jemand

Given that the bible describes in GREAT detail every aspect of the temple services, don't you think something similarly could be done, much more succintly, guaranteeing the rights of workers?

The bible has been used to support all manner of atrocious slavery practices. Surely when it was written God would have seen this. If indeed the then it was preferable to be a slave (something I am NOT conceding), why isn't there a caveat stating "in 2000 years slavery will be unacceptable to God."

Or do you want still think slavery is a good idea TODAY?!??

Clouseau

I just answered the question. If you wanted to complain about the issue being off topic, you should have addressed the questioner at the time.

cajela

I once read a time travel novel in which slavery turned out to be better than death for the human race. In this world, no slavery meant less available labour, so the west didn't develop as much, and the Aztecs got ahead in the empire stakes. Cue mass human sacrifices.

It was by Orson Scott Card, I think. I've forgotten the title & am too lazy to google for it right now. It was a good read, quite thought provoking.

Not that I want to justify slavery. Even if it could be argued that slavery was at some historical point the lesser of two evils, it is still evil.

Toto

Interesting disucssion that mentions Card's fiction.

Gullwind

I agree with his question. I disagree with attempts to justify the bible's approval of slavery.

Ubercat

Orson Scott Card, another theist. Coincidence? :huh:

-Ubercat

cajela

That thought had occurred to me, but I'd be reluctant to tar Card with the slavery-apologist brush. It was a good, interesting, alternate history idea, with no biblical justifications mentioned that I recall. I vaguely recall that the inventor of slavery in this system was a Sumeric priestess.

I actually do think that one *can* plausibly argue for some limited versions of slavery as reasonable, in some specific historical/cultural circumstances. Forced labour as a punishment for crime, instead of expensive imprisonment, makes sense in a pre-civilised society. Hell, even in civilised societies! Many people are pretty happy with community service orders today - a clear cut case of forced labour! Though not, of course, with individual ownership. Could make an interesting MF&P topic.

Cheerful Charlie

I can always use a few more hard working field slaves.

CC

Toto

I still haven't gotten an answer to the question - is "LIVE FREE OR DIE" un-Biblical??

Clouseau

Then this is untrue:

'The bible has no specific proscriptions against slavery. I, and at least one other here, wish it did. That's all we're saying.'

You're imagining things, too.