Am just going to post a few verses of the scriptures here showing the position of God towards slavery.
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)

Now, u would think the new testament would forbid slavery but no, it doesn't:
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5 NLT)

Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)

It's greatly disturbing that a supposedly good god who had the time to ban shellfish and the wearing of clothes off different materials didn't forbid one of the worst acts of man's inhumanity to man... What do you think??

Good question. The answer is that the ancient Jews who wrote the Bible didn't think slavery was wrong. They grew up with it and it was normal to them. The thought of abolishing it completely must have seemed ridiculous to them. How would you pay your debts if you couldn’t sell your daughters as slaves? What would you do with conquered tribes if you couldn’t enslave them? They couldn't imagine life without slavery.

The alternative explanation is that God thinks slavery is ok, and ISIS should not be condemned for practicing it.

Seun:
Good question. The answer is that the ancient Jews who wrote the Bible didn't think slavery was wrong. They grew up with it and it was normal to them. The thought of abolishing it completely must have seemed ridiculous. How do you pay your debts if you can't sell your daughters into slavery? What would you do with war captives if you can't make them slaves?

The alternative explanation is that God thinks slavery is ok, and ISIS should not be condemned for practicing it.

I think your first answer shows how the bible and other religious books are pulling us back... To be fair, it was probably okay at that time. But God should have known better. The real issue comes to fore when the Christian European slave masters use the bible to justify slavery. Because of the strong appeal of the God argument, it closed people's minds to the inhumanity of it all and the few who could think beyond their religious indoctrinations couldn't prevail against the more popular Christian opinion. No wonder slavery lasted for four centuries

foladara777:
Am just going to post a few verses of the scriptures here showing the position of God towards slavery.
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)

Now, u would think the new testament would forbid slavery but no, it doesn't:
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5 NLT)

Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)

It's greatly disturbing that a supposedly good god who had the time to ban shellfish and the wearing of clothes off different materials didn't forbid one of the worst acts of man's inhumanity to man... What do you think??

Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts a stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

Seun:
Good question. The answer is that the ancient Jews who wrote the Bible didn't think slavery was wrong. They grew up with it and it was normal to them. The thought of abolishing it completely must have seemed ridiculous. How do you pay your debts if you can't sell your daughters into slavery? What would you do with war captives if you can't make them slaves?

The alternative explanation is that God thinks slavery is ok, and ISIS should not be condemned for practicing it.

Sounds like what Bush said about the African Americans wanting reparations for their ancestors being enslaved. He said it was legal at the time so therefore no crime was committed. Man is evil and man made God in his image.

foladara777:
Am just going to post a few verses of the scriptures here showing the position of God towards slavery.
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)

Now, u would think the new testament would forbid slavery but no, it doesn't:
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5 NLT)

Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)

It's greatly disturbing that a supposedly good god who had the time to ban shellfish and the wearing of clothes off different materials didn't forbid one of the worst acts of man's inhumanity to man... What do you think??

Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts His stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

How many times are we going to discuss this ? Are you guys this desperate ?

Anyway , read the rebuttal here : https://www.nairaland.com/3210816/bible-slavery-answering-ignorant-atheists

chrmn1:
Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts a stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

No, it was not a mutually beneficial contract... They were merchandize. The bible says they can be purchased and beaten, even killed if they didn't die immediately... There's nothing mutually beneficial about that... Read the verses I quoted again... Just admit your God failed to address the issue

chrmn1:
Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts His stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

Thanks. I was going to say something about society evolving and that the principles prescribed then (in the Bible) still works today in spite of how far society has evolved....In spite of this metamorphosis, in this 21st century, some folks still see the need to have helpers - maids, drivers, cleaners, babysitters etc and the relationship between both parties is symbiotic. I believe we ought to bear this in mind. Abuse is what is condemned both then and now.

The Bible speaks of beating slaves but remember it also spoke about beating your child when he deserves it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MFmC6BD1B4
The above video is highly relevant; please watch it if you have enough data.

KingEbukasBlog:

How many times are we going to discuss this ? Are you guys this desperate ?

