Freedom and Slavery

Slavery and Freedom

When Paul writes to Philemon he makes his position on the matter known.  In verse 8 he says “using the authority of Christ I could command you to do the right thing… but I would rather persuade you to do it out of love”.  The “right thing” Paul has in mind is clearly freeing this slave Onesimus.

But, why does Paul say this now  and not before? Surely, Paul must have had previous knowledge that this church member named Philemon owned slaves. Did Paul give Philemon this advice at that time as well? Did Philemon choose to ignore it? Or did Paul simply look the other way until such time that this runaway slave become useful to Paul? These are questions we cannot answer.

But Paul’s heart and sympathy is with the slave… with the goal of freedom and brotherhood.

Consider that when Onesimus decided to escape his slavery… who did he run to? He ran to Paul. He probably had prior contact with Paul as a member of Philemon’s household, he knew where Paul’s heart was on the matter.

Another statement from Paul to consider is 1 Corinthians 7:21-24 which says “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them”.

What has complicated the matter greatly is people in positions of power and authority who over the centuries have used the scriptures to argue that slavery is simply part of the natural condition of humanity. Slaves should simply accept their lot and obey.

Then, there are the statements from Ephesians 6:5 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” [Colossians 3:22 says the same thing]. The word for slave [doulos] also means servant… for example it is used to describe Jesus who “made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant [doulos]. Jesus was not a chattel slave. So, we must consider the context.

When Paul refers to Onesimus as a doulos he clearly means a chattel slave.

Cultural Context: the institution of slavery, indentured servitude, and chattel slavery in the Greco-Roman world was everywhere. Up to 25% of the economy was based on slavery. Some were treated very well and some were treated badly [usually based on factors like education and race]. In some situations slavery was the only source of labor available [this would have created a real problem for Christians who were trying to run a business]. Slavery was inescapable. And if a person did run away there was no where else to go where you wouldn’t be hunted down.

But even if slavery was inescapable, and all pervasive, if it was morally wrong the church would have to take the position of telling members to participate in it.

So is slavery morally wrong? I personally find human slavery of any sort to be one of the most repugnant, suffocating, and heartbreaking aspects of human history. Furthermore it is not limited to any particullar century, or ethnicity, or geography. Huge segments of humanity have lived under one or another form of slavery over the millenia. Even today!… but that is another story.

I might have felt differently if I were raised 500 years ago, or in a different culture that had not spilled so much blood and angst struggling to overcome slavery. I admit that part of my rghteous indignation is because of how I have been raised… not my moral excellence.

What Does the Bible Say?

I want the bible to denounce slavery, to forbid it, to command us to rebel against it and prevail… but that is not what the bible says.

The bible is not a pro-slavery book… the great story of God’s redemption of Israel is told in the terms of escape and redemption from slavery. The message of our freedom from sin through the blood of Christ is presented in the terms of freedom from slavery to sin.

Futhermore, slave traders were considered the scum of the earth… slave trading was punishable by death under the old covenant… [Exodus 21:16].

Yet… the bible allows for slavery as an economic status within Israel. That includes both kinds: indentured servitude and chattel slavery. So, slavery is not of itself morally wrong. The problem with slavery [and it is a huge problem] is the potential it creates for human beings to be cruel, violent, oppressive, and sexually predatory with fellow human beings.

The scriptures are very clear that a high standard of moral behavior towards slaves is expected. They are human beings created in God’s image and should be treated as such. The biblical statements about slavery in Israel are not efforts to establish the institution…. they are actually regulations to prevent the most horrible abuses of the institution of slavery among God’s people.

God does not ban slavery… but he does ban cruelty, abuse, sexual exploitation, harness of heart, violence… and all the other viscious human sin that exercise themselves so forcefully within human slavery..

God’s Perspective on Freedom

God’s solution for humanity is not to be found in greater and more self directed freedom… the solution for humanity is to be found in greater and more perfect love.  

l Israel was redeemed from bondage and servitude to the cruel Egyptian masters… not so they could be free… but so that they could serve YHWH instead… from that point forward they would be His possession… HE would own them body and soul… But, He would be perfect, just, righteous, and always acting towards them in love.

l Through Christ you are released from our bondage and slavery to sin… HE owns you… you are HIS. He bought us and paid for us [1 Corinthians 6:20]. We are not redeemed so that we be free to do as we please… we are redeemed so that we might serve Christ… who is perfect, holy, righteous, and always acting to wards us in love.

l John 15:15 if Jesus is your master then He will elevate you to a status you cannot even comprehend…  Galatians 4:1-7.

Conclusion:

As much as I personally want the bible to condemn slavery, it does not. I do not think the bible promotes slavery either. The bible takes a neutral stance as it does with other human institutions such as  monarchy, democracy, socialism, capitalism. What God offers is guidance on how to operate within these institutions in a manner that demonstrates Godly character. Obedience to His commands… and a heart that demonstrates the works/fruits of the holy spirit.

If a slave owner always acted in Godly love towards those who were his slaves what would slavery look like? … Showing outgoing concern, and making every decision based on what was in the best interests and welfare of those who were his slaves.

Christ has set you free… not free from all present or future service. He has freed you so you might choose who and what you will serve, and how.