Dear Editor,
I read Josh Moody's article on slavery (Feb en) and agreed wholeheartedly.
However the Antebellum slavery was in fact based on a false biblical premise. Exodus 21.16 prohibits the kidnap of men for gain. Slavery in Exodus and Leviticus tends to be more about debt and war. Texts in Kings and Samuel speak of how Israel was meant to treat their captives fairly. I find it much easier to say historically self interested Christians chose to ignore the Bible. This was a sin, no greater than mine, but still a sin. Calling it what it is, calls people out. But yes we must do this in light of the crown of thorns, at the cross and with humility. Yet our African brothers need to know we consider it sin, then, now and always. Just to be consistent.
