Anti v. Pro Slavery in the Bible

 The Bible's take on anti-slavery

The Bible has over one-hundred references of slavery but the majority of them proclaim that slavery is wrong, both in the Old and New Testament slavery Bible verses. Looking into the Old Testament first, in Exodus 21:16 it says, “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” This verse is identical to how slavery worked all throughout history so I think it is safe to say the Bible was not fond of the idea of it. 

slave in the process of being sold

Most of what was known as slavery was actually indentured servitude meaning that people willingly went into unpaid services to a “master” to pay off any debt or wrong actions they may have. The scriptures did have a say in this though, they state that it is required for slaves to be freed six years after they were enslaved. Finally, it says in Deuteronomy 23:15-16 that slaves who successfully run away should not be returned to their owners. 

slaves being forced to haul a statue

A good point of the New Testament is one of the Ten Commandments being resurfaced in Matthew 22:39, love your neighbor as yourself. This shows more evidence that the Bible does not recommend slavery to exist. I would say that all of this is enough evidence to say the Bible is anti-slavery. 

Affirmative argument for slavery from the bible

In favor of slavery from the Christian Bible, I hereby make an argument that it is acceptable as it is stated in scripture that: Ephesians 6:5 commands slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect, fear, and sincerity of heart, just as they would obey Christ Slavery bible quotation

rounding out the slaves

As well as from Levictius 25:44-46   “You may buy male and female slaves from among the nations that are around you... they may be your property... you may bequeath them to your sons after you to inherit as a possession forever." making it clear that the ownership of those beneath, is morally tolerable. As well as the prominent argument that those of dark skin are the descendants of Ham’s son Canaan. This curse is one of the key religious justification for the Atlantic slave trade. 

Transitioning, it is important to decipher that those who may own slaves could and may treat them with care, meaning the property of the masters are being treated with the appropriate amount of care and being given free housing and food all at the small cost of labor that is up to the discretion of the master.

slaves hard at work

By United States law, a master is permitted to do what he pleases with his property. Meaning he is consented to sex, lashings in the case his possession does not obey, and any form of disciplinary action.