You may recognize the following question as a spin-off from the thread by Catholic-Lady about how we determine that some things are good and some things evil. This is a spin-off and not subject to her intentions, stated or denied. I have my own intentions and my hope is that this question will spark an interesting and thought provoking discussion.
Question. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that our sense of right and wrong comes from god. Now, since the Judeo/Christian holy books do not prohibit slavery, from where do we get the idea that slavery is evil?
Jewish Scriptures:
Leviticus 25:44-46
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way.
Since god says they are not to treat other Jews this way, this is obviously slavery based on race.
Christian Scriptures
Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.
When a man asked Jesus to heal his slave, Jesus did not rebuke him for having a slave in the first place, but declared that he had never seen such faith. (Luke 7:3-9)
Now fast forward to the 21st century. We have folks declaring that slavery is a great evil against men kind. This is not a question of why the Bible doesn’t speak against slavery. I’ve heard the explanations. But this question asks instead from where did we get the a priori idea to when god clearly had no problem with it.
Question. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that our sense of right and wrong comes from god. Now, since the Judeo/Christian holy books do not prohibit slavery, from where do we get the idea that slavery is evil?
Jewish Scriptures:
Leviticus 25:44-46
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way.
Since god says they are not to treat other Jews this way, this is obviously slavery based on race.
Christian Scriptures
Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.
When a man asked Jesus to heal his slave, Jesus did not rebuke him for having a slave in the first place, but declared that he had never seen such faith. (Luke 7:3-9)
Now fast forward to the 21st century. We have folks declaring that slavery is a great evil against men kind. This is not a question of why the Bible doesn’t speak against slavery. I’ve heard the explanations. But this question asks instead from where did we get the a priori idea to when god clearly had no problem with it.
The god who allows children to be raped out of respect for the free will choice of the rapist, but punishes gay men for engaging in mutually consensual sex couldn't possibly be responsible for an intelligently designed universe.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.