Does the Bible condone slavary?

Mason Keller asks: Hi. I have a question. If God is so good, why doesn't the Bible condem slavery? Does the Bible condone slavary?

Hi there Mason,

Thanks for reaching out to us. First of all, your statement of the Bible not stating that slavery is wrong is not accurate. 1 Timothy 1:10 places slave traders in the same category as murderers, adulterers, perverts, and liars.

Secondly, the system of slavery is something to blame man for, rather than God. Slavery was a reality sanctioned by the economic situation of those days, rather than racial prejudice. Since there were no bankruptcy laws, people would voluntarily sell themselves into slavery. Skilled people would do it discharge their debts, as convicts would do it to make restitution.

Therefore, while the Bible recognizes the reality of slavery it never condones it. In fact, it was the application of biblical morals and principles that led to freedom from slavery, both in Israel and America. A freedom that arose on the biblical truth that all people are created by God as equal. (Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:28). Hope this give you the clarity you are looking for.

Comments:

Mason Keller: Pretty good answer, can't say I expect to get anything good. Thanks for the answer. Something I'll give a second look to.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Not a problem, glad we could be of service to you. Hope you continue to search for truth in either religion.

Mason Keller: Atheist isn't a religion. From what I understand, they don't believe in the magic and fairytales presented at times in the bible.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: The Bible presents that an intelligent source created the universe and its intelligent design. Atheist believe that the universe and its intelligent design was created from absolute nothingness. Which of these views take more faith to believe in? I'm pretty sure something coming from nothingness sound more like magic and fairytales.

Mason Keller: Well you guys seem to defend the bible pretty well, so as I run into more questions in my journey, I will run more things by you. Thanks for your time.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Thanks for reaching out. It's our pleasure to help in any way possible. We are just an email.

1 Timothy 1:10

"for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine"