The Bible in Relation to Slavery Essay - 1773 Words

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and with good reason. For the stories written in it have changed the way many think and even believe when it comes to the power greater than this world. The Bible holds very specific opinions on things such as slavery, who humans should treat each other, and ultimately social justice. It has been one of the most important foundations for allowing social reform to occur in modern day history as well as the history of the whole world. However, it is forgotten in history class how prominent the ancient texts have changed the people. When looking at the history, it is discovered to be the strength of great people who have used its wisdom to bring about a change for those who could not do it on†¦show more content†¦It has set the tone forever on how we should treat and help people who are forced into labor and servitude. The first acknowledgement to make is that of the â€Å"midwives of the Hebrews.† They can be the conside red one of the first peoples to stand up before a power greater than them and act in a way of silent dignity. â€Å"But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, they let the children live.† (The New Oxford Annotated Bible 4th Ed., Exodus 1.17). In The Gifts of the Jews, Thomas Cahill clearly explains that their decision to not follow the Pharaoh makes them ultimately more worthy than the mighty king who rules over them. The instance that is being discussed is before Moses and Ramses. When a pharaoh thought he should place the execution of Hebrew slaves in the hands of the Hebrew midwives. â€Å"They are people of stature—real individuals who are worthy of names, unlike the little god king† (Cahill, 99). This is a powerful message to remember when looking at the people of history who have been the leaders of abolishing slavery. The slave owners remain nameless, but Abraham Lincoln will be forever remembered for his acts. Th e two midwives in their act to let the newborn children live can be considered an example for all future movements towards the resolution to end slavery, or even to stand up simply for what is wrong. Their act is small compared to the entire telling of the book of exodus, but if society has shownShow MoreRelatedReligion And The American Society895 Words   |  4 Pagesof the Bible and how it should relate to the fate of the country. Because of the importance of religion in the American conscience, in issues of race and slavery, both groups that favored racial equality and groups that favored racial inequality utilized religious arguments in debating the issue. One may wonder how Christianity, a religion many people feel to be based on peace and brotherhood, could be accepting of an institute such as slavery. In Kyle Painter’s article â€Å"The Pro-Slavery ArgumentRead MoreThe Strange Career of Jim Crow by C. Vann Woodward1063 Words   |  5 PagesC. Vann Woodward wrote The Strange Career of Jim Crow for a purpose. His purpose was to enlighten people about the history of the Jim Crow laws in the South. Martin Luther King Jr. called Woodward’s book, â€Å"the historical Bible of the civil rights movement.† (221) Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote revealed the true importance of Woodward’s book. Woodard’s book significance was based on it revealing the strange, forgotten facets of the Jim Crow laws. Assumptions about the Jim Crow’s career have existedRead MoreThe Debate On Sex Ethics Essay1410 Words   |  6 PagesGod’s will is expressed in the Bible, and the Bible forbids homosexual beh avior (Craig). This debate is called the traditional Christian argument. 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Douglass was an American slave that believed in Christianity, but struggled with the idea that slaveholder