages directly; we appreciate your patience.
Has the bible been used to justify slavery? Of course it has. But the misuse of God’s truth cannot be used as a criticism of God or the bible. Satan has misused God’s word since the very beginning, even to the point of the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4). The dishonest actions of clearly profane and unjust men reflect only upon them, and not on the bible.
Slavery in the Old Testament Times
As for the Old Testament edicts regarding slavery, consider the following scholarship:
SLAVE
Hired service was little known anciently; slavery was the common form of service. But among the Hebrews the bond service was of a mild and equitable character; so much so that `ebed, "servant," is not restricted to the bond servant, but applies to higher relations, as, e.,g., the king's prime minister, a rich man's steward, as Eliezer (Gen 15:2; 24:2), God's servant (Dan 9:17). Bond service was not introduced by Moses, but being found in existence was regulated by laws mitigating its evils and restricting its duration. Man stealing was a capital crime (Deut 24:7); not only stealing Israelites, but people of other nations (Ex 21:16). The Mosaic law jealously guarded human life and liberty as sacred. Masters must treat Hebrew servants as hired servants, not with rigour, but with courteous considerateness as brethren, and liberally remunerate them at the close of their service (Deut 15:12-18; Lev 25:39-41).
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
The bible teaches that only the New Testament applies to us today. While this is relevant to our actions and beliefs, it a different subject that space prevents us from covering in any detail now (if interested, click here). It should be clear that just because an act or practice is reported without comment in the Old Testament (such as Abraham’s deception in Genesis 12:13), this does in not indicate God’s approval of it. There are many things (such as polygamy) that God allowed (suffered) in these times. When we say that God should not have allowed these things, we are judging God. Remember, the Old Testament law is not like the New Testament, which speaks strictly along spiritual lines. Many of the Old Testament laws were carnal in nature in that they were civil laws that dealt with their current conditions. Along the lines of civil law, we can all see that there are many obviously sinful practices that are regulated rather than prohibited by our governments today – this does not make them right. Example: lying per se is not against our laws.
This should not be difficult to understand – civil laws have to allow a greater exercise of free will than do God’s spiritual moral laws. Indeed today the strongest critics of the bible insist upon a far greater freedom in their personal actions than that known to be required by most all religions. This is one of the main reasons they are so persistent in trying to neutralize biblical teachings. They need not be so concerned, however, since most Christians understand that greater latitude must be allowed. The determination of exactly where the government draws the line will continue to be a subject for cultural debate, as it should be.
The Old Testament edicts given regarding slavery were to regulate the practice. The free market of our individual skills (i.e., the freedom to “get a job”) is of relative recent origin. It is extremely difficult for us today to judge the practices of primitive cultures with our current mindsets dictated by our existing economic environments. To say “things were different” is an understatement; they were so different that should we be transported back to that time we would be virtually dysfunctional. But God understood the nature of mankind at that time, and He allowed a certain degree of latitude that was essential to His divine purposes, which were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The New Testament Teachings
The two verses given above are often thought to be in contrast. The first is instruction to bondservants, which would include slaves, to properly love their masters and discharge the duties that their current obligations or stations in life have put them under. It is important to realize that many at this time had become bondservants by borrowing money that they could not pay back or otherwise falling into similar misfortune. But we are not disputing that some were “stolen” and sold (despite the practice being condemned: Deut. 24:7; Ex. 21:16). This is quite similar to what was true in the United States up to about the mid-1800s.
This advice given to masters and slaves in Ephesians 6 does not deal with the question of whether slavery per se was approved by God or not. It just deals with those who are under those constraints. It showed them that, not only is a Christian’s station in life unimportant to their salvation, but also that by following Jesus they would act in a way that could lead to the salvation of their masters and many others.
The second passage deals with a runaway slave, Onesimus. Philemon is a beautiful epistle of love that we urge everyone to take the time to read (five minutes for most readers). Onesimus had escaped from Philemon and somehow got to Rome where Paul had led him to the truth and to be baptized into Christ. Philemon was already a Christian. Just how the providence of God brought all of this about cannot be determined. However, Paul makes it quite clear that, although he could, as an apostle of Jesus, command Philemon to release Onesimus, he would not do that for Philemon’s sake. Philemon’s actions must be out of his own heart and free will in order to benefit both him and Onesimus. Paul strove for the greatest possible good.
Unlike the Old Testament where the edicts were quite explicit, the New Testament teaches in principles. This is essential because God does not want only our outward actions; He wants our inward hearts as indicated in 2 Corinthians 3:6: “… who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit : for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.”
The following condemns any form of enslavement of our fellow man: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” -- Lev. 19:18; Mt. 19:19; 22:39: Mk. 12:31; Rom. 13:9; James 2:8. This law of love goes way beyond formal slavery. For example, it would include ALL of the evil that is being perpetrated today by parts of the banking system that convinced people that they could essentially have something for nothing, and then quickly sold their debt to others leaving both the borrower and the bond holder stranded while some of them piled up the cash.
This left many perceived “home owners” in a state of slavery – if you do not believe it, ask the ones who lost both their jobs and most of the equity in their homes. They had no place to go and nowhere to turn. Any effective edict against slavery would have to extend to those guilty of all such practices, many of which are extremely difficult to root out because of the complicity of the regulators. But the command “love thy neighbor as thyself” adequately covers all such crimes against our fellow man to those who are willing to recognize it – albeit few are. To outlaw all banking practices today is quite analogous to outlawing all slavery in ancient times. It is just not that simple, and those who rail for such would be the first to oppose it when it threatened their own personal holdings.
To the innocent let us just proclaim – when you borrow money you enslave yourself to those who now own that part of your future life necessary to work off the loan repayment, with considerable interest. Is this evil and wrong? – should we forbid all borrowing and lending? Of course not; such would be absurd in our current economic culture. But let us not hide our heads in the sand and pretend that this is not a form of slavery. In those cases that it gets to the point of the use of loan sharks this is so apparent that none would argue.
Those who insist upon an edict “thou shall not own slaves” just do not understand how various economic systems work. Christians who love their fellow man as the New Testament commands will not have any idea to enslave anyone in any way. But the vast majority who do not understand this would ignore the command in any event. And there is no limit to which such things will be used to criticize God’s word.
Conclusion
The principles of love taught in the New Testament are largely responsible for the progress that has been made in making slavery a criminal offense in many countries. The fact that it is a criminal offense, however, does not mean that it has been eliminated. To those who oppose slavery, we would advise that your efforts would be better spent researching and attacking what today is called “human trafficking.” When you do, you will be appalled to find that slavery (and much worse wickedness) are still heinous evils that appear to be ignored by many in the highest seats of our governments. Of course, it is much easier to attack the bible than to be activists opposed to the atrocious crimes that are still today enslaving many in the worst possible way.
For a more in-depth treatment of the bible and slavery, see the following by Jon Davis:
https://medium.com/@stimpy77/does-the-bible-endorse-slavery-e9c9fcbacada
For an outline review of the reasons for the severity of the Old Testament laws, see this intensive and comprehensive study done by Steven Rudd:
http://www.bible.ca/sin-no-jails-prisons-in-judaism-old-testament-law-of-moses-slavery-welfare-jewish-comparison.htm
Jesus gives his conditions for eternal life: God's Plan of Salvation
Return to the Pilgrims Page