7 More Passages
"For I can imagine no transgression more odious in the sight of God, and more sure to forfeit His blessing, than the willful determination to distort His revealed Word, and make it speak, not as it truly is, but as men, in their insane pride of superior philanthropy, fancy it ought to be."
"...All my prejudices of education, habit, and social position stand entirely opposed to it. But as a Christian, I am solemnly warned not to be "wise in my own conceit," and not to "lean to my own understanding." As a Christian, I am compelled to submit my weak and erring intellect to the authority of the Almighty. For then only can I be safe in my conclusions, when I know that they in accordance with the will of Him, before whose tribunal I must render a strict account in the last great day."
That's Bishop John Henry Hopkins speaking on a moral issue. He read scripture and knew there were passages in there that he and many others believed specifically taught on the issue at hand, which prompted him to speak against those who were trying to interpret the passages differently. He felt that there could not possibly be any other interpretation of scripture, which was causing great strife in the U.S. between those who agreed and disagreed on this point.
What was the conflict du jour?
Slavery! People were using the bible as justification for the practice of keeping slaves. Here's what others had to say:
"The doom of Ham has been branded on the form and features of his African descendants. The hand of fate has united his color and destiny. Man cannot separate what God hath joined." United States Senator James Henry Hammond
"[Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God... it is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation... it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts." --Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America.
"The right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example." --Rev. R. Furman, D.D., Baptist, of South Carolina
"There is not one verse in the Bible inhibiting slavery, but many regulating it. It is not then, we conclude, immoral." Rev. Alexander Campbell
Heh, I like that last one; sounds very similar to some arguments I hear today. So just what were the bible passages supposedly justifying slavery? Here's some of them:
Genesis 9:24-25 - When Noah woke up from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said: "Cursed be Caanan! The lowest of slaves shall he be to his brothers."
Exodus 21:2 - When you purchase a Hebrew slave, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall be given his freedom without cost.
Leviticus 25:45-46 - You may also buy them from among the aliens who reside with you and from their children who are born and reared in your land. Such slaves you may own as chattels, and leave to your sons as their hereditary property, making them perpetual slaves.
Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.
Titus 2:9 -Slaves are to be under the control of their masters in all respects, giving them satisfaction, not talking back to them
1 Peter 2:18-19 - Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse. For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace.
1 Corinthians 7:20-22 - Everyone should remain in the state in which he was called. Were you a slave when you were called? Do not be concerned but, even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it. For the slave called in the Lord is a freed person in the Lord, just as the free person who has been called is a slave of Christ.
The official stance of the church was pretty much in agreement with all the above people until Pope Leo XIII officially condemned slavery in 1890.
I must say I'm glad we finally got over ourselves and decided that slavery was immoral. Unfortunately it still remains a problem in the world; human trafficking continues, so we must keep fighting to stop it!