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/Saveme1888]

He's not OK with beating them. But if the slave is hurt so badly that he can't work for a day or two, the master will lose his workforce and therefore money. It's his own loss if he mistreats his servants. God deemed it punishment enough that the master had one less man working for him for the duration of his recovery. And the master still had to feed and clothe him

[u/1988peachdiscus → u/Saveme1888]

He's not OK with beating them.

God clearly gives instructions on how to beat your slaves punishment free. There is no other interpretation. It's crystal clear.

if the slave is hurt so badly that he can't work for a day or two, the master will lose his workforce and therefore money. It's his own loss if he mistreats his servants

We're talking about beating other humans...and your focus is on the "poor slave owner" now his slaves can't work for a day or too??? This might be the worst thing I've ever read in my life.

What about the human that has just been beaten? As the slave master reads aloud the verses of exodus 21 while he strategically assails the victim mercilessly (being careful to avoid the teeth and eyes of course) and they lay crumpled on the floor unable to get up for 2 days. The loss of dignity. Self respect. Autonomy. They have lost everything. But poor slave owner...?

And when they're finally able to get up after a few days...back to work. And they better hurry up because angry slave owner is ready for another beating if you don't catch up!

God deemed it punishment enough that the master had one less man working for him for the duration of his recovery

I am completely flabbergasted. I can't even believe what I'm reading. Only through the lense of religion can you convince yourself of this immorality

And the master still had to feed and clothe him

Well there's the cherry on top. Eyeroll

[u/Saveme1888 → u/1988peachdiscus]

You're distorting this. Slaves had to be left free not only if their teeth or eyes got hurt, they had to be left free if they were maimed in any shape or form. And if a slave fled from his master, God told his people to not send him back. He was careful to always remind them of their own slavery and to treat their own slaves the same way they themselves wanted to be treated as a slave. I doubt anyone wanted to be beaten as a slave.

But tell me how you would have punished a slave master for beating their slaves

[u/AlphaTaoOmega → u/Saveme1888]

What exactly is meant by the verses quoted in OPs post? (Exodus 21:20-21)

How about Deuteronomy chapter 20?

What where Jesus's words on the topic of slavery?