Does The Bible Support The Institution Of Slavery?

          "As for your male and female slaves whom you may have—you may acquire male and female slaves from the pagan nations that are around you." (Leviticus 25:44)

          The Old Testament's historical records include many practices that modern readers might find troubling. It is crucial to understand that these accounts do not inherently suggest divine endorsement of such practices. Instead, the biblical texts often describe the societal norms of the time rather than providing a moral treatise on these issues.

          In the ancient world, slavery was often a result of economic hardship. For instance, individuals might become slaves due to an inability to pay debts or provide for their basic needs (Genesis 47:13-19). Others entered servitude as a form of reparation for theft (Exodus 22:3). Importantly, slaves were typically set free after six years of service (Exodus 21:2), and were not to be abused or mistreated.

          Moreover, the biblical laws were quite progressive for their time in certain respects. For example, God explicitly forbade the kidnapping and selling of individuals into slavery, a practice punishable by death (Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24:7). The Apostle Paul also condemned human trafficking, describing those who engage in such acts as ungodly and sinful (1 Timothy 1:9-11).

          This form of slavery was markedly different from the brutal and racially-based slavery that occurred in America and the African slave trade. Ancient slavery was not based on skin color. While slavery in any form is a grievous condition, it is essential to note that Moses did not express approval of slavery itself but rather provided regulations to mitigate its harshness.

          The Apostle Paul encouraged slaves to obey their masters, not as an endorsement of slavery, but as a means of serving God within their given circumstances. Christianity, at its core, is not a political movement aimed at overthrowing governments but a transformative faith addressing the sinful condition of the human heart. The true change in culture comes through the conversion of souls to Christ.