SLAVERY IS CONDEMNED BY NEARLY EVERYBODY EXCEPT THOSE WHO OWN SLAVES. There Is A Strong Belief That Slavery Is Evil, But Then This May Not Really Be True. Slavery could have benefits that are not found in cultures where slavery is outlawed.

Does the Bible say that slavery is a natural condition?

Happy Riches · Answer requested by Ashley Mallinson

The Bible says that slavery is a natural condition when it comes to man being enslaved by sin, because every human being has been born into a world that is governed by Lucifer, who has taken the planet Earth captive. As individuals who are born into captivity, we all become slaves to our captor

However, there needs to be clarity in respect to whether you are talking about spiritual slavery or the fact humans become slaves of other humans.

Everyone who works for wages is really a slave of his employer. The difference between being a slave who is given food and shelter and being set free to pay wages is that the person who is free can be laid off, whereas a slave cannot. Being laid off and not being employed can itself be a worse condition than being a slave. This is especially so when a person has no money, no food and no shelter.

In the Old Testament, a person could sell himself as a slave (Leviticus 25:39) but on the year of Jubilee, the person was to be set free (Leviticus 25:38-43). That is, unless the person decided that he would rather serve as a slave because of the favorable conditions bestowed upon him by his master (employer).

• When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s and he shall go out alone. But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for life. (Exodus 21:2-6)

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul states that, if possible, every slave ought to obtain his freedom. But more than this, if a person is a Christian, the person is not to become a slave, except to righteousness rather than sin.

• Were you a slave when called? Never mind. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (I Corinthians 7:21-23).

In the Old Testament, slavery is acceptable, not because this is an evil abusive lifestyle where people are enslaved against their will. Rather, slavery is recognized as status where people who are unable to help themselves can find a means of being helped. Unfortunately, people misconstrue what slavery ordained by God is really about. Justice and responsibility are hated by those who hate God. This is because at heart they are evil and hate the truth. Many claim they want justice, but when it comes to being responsible and upholding justice, they compromise and become corrupt.

A slave owner who adheres to God’s principles is just and responsible in his treatment of his slaves. Those who are not looking to our Heavenly Father, of course, do not care about humans, because they see them as mere animals without a spirit and a soul. These people view anyone who cannot give them what they want as lesser individuals. Slavery to these individuals does not prohibit being merciless and cruel to people. This is what happens when godless dictatorships reign or people who have no fear of God, or eternal judgment, reign over others. From what I have been told, ten pin bowling originated from the Caribbean, when slave owners buried wayward slaves in sand up to their necks and bowled coconuts at them and thought it good sport.

However, slavery is found in many parts of the world. There are sex slaves on every continent. There are slaves who are in jails on every continent. There are slaves who spend most of their time at their jobs on every continent. And when all said and done, everyone is a slave to sin and death, unless they can be set free from sin and enter into eternal life.

When talking about slavery, one really has to differentiate between treated as slaves by employers, slaves who are purchased, slaves who are born into captivity, slaves to sin and death, and slaves to righteousness. In fact, we could also add to this, we are slaves to the urges of our body—indeed, bodily functions have a habit of holding us captive.

Overall, one would have to say, the Bible does indicate slavery is a natural condition—the question is though: Natural in what regard?

The Truth About Slaves Is Really A Matter Of Justice And Responsibility