What Bible Verses Did Slaveholders Cite to Justify Slavery- A Quizlet-Style Inquiry
How did slaveholders use the Bible to justify slavery Quizlet? This question delves into a significant aspect of American history, where religious texts were often exploited to support the institution of slavery. Slaveholders utilized various biblical passages to rationalize their ownership of enslaved individuals, presenting it as a divine right. This article explores the ways in which the Bible was used to justify slavery and its impact on the lives of African Americans during that period.
One of the most common biblical passages used by slaveholders was Exodus 21:2-6, which states, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he is taken in by one of his brothers, he shall go out by himself.” Slaveholders argued that this passage justified the institution of slavery, as it seemed to suggest that enslaved individuals were property to be owned and sold.
Another passage frequently cited by slaveholders was Genesis 9:25, which reads, “And he said, Behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you, and with every living creature that is with you, of the bird, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; even with every living creature that is upon the earth.” Slaveholders interpreted this passage as giving them the divine right to own slaves, as they saw enslaved individuals as part of their “seed” or descendants.
The Bible also contained numerous passages that were used to justify the subjugation of African Americans. For instance, 1 Peter 2:18-19 reads, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is thankworthy, if, when you do well, you suffer for it, suffering as you are suffering for Christ.” Slaveholders used this passage to assert that enslaved individuals should be obedient to their masters, even if they were subjected to harsh treatment.
Furthermore, slaveholders often cited the story of Ham in Genesis 9:20-27 as a biblical justification for slavery. According to the story, Noah’s son Ham saw his father naked and did not cover him. As a result, Noah cursed Ham’s descendants, including Canaan, and declared that they would be servants to their brothers. Slaveholders interpreted this passage as God’s divine plan for the African race to be enslaved.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against the institution of slavery, many slaveholders continued to use the Bible to justify their actions. The impact of this religious justification was profound, as it allowed slaveholders to maintain their power and control over enslaved individuals. It also perpetuated the dehumanization of African Americans, reinforcing the belief that they were inherently inferior and destined to be enslaved.
In conclusion, slaveholders used the Bible to justify slavery by selectively interpreting various passages to support their claims of divine right. This religious justification played a significant role in maintaining the institution of slavery and the dehumanization of African Americans. Understanding how the Bible was used to justify slavery is crucial in comprehending the complexities of American history and the struggle for racial equality.
