RE: Easy arguments against the Bible, and religion as a whole
January 1, 2012 at 9:36 pm
(This post was last modified: January 1, 2012 at 9:40 pm by Jackalope.)
Bible study time! Let's look at Leviticus 25 (NIV).
The above passages apply to Israelites.
These refer to non-Israelites.
Let's make this clear: Whatever the bible may say about the treatment of Israelite servants/slaves, Leviticus 25:44-46 absolutely and unambiguously condones slavery of non-Israelite persons.
It is irrelevant how they were or were not treated. Owning people as property (as is condoned above) is immoral and wrong, regardless of the context. That you do not see this is your moral failing, not ours.
I will stipulate that some other versions use "man servant", "handmaid" or other language, however, the context of Lev 25:44-46 clearly indicate that we are talking about human beings being bought and sold for labor, for life, as chattel property. That is the very definition of slavery whether you like it or agree with it or not.
Leviticus 25 Wrote:39 “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. 40 They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. 42 Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43 Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
The above passages apply to Israelites.
Quote: 44 “‘Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. 45 You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. 46 You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.
These refer to non-Israelites.
Let's make this clear: Whatever the bible may say about the treatment of Israelite servants/slaves, Leviticus 25:44-46 absolutely and unambiguously condones slavery of non-Israelite persons.
It is irrelevant how they were or were not treated. Owning people as property (as is condoned above) is immoral and wrong, regardless of the context. That you do not see this is your moral failing, not ours.
I will stipulate that some other versions use "man servant", "handmaid" or other language, however, the context of Lev 25:44-46 clearly indicate that we are talking about human beings being bought and sold for labor, for life, as chattel property. That is the very definition of slavery whether you like it or agree with it or not.