Anyway , read the rebuttal here : https://www.nairaland.com/3210816/bible-slavery-answering-ignorant-atheists

If that's what you call a rebuttal, you must have a weird way of looking at things...
So because there were no chains around their necks, it's not slavery?? Well, this is the definition of a slave:
A person who is the property of another person and whose labor and also whose life often is subject to the owner's volition.
It was slavery, God didn't forbid it. In fact, by the rules of the bible they could be purchased and beaten, even to death as long as the slave didn't die within two days

Scholar8200:
Thanks. I was going to say something about society evolving and that the principles prescribed then (in the Bible) still works today in spite of how far society has evolved....In spite of this metamorphosis, in this 21st century, some folks still see the need to have helpers - maids, drivers, cleaners, babysitters etc and the relationship between both parties is symbiotic. I believe we ought to bear this in mind. Abuse is what is condemned both then and now.

The Bible speaks of beating slaves but remember it also spoke about beating your child when he deserves it.

Did the bible speak against slaves dying as a result of the beating, when the slave doesn't die before the third day?? Or against buying human beings for money?? Dont compare maids, drivers and the likes to slaves. It's insulting to those people. Don't be obnoxious on behalf of your God, he can handle that aspect himself

foladara777:

Did the bible speak against slaves dying as a result of the beating, when the slave doesn't die before the third day?? Or against buying human beings for money?? Dont compare maids, drivers and the likes to slaves. It's insulting to those people.

ok

foladara777:

If that's what you call a rebuttal, you must have a weird way of looking at things...
So because there were no chains around their necks, it's not slavery?? Well, this is the definition of a slave:
A person who is the property of another person and whose labor and also whose life often is subject to the owner's volition.
It was slavery, God didn't forbid it. In fact, by the rules of the bible they could be purchased and beaten, even to death as long as the slave didn't die within two days

Everything pertaining slavery was discussed in detail on that thread - anything you can think of . I don't have strength to start repeating what has been said . Go and look for another topic that would lead to endless fruitless arguments that won't change anything .

This slavery thing was one of the reasons I started giving up on the bible...
Very sad..
Seun this should be on FP.

Codedrock:
This slavery thing was one of the reasons I started giving up on the bible...
Very sad..
Seun this should be on FP.

If Seun puts this on FP ,then the rebuttal should also make FP

Seun should put this one on FP since it has over 2000 views and very interesting arguments

https://www.nairaland.com/3210816/bible-slavery-answering-ignorant-atheists

This thread is useless because of the link above

KingEbukasBlog:


Everything pertaining slavery was discussed in detail on that thread - anything you can think of . I don't have strength to start repeating what has been said . Go and look for another topic that would lead to endless fruitless arguments that won't change anything .

Running away already?? This is your classic move... I raised issues in my reply to you but what do you say?? U don't have strength... Well, while u run, ponder this: God had the time to forbid the eating of shell fish, but forgot to forbid slavery. And when pastor says God is good, u say all the time

foladara777:

No, it was not a mutually beneficial contract... They were merchandize. The bible says they can be purchased and beaten, even killed if they didn't die immediately... There's nothing mutually beneficial about that... Read the verses I quoted again... Just admit your God failed to address the issue

Friend, if you look up Matthew 19:8 it says God permitted them to divorce their woves because they were obstinate about giving up the act but that He never approved of the act. Similarly, the reason why He would seem to 'okay' the act of slavery could be inferred from that passage in Matthew. 'Because of your obstinate hearts' tells me that He had tried to discourage them from he act but they wouldn't yield.

KingEbukasBlog:


If Seun puts this on FP ,then the rebuttal should also make FP

Seun should put this one on FP since it has over 2000 views and very interesting arguments

https://www.nairaland.com/3210816/bible-slavery-answering-ignorant-atheists

This thread is useless because of the link above

Are you scared that a lot of people will see this?? Don't worry, u can rebut the issues raised on this thread, on this thread

chrmn1:
Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts His stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

@bolded, I can't believe someone will type this.

Do u have any idea what slavery is at all?

KingEbukasBlog what do u 've to say about this., this guy just insulted common sense

You should be ashamed of yourself

Christians trying hard to defend their delusions

foladara777:

Running away already?? This is your classic move... I raised issues in my reply to you but what do you say?? U don't have strength... Well, while u run, ponder this: God had the time to forbid the eating of shell fish, but forgot to forbid slavery. And when pastor says God is good, u say all the time

His thread was trashed na...

chrmn1:
Friend, if you look up Matthew 19:8 it says God permitted them to divorce their woves because they were obstinate about giving up the act but that He never approved of the act. Similarly, the reason why He would seem to 'okay' the act of slavery could be inferred from that passage in Matthew. 'Because of your obstinate hearts' tells me that He had tried to discourage them from he act but they wouldn't yield.

