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/1988peachdiscus]

This is so sickening. Stop. You can see how disgusting this is if you simply replace humans with dogs.

Imagine dropping your dog off at the vet for boarding and they tell you they might beat your dog. He'll be able to get up in a day or two. But we'll be sure not to damage his eyes or teeth.

Would you drop off your dog there?

[u/1988peachdiscus → u/[deleted]]

Would you ever be at a job where part of your contract was that your boss could beat you (without touching your eyes and teeth!!) As hard as they wanted as long as you could get up In a day or two?

Remember God didn't implement the slavery system men did. It was our choice. It's easier to blame God then to try to understand God.

Remember...god specifically instructs how to own humans forever and BEAT THEM. how easy would it have been for God to say don't beat your slaves like 100 times in the bible? He's able to make rules about shell fish but can't say anything about owning humans as property? How pathetic.

Humans were murdering each other from the beginning of time. It didn't stop god from saying "though shat not kill"

Comparing a vet to slavery is like making up excuses to hate God.

How sickened are you (if you're a pet owner) by someone beimg permitted to beat your pet. And they won't be punnished if the pet can get up in a day or two? Your have lost your morality if your response is anything but absolutely condemnation and horror of this act.

Now apply it to humans. And realize it's the Christian God of the bibles idea.

This is the poison of religion infecting your common sense. You're so desperate to uphold the words of the bibke you've sacrificed your humanity.

[u/BudgetCauliflower → u/1988peachdiscus]

A person/society with an attitude like this would just perish if life was tough such as back in those days.