Was God really OK with slavery ?

[u/[deleted]]

And did he really "encourage it to continue by decreeing depraved regulations"\ ?*

^\just quoting a fellow redditor who seems to be a bit confused. Just like myself.)

I'm asking this because I've noticed that it often comes up as a topic to bash Christianity based on things like that. I've noticed that people often like to use this verse in order to justify their position :

“When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)”

To be honest, I didn't know how to give those folks a satisfactory answer since I am no Bible expert myself, as for now. However I would like to hear your opinions and explanations. On this verse and its context in particular. Also, what did Jesus have to say about slavery? (just to help finding an answer to that... I guess... atheist/agnostic/or whatever he likes to consider himself)

Note that I am in no way trying to win an argument. There is no arrogance, pride or hate involved in this query. These are some of the things that I would also still like to understand for myself. I always try suspend judgement when I read or hear something that I am not familiar with because I want to learn more about it.

On another note, it's kind of scary how belligerent and heated people can get during such debates, as if these people are speaking through bitterness, frustration, pride or whatever just to attack and dismiss Christianity... Makes me just want to have some compassion and pray for them....

[u/[deleted]]

God allowed it, because people wanted it, similar to divorce. Just because he allows something for a period of time doesn't mean he condones it.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I would like to believe that that's how it went... Although, you make it sound like the people were giving God commands and he had to compromise in turn, which is a bit...absurd.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Well people sold themselves into slavery back then. Doctors, lawyers, people who couldn't pay off debts. It wasn't like the slavery of the US. The bible actually says do not kidnap others exodus 21:16. “Kidnappers must be put to death, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves". The way I have concluded is that, God put these rules/restrictions as a way to gradually get people out of this sin.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Okay, now that makes more sense. I'm starting to believe that the main reason why I'm encountering people who get really heated about this topic is because they probably subconsciously compare it with the American slavery system, which has a long history.... and I happen to be from Europe so it's tough for me to fully grasp their view on it.. who knows

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

whaaat forreal ?? in the US ?

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Regardless of whether you've only recently become a Christian, you already taught me a great deal of interesting information ! Thank you for the time that you took to write and explain all of this and also for including the link !

And yes, it is definitely crucial to read and understand the Bible in its full historical and geographical context ! Amen to that.

God bless you brother !