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EPISODE 15: Doesn't the Bible Support Slavery?
What comes to mind when we mention Slavery? The African slave trade? ‘Upstairs Downstairs’? Imperialism/Colonialism. There are many ways in which we face slavery today. Some might say the Bible supports it. Is that right?
I'm somewhat rambly at times, but there are some raw materials here to help you answer the slavery question for yourself.
Thanks for this bro. The "living tools" idea is revealing! Atheism or any other idolatry results in tyranny both spiritual and economic, with people used as mere tools. Yet all of us are meant to be beloved tools of the great Toolmaster. He's the very One who said "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced" (Ps 40:6) or who echoed Isaiah 6v8 "Here I am! Send me." Now I'm a beloved tool joyfully following the Beloved and exalted Tool.
I've an idea for another question to answer: "It's all a conspiracy! You're just thinking what the governments want you to think, whether in matters of religion, morality, or economics." I keep getting asked that one, and the best I've come up with is: "Yes, abuse of government power is awful and real. But there's an even greater abuse of power that troubles me even more. And you know who wields that power? Me. When I abuse my power, the people I most love get hurt." What else have you found helpful?
Interesting - people accuse you of being a Christian because the *Government* conditions you that way? Never had that one myself. People have accused me of being brainwashed by *religious* authorities, but is your question about government authority per se?
The paranoid attitude I'm talking about points to almost anyone as a liar (the Government, the Jews, the Knights Templar, etc) such that one cannot be sure about anything significant (least of all Christianity). The resultant attitude is then "I'll trust only myself, and I'll look out for no.1" - and hey presto we're back in Genesis 3.