An Abomination

December 01, 2008

Slavery is an abomination to mankind. It is a stain on our humanity.

Am I saying something uncomfortable to hear? Is this something that would cause hard feelings, or arguments among friends? Probably not. The world has pretty much decided that slavery was a terrible social institution, and anyone who feels otherwise is a lunatic jerk. In fact, if the subject ever comes up, unless you chime in how you think it was terrible and inexcusable you might be shunned as viewed with suspicion as a nut.

What about the people who say that the slaves were actually better off than the would have been otherwise? That's racist! That's arrogant! You should be ashamed to even think such a thought!

What about the people who say slavery existed in Bible times, and Jesus never commanded everyone to become an abolitionist. The answer to this we say, is that the Bible teaches so many principles that an individual could not support such a system of exploitation and still call themself a Christian. We live in a world that is flawed, unjust, and unfair, but as individuals, our focus in live is not on ending all of the injustice in the world, but in ending the injustice and selfishness in our own lives. Ok, we say, that is a fair answer.

Now, how about his. War is an abomination. It is a stain on our humanity! Wait a minute. How can I say that? Think about it.

-- Greg