U are comparing divorce with slavery?? And are u implying that God couldn't make a law against slavery because the people liked it?? Because that idea is against the notion that God is omnipotent.
And why did Jesus, the cooler version of his father fail to forbid slavery the same way he forbade divorce?? Or he considered divorce worse than slavery?

foladara777:

U are comparing divorce with slavery?? And are u implying that God couldn't make a law against slavery because the people liked it?? Because that idea is against the notion that God is omnipotent.
And why did Jesus, the cooler version of his father fail to forbid slavery the same way he forbade divorce?? Or he considered divorce worse than slavery?

Stop entertaining that guy with a response...The trash he has said is enough for the night

First, we must recognize that the Bible does not say God supports slavery. In fact, the slavery described in the Old Testament was quite different from the kind of slavery we think of today - in which people are captured and sold as slaves. According to Old Testament law, anyone caught selling another person into slavery was to be executed:

"He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death." (Exodus 21:16)

So, obviously, slavery during Old Testament times was not what we commonly recognize as slavery, such as that practiced in the 17th century Americas, when Africans were captured and forcibly brought to work on plantations. Unlike our modern government welfare programs, there was no safety-net for ancient Middle Easterners who could not provide a living for themselves. In ancient Israel, people who could not provide for themselves or their families sold them into slavery so they would not die of starvation or exposure. In this way, a person would receive food and housing in exchange for labor.

So, although there are rules about slavery in the Bible, those rules exist to protect the slave. Injuring or killing slaves was punishable - up to death of the offending party. Hebrews were commanded not to make their slave work on the Sabbath, slander a slave, have sex with another man's slave, or return an escaped slave. A Hebrew was not to enslave his fellow countryman, even if he owed him money, but was to have him work as a hired worker, and he was to be released in 7 years or in the year of jubilee (which occurred every 50 years), whichever came first. In fact, the slave owner was encouraged to "pamper his slave".
Since many of the early Christians were slaves to Romans, they were encouraged to become free if possible, but not worry about it if not possible. The Roman empire practiced involuntary slavery, so rules were established for Christians who were subject to this slavery or held slaves prior to becoming Christians. The rules established for slaves were similar to those established for other Christians with regard to being subject to governing authorities. Slaves were told to be obedient to their master and serve them sincerely, as if serving the Lord Himself. Paul instructed slaves to serve with honor, so that Christianity would not be looked down upon.

As with slaves, instructions were given to their masters as to how they were to treat their slaves. For example, they were not to be threatened, but treated with justice and fairness. It goes on to explain that this was to be done because God is the Master of all people, and does not show partiality on the basis of social status or position.

There is an interesting letter in the New Testament (Philemon 1: 10-21) that gives some insight into the problems encountered in the early Christian church regarding the issue of slavery. Paul, is writing from a Roman prison awaiting trial. He is writing to Philemon, who runs a local Christian church out of his house (since Christianity was highly persecuted at this point in time).

[b](Philemon 1:10-21)

10. I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,
11. who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.
12. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,
13. whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;
14. but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will.
15. For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,
16. no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17. If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.
18. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account;
19. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well).
20. Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
21. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. [/b]

Philemon, we find out, is the master of the slave Onesimus, who has escaped but has been converted to Christianity by Paul. In the letter, Paul indicates that he is sending Onesimus back to Philemon. However, Paul says that he has confidence that Philemon will "do what is proper" although Paul wants him to do it by his "own free will". Even so, Paul indicates that Onesimus would be a great aid in helping him spread the gospel. Paul ends the letter by saying that he has "confidence in your obedience" and indicates that he knows Philemon "will do even more than what I say." Although Paul did not directly order Philemon to release Onesimus from slavery, it would have been difficult to come away with any other conclusion from his letter.

