Does the Bible Support Slavery? (Part 1 of 2 Part Post)

Often Christians are accused of using the Bible as an oppressive tool used by a theocratic population to hold down those who are different. Or something like that. We have all heard in history class how Christian Romans had slaves that built their empire to its greatness, how Crusaders took slaves from the many wars on their way to and from the Holy Land, and how the Bible was an oppressive tool used in the institution of American Slavery, due to it's mention of slaves and the need to obey their earthly masters. As Christians, we have vehemently fought against this notion, yet still stand extremely unclear of what the Bible really says, and what this really means for us today.

Where does the Bible really stand on the issue of slavery? It is clear that slavery was allowed and accepted in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We can see that Exodus 21 lays out laws for buying a slave that is a Hebrew, and the conditions for their release on the 7th year. (It is important to note that Hebrews entered the bondage of slavery by choice, due to lack of ability to pay a debt, or provide for themselves.Today we would call this indentured servitude.)(Exodus 21:2). We then see a much harsher form of slavery meant for Gentiles, or anyone who was not of Hebrew descent, in Exodus 21:20, where masters are to be put to death if they kill their slaves, but it is permissible to knock them unconscious for 2-3 days. In Leviticus 25:46 it then says you can “gift them to your children as property.” We can then see that Paul addresses slaves in the New Testament. (Ephesians 6:5).

It is true that the Bible is full of commandments for slaves, but it is not as direct as it may seem. First, while the New Testament addresses slaves as a reality in society; it does not advocate the institution. Next, it is important to know that with the sacrifice of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles became reconciled before God. (Romans 10:12). Therefore the rules for Gentiles are out, since we are all God’s children only the institution of indentured servitude continues (under the laws for Hebrew slaves mentioned above.) Lastly, The Bible not only puts all men, of all origins, on the same level of equality before God, but goes one step further to ban slavery as we commonly perceive it. Exodus 21:16 says, “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.” The American institution of slavery obviously violated this command with their endorsements of the slave traders, and the slave auctions. Since all men have been reconciled to equality in the sight of God, and become God's people, and this type of institution is specifically banned for God's people, it is apparent to see that this type of institution is in direct contrast with the Old Testament law. Even still, the New Testament is consistent with the Old Testament, 1Timothy 1:10 puts slave traders in the exact same boat as lawbreakers, and those who kill their fathers and mothers.

But the point is moot for Americans thanks to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. All Americans are free and equal by the law of the land. The main question then becomes who cares? The answer is millions. Slavery is not over. Millions are still oppressed by a lack of education, lack of independent provision, and the buying and selling of human lives in America and abroad. It is our job as Christians to recognize that this form of slavery, this oppression, is not Biblically permissible, therefore giving us a moral obligation to stop this travesty in any way that conforms to Biblical law.