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Quote by: Isherwood  Actually, I think this represents one of the more enlightened views of early Christians.
Slave owning was common in Biblical times among almost all people in the Middle East. Since I doubt the life of slaves has changed much throughout history, I suspect they lived miserable lives and were considered to be less than human.
Along comes this new religion preaching about a new god, actually the son of the old god, who wants us to be kind and love others, even our slaves. Note, Christianity never encouraged freeing the slaves. They probably realized that would make them unpopular with nearly everyone and not do their cause a lot of good. But they did encourage humane treatment of slaves, and told slaves they could be Christians too, if they just believed.
In fact, Christianity was presented in such a way that even slaves could easily embrace it. You were a slave to a greater god than your owner. That was a familiar feeling, one they could identify with. In societies, everyone's a slave to someone else in many situations. The state, your boss, your customers, your image... So almost anyone can relate to a system in which they play a familiar role. What sold Christianity was that they made being a slave not just bearable, but rewarding. |
I just want to acknowledge your good explanation. This was used throughout the centuries, and Martin Luther had much to say about being a good bondservant. He unquestionably believed if one was a slave that was the way God ordained it, and rebelling against being a slave was equal to rebelling against God.
This thinking carries on through our civilization, and government using churches to make the poor content to work hard and be satisfied with their reward in heaven. It is sinful to be worldly and greedy, and blessed to serve.