Exodus 21:1-11 click here for the reading
In the commandments that honor others, the vested interest that God shows in all of God's creation is remarkable. In this reading, God outlines fair treatment of slaves. Given the context of North American Christianity, we have trouble wrapping our heads around slavery because images and shared memory remind us of our cruel past (not so long ago). Christians often look to the bible and find ways of having scripture support their own causes. (This is called isogesis or putting into rather than the orthodox practice of exegesis or drawing out of scripture)
Slavery was a common practice in 1200 BCE. Slaves earned a living by being in contract with their owner. This is not to support slavery but rather draw out a context for which these scriptures are written. The commandments that honor God help us see what God's vision for the context of God's people at the time. So, even though we no longer have 'approved' systems of slavery, these scripture might draw us to a greater understanding of what systems we see God speaking into for fair treatment. Notice the respect that God demands both slave owner and slave have for one another, honoring the contract and commitment of each. What systems, class, or peoples might God speak to us about who are in need of fair treatment?
Slavery was a common practice in 1200 BCE. Slaves earned a living by being in contract with their owner. This is not to support slavery but rather draw out a context for which these scriptures are written. The commandments that honor God help us see what God's vision for the context of God's people at the time. So, even though we no longer have 'approved' systems of slavery, these scripture might draw us to a greater understanding of what systems we see God speaking into for fair treatment. Notice the respect that God demands both slave owner and slave have for one another, honoring the contract and commitment of each. What systems, class, or peoples might God speak to us about who are in need of fair treatment?
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