Bible Challenge for Freedom Course:
Ever since Biblical times, people have debated whether or not slavery can be justified in the world.
According to Time magazine, Christians previously utilized the bible to condone slavery. Christians believed that slavery was a way of life for the Israelites. The religious group explains that the bible provides no information to support the idea that slavery should be prohibited. The story of Philemon proves this point. Philemon was a runaway that Saint Paul made to go back to his owner. In addition, the Latin word servus was used in the Bible to reference the word slave.
In Christianity Today, Christians supported slavery because they believed it, “stands as an institution of God.” The Christians rationalized this concept explaining Abraham and other patriarchs had slaves without God's disapproval, the Ten Commandments include the word slavery twice showing God's acceptance of it, and Jesus never rejected it even though slavery existed in the Roman world.
Islam is another religion that permitted slavery since the early times. Islamic scriptures recognized slavery as an establishment and allowed non-Muslims to be imprisoned. In Judaism slaves were considered property but were treated as a large family with different protections. Although slavery was permitted in Judaism, it wasn’t very strict, slaves were allowed to be released.
Overall, slavery is not negatively mentioned in the Bible. Some people argue that slaves are individuals who need supervision, and that slavery benefits the entire civilization. Today, religious figures believe slavery is immoral and unjust. Religious societies, like the Quakers, state that all people should be treated equally. The Quakers tried to help many victims escape from slavery.
References:
https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/slavery-and-religion
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-33/why-christians-supported-slavery.html
https://freetheslaves.net/take-action/faith-in-action-ending-slavery/
https://time.com/5171819/christianity-slavery-book-excerpt/
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