How the Bible Supports Slavery | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Old Testament endorses a form of slavery that includes indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery, which cannot be dismissed as a benevolent or less grotesque version compared to American slavery.

Key Insights

• ℹ️ Slavery in the Hebrew Bible encompasses various forms, including indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery.
• 🇦🇸 The laws in the Hebrew Bible share similarities with the legal justifications and practices of American slavery.
• ❓ Although there are some protections for slaves, they are limited and ultimately prioritize the interests of the masters.
• 🕵️‍♀️ The practice of sexual slavery is present in the Old Testament, highlighting the ownership and exploitation of female slaves.

Transcript

apologists will say well let's just start off by making it clear that slavery in the Bible is nothing like slavery in the American South leading up to the Civil War and the problem is that's just not true if this is about the the protection of women it seems interesting that it's only about the protection of virgin women the women who slept with th... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Does the Old Testament endorse a form of slavery different from slavery in the American South?

Yes, the Old Testament includes laws that regulate various forms of slavery, such as indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery. While not identical to American slavery, these practices are morally questionable.

Q: Are the laws in the Hebrew Bible similar to those of the American South?

Yes, the laws in the Hebrew Bible bear striking similarities to those in the American South leading up to the Civil War, including legal justifications. This suggests a defensive stance for Antebellum slavery.

Q: Do the laws in the Hebrew Bible protect slaves?

While some laws provide certain protections, such as releasing indentured servants after a certain period, these protections are limited and do not justify the practice of slavery. The laws often prioritize the interests of the master over the well-being of the slaves.

Q: Is there evidence of sexual slavery in the Old Testament?

Yes, there are instances in the Hebrew Bible where sexual slavery is implied. Female slaves, particularly virgins, were taken as concubines without their consent. This practice reflects the ownership of their bodies and denies their rights.

Q: Does the Old Testament endorse a form of slavery different from slavery in the American South?

Yes, the Old Testament includes laws that regulate various forms of slavery, such as indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery. While not identical to American slavery, these practices are morally questionable.

More Insights

• Slavery in the Hebrew Bible encompasses various forms, including indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery.

• The laws in the Hebrew Bible share similarities with the legal justifications and practices of American slavery.

• Although there are some protections for slaves, they are limited and ultimately prioritize the interests of the masters.

• The practice of sexual slavery is present in the Old Testament, highlighting the ownership and exploitation of female slaves.

• Claims that the Old Testament regulates slavery to protect the vulnerable fail to provide a moral justification for the practice.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Slavery in the Old Testament is different from slavery in the American South, but it is still morally questionable.

• The Old Testament includes laws that regulate different forms of slavery, including indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and sexual slavery.

• Apologetic arguments often fail to acknowledge the similarities between the laws in the Hebrew Bible and those in the American South.