Contrary to the claims of many skeptics, the New Testament proclaims that all people are equal in the eyes of God - even slaves:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. (Ephesians 6: 8 )

And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6: 9)

a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)

The idea that God or Christianity encourages or approves of slavery is false. In fact, anybody who was caught selling another person into slavery was to be executed. However, since voluntary slavery was widely practiced during biblical times, the Bible proscribes laws to protect the lives and health of slaves. Paul, the author of many of the New Testament writings, virtually ordered the Christian Philemon to release his Christian slave from his service to "do what is proper". In addition, numerous verses from the New Testament show that God values slaves as much as any free person and is not partial to anyone's standing before other people So anyone who wishes to put modern slavery and slavery in Biblical times on the same pedestal is simply being dishonest and mischievous.

chrmn1:
Hi friend. There is such a thing as the permissive will of God (Romans 12:1-3). If I marry a harlot today, God puts a stamp on it because I have signed on the dotted line. He puts His stamp on it not because He feels it's the right thing to do but because He'll always honour a contractual agreement between parties so long as there was no force or duress involved. God will only give the terms in which both parties are to conduct themselves in such a relationship. Regarding slavery in those days, it was a mutually beneficial contract between parties and usually the bondservant would rather stay with his master and serve him because of the provision he/she would get as a result. It was sort of a business engagement that involved terms and conditions and God would work with them even in that context. Here's what He says masters should do in return:

"And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him" (Eph 6:9)

sir !!!!! Evil is evil even from the beginning , it has no different name than evil. The act of slavery is evil even from the bible . If the bible writers did not condemn it , it meant something is wrong with the bible and the bible remain imperfect. I am a christian too but I stand and I condemn the act of slavery from the bible . Slaves were created by who? Who made them? Huh so those slaves don't have choice to live on their own Wow!!!!! That's pathetic from the writers of bible. To tell you that we human were the one that made this rules and regulations in the bible and God ordained it for us. Thank God for thomson something like that, that fought the fight and liberate men from slavery I respect him more than many people in the bible. See I am pastor but am not blind one.

4evergod, do you support the enslavement of Christian women by ISIS if the Christian women are "well-treated" like the slaves of bible jews?

Do you support the enslavement of Nigerians who can't pay their debts because of the economic recession, or their kids, so they "won't starve?"

@jcross19, thank you for being honest about this and taking the right moral stand; you have my respect.

Seun:
4evergod, do you support the enslavement of Christian women by ISIS if the Christian women are "well-treated" like the slaves of bible jews?

slave is slave and is evil , no one should encourage be it from bible or anywhere . By the way we christians see all things in the bible as right deed,no!!! There are many evil things in the bible we christians of this generation need to condemn them.

4everGod:
--

First we must acknowledge that u copied this epistle from a website which I already read from...

Second, that God did not expressly support slavery doesn't mean he didn't support it... The support can be implied from the verse that authorizes Israelites to purchase slaves.

Third, it's not enough to not support something as evil as slavery, especially for a Good and powerful God. U have to expressly condemn, forbid and preach against it. If humans are looking to you for direction, u had better offer that direction unless u are not doing a good job as God

Fourthly, that the slaves were not chained at the necks doesn't make it any less slavery. They were human beings sold as merchandize and used for labor. That's the definition of slavery.

Fifthly, u mentioned that slave owners were not allowed to have sex with another man's slave. By implication, he could sleep with his own slave. That's rape.

Sixthly, and probably finally, Jesus, the cooler version of his father with better temperament didn't forbid the act, he had time to forbid swearing and divorce but no time to forbid slavery. So also, all his disciples, including Paul.

I honestly believe the worse thing about religion is that it forces us to justify acts of inhumanity by and for God. Acts that normally go against our conscience. Any Christian that can respond to this comment Post by post is welcome to do so.

jcross19:
sir !!!!! Evil is evil even from the beginning , it has no different name than evil. The act of slavery is evil even from the bible . If the bible writers did not condemn it , it meant something is wrong with the bible and the bible remain imperfect. I am a christian too but I stand and I condemn the act of slavery from the bible . Slaves were created by who? Who made them? Huh so those slaves don't have choice to live on their own Wow!!!!! That's pathetic from the writers of bible. To tell you that we human were the one that made this rules and regulations in the bible and God ordained it for us. Thank God for thomson something like that, that fought the fight and liberate men from slavery I respect him more than many people in the bible. See I am pastor but am not blind one.

Lol, someone hacked your account

Rilwayne001:


Lol, someone hacked your account

you think am like you? Who can defend the truth. Am follower truth and I stand for it. God gave me free will to ask question anytime and question according to the book of isaiah 1 vs 18. But you can't question the authority of koran because you are slave to it but am not.