Subject: Inspired or not? |
Bible Note: Dear trigger, Matthew Cross gives an excellent response to a very similar question to that asked in your original post. Here's the link (split in order to avoid SBF post display problems): http://www.thirdmill.org/answers/answer.asp/file /99757.qna/category/ot/page/questions/site/iiim I've worked closely with blacks over the years. I've ministered in black churches from North Carolina to Texas. As believers they have a unique set of challenges, worsened by the influence of government and modern politics. I've been so grateful that in the last decade there is a growing knowledge and desire for orthodoxy in many predominantly black churches. Before I go on with this discussion I want to remind you of the clear message of Scripture: The world has sufficient knowledge of God to know that the things we assert about Him are true (Romans 1:19-20). Yes, their minds are darkened by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4), but fundamentally they do not want the knowledge of Him in their minds (Romans 1:28). We well understand, since we have the same fallen nature. It is only in repentance that we learn to take ownership of our sin. Oh, but it is much easier to rationalize, blame, excuse, minimize, sidestep, ignore, and deny! With regards to the topic of slavery: I rather think this is one of the political hot buttons that the unbeliever likes pushing. Not only does it make many Christian's squirm, but it allows the reprobate to imagine he has found some fault in God's character. So, first, spend a little time studying Christian history. What you'll find is that the anti-slavery movement has its roots in Christianity -- as do most of the great social reforms since the fifteen-hundreds. We can take great pride in what the Lord has done with the lives of believers over the last five centuries. The very fact that slavery is found to be morally repugnant in our nation today is directly due to the Great Awakening, and not because lost people somehow discovered a conscience. Furthermore, the folks bringing up this issue of slavery should be asked to explain why slavery is still practiced in several African nations. Islam prohibits slavery of other Moslems, consequently there are Christians suffering as slaves in places like Sudan. Meanwhile, here in the States, over 47 million babies have been killed in the last thirty years. The statistics of the number of black versus white abortions ought to be raising issues of self-induced genocide. But, of course, its easier to dig up obscure verses in the Bible in self-righteous PC indignation. Lord, forgive us our hypocrisy! Slavery as practiced in ancient Israel was nothing like what was practiced in the Americas. (The latter was a tradition originated by Eastern slavers, before the discovery of the New World.) Also, keep in mind that the term slave and servant in Scripture are often used almost interchangeably. To the Israelite slavery was not greatly distinguished from other forms of servitude (e.g., younger cousins living in the household of a rich uncle, as implied in Leviticus 22:11). Broadly, there were two distinct kinds of slaves in Biblical times: First, there were the national slaves of the state. Usually, these were subjugated peoples (Numbers 31:25-47; Joshua 9:23; 2 Samuel 8:2, 14; 1 Chronicles 18:2, 6, 13). There was also a partial kind of slavery of people who owed a specific amount of labor, yet who lived otherwise free lives (Joshua 9:23). Second, there were people who entered slavery because of debt (Exodus 22:2; 2 Kings 4:1). Selling oneself into slavery was also an escape from extreme poverty (Leviticus 25:39; 25:13, 40). These kinds of slavers were to be freed in the year of Jubilee unless they chose to remain in the household of their master (Exodus 21:5-6; Deuteronomy 15:16-17). They were not required to serve more than six years (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12). As with everything else in the Law, both royal and private slave owners often failed to abide by its requirements (Jeremiah 34:8-22). Although slaves were deemed property (Exodus 21:32; Leviticus 25:46), the rights of the owner were strictly limited while the slave's interests were protected. Abusive treatment of a slave would result in manumition (Exodus 21:26-27). Certainly slavery is an odious practice. This is especially true in light of the covenant of grace. By the way, the biography of John Newton (the author of the lyrics to Amazing Grace) contains an account of his struggle with the ethics of transatlantic slavery after becoming a Christian. It is a wonderful story of the providence God in the salvation of an incredibly wicked man. I apologize that it took me a few days to reply. A lot more could be written on this topic. I hope, however, that the above will give you some ideas for further study. In Him, Doc |