Read Along: 11—Does God Intend for Us to Keep Slaves?

Today we continue with Chapter Eleven in the Read Along with Apologetics 315 project. This is a chapter-by-chapter study through the book Is God Just a Human Invention? And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists by Sean McDowell and Jonathan Morrow. (Hear an interview about the book here.) Below you will find an audio intro for Chapter Eleven, a brief summary of the chapter, a PDF workbook with questions for the chapter, and some notable quotes. You’re also encouraged to share your comments and feedback for each chapter in the comment section below. Feel free to interact!  Index page here.

[Audio Intro] – Sean McDowell introduces this chapter.
[Chapter 11 Study Questions] (with kindle locations) – PDF study guide.
[Podcast Feed RSS | Podcast in iTunes] – Click to subscribe to the audio.

Summary
Chapter Eleven: Does God Intend for Us to Keep Slaves?
(pages 148-157)
Chapter 11 looks at the issue of slavery in the Bible. Does the Bible condone slavery? The authors explain that slavery predates Christianity and that the Bible does not condone it, only regulates it. They further describe the proper cultural context of slavery in Old Testament times, which is not to be equated with more modern understandings of slavery. Christianity, the authors argue, tolerated slavery until it could be abolished. Finally, the Christian worldview provides a foundation for equality and human dignity, whereas atheism does not.

Philosopher Paul Copan contributes a short essay reflecting on scripture and slavery. He offers three mains points for helping us understand slavery properly and where Christianity fits into the picture.

Notable quotes:

Before we can proceed any further, we must understand a critical principle of interpretation: Israel as described in the Old Testament is not God’s ideal society. (pp. 150-151)

God’s unfolding plan of redemption works through free moral agents who can either conform to his design or rebel against it. It becomes clear how God can’t just eradicate slavery all at once and still retain human freedom. (p. 152)

Therefore, when the Bible is properly interpreted and applied, we see that, far from enthusiastically endorsing slavery, the truth is that God’s people tolerated it with unheard of compassion and humanity until it could finally be abolished. (p. 153)

Discuss

1. How is Old Testament slavery different than modern slavery?
2. How does being made in God’s image inform our view of humanity and equality?
3. What was Paul’s view of slaves and masters on a spiritual and moral level?