Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeptic-i
Now you've copied and pasted from carm.org (proving my point above), I think I will waste a little more time:
Firstly, when discussing slavery, I was very careful not to quote the OT - had I quoted the OT, you'd have probably said "That's the OT, not the NT - Christians don't follow the OT". No, they just use it when convenient - like your post above.
Secondly, where in the bible does it say: "Slavery, like divorce, is not preferred by God." - it doesn't. This is nothing more than conjecture on your part. There is not one verse condemning slavery - but many supporting/condoning it.
Thirdly, "God instructed the Israelites to treat them properly." - Since when is beating slaves to the brink of death, "treating them properly" - Exodus 21:20-21 is a get out of trouble card for the slave master who beats his slave to death. Hardly beneficial for the slave.
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The Bible roundly denounces slavery as sin. The New Testament goes as far as to put slave trades in the category as murderers, adulterers, perverts and liars (1 Timothy 1:9-10). While the Bible as a whole recognises the reality of slavery, it never promotes the practices of slavery. It was the application of Biblical principles that ultimately led to the overthrow of slavery not only in ancient Israel but in the United States of America as well. Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt was a model for the liberation of slaves in general.
Slavery in the OT was sanctioned due to economic realities rather than racial or sexual prejudices. Bankrupcy laws did not exist so folks would voluntarily sell themselves into slavery. A craftsman could use his skills in servitude to discharge a debt. Even a convicted thief could make restitution by serving as a slave.
Bible answer book volume 2