Yes, the Bible allowed Slavery. It also Brought About its End.
Why didn’t the Bible outlaw slavery?
Like war and famine, slavery was a human horror that afflicted cultures throughout all of history. God knew the sinfulness of the human heart, and allowed it, just as he allowed divorce (Matt. 19:8). Making a single law to outlaw slavery was about as reasonable as decreeing that humans sprout wings and fly. Instead, God dealt with it in a more comprehensive, long-term way.
If you look closely at the biblical story, you can see that slavery is on God’s mind from the very beginning, and it will strongly shape the history and laws of his people Israel.
New Video Series on Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus
I’ve got some news. Last year Focus on the Family invited me to their offices to make some video series about my books. They have just published the first one, on Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus.
We made 6 short videos, about 10 minutes each, where I talk about some of the highlights of my favorite chapters. I also wrote questions so you can watch with friends and discuss them together if you like. [Read More…]