Summary
As the debate over slavery intensified in the mid-19th century, both its supporters and opponents invoked the Bible and religion to defend their positions. Many ministers argued that the Bible endorsed the institution, noting that, among other things, patriarchs of the Old Testament owned slaves and nevertheless held favor with God, and that the New Testament implored slaves to obey their masters. Other ministers, however, found ample criticisms of slavery in the Bible and argued that Jesus's teachings in the New Testament—to love one another and to treat others as you would want to be treated—implicitly condemned slavery. Was the Bible proslavery or antislavery?
This eBook examines role of religion in American slavery and delves into the pro and con arguments that surrounded it. It includes a timeline, primary sources, a bibliography, a "Learn More About" chapter with more information on the topic, and a "What If" chapter speculating on what might have happened had the Bible unequivocally endorsed or condemned slavery.