Introduction

Review the following resources for additional background.

The sermon “The Scriptural Vindication Of Slavery” from the references

The section from “A History Of The Moravian Church” relating to Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann. Note: They did not end up as slaves, but they were willing for the Gospel.

The following YouTube videos gives a little deeper dive into slavery in the Bible. You may want to use a small clip during instruction. See additional resources for Paul Copan’s book relating to the the subject.

The Scriptural Vindication Of Slavery

Note: All scriptures are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Warren used the King James Version (KJV). HCSB is used throughout the course and easier to read for many than the KJV. However, feel free, to modify handouts with your preferred version.

Old Testament

Curse of Ham

See article by Tony Evans in additional resources.

Laws Regulating Slavery

New Testament

Teachings of Jesus

Paul’s Writing

Questions

Role Play:

Before diving into questions, have 2 volunteers perform a role play in front of class. Have one person be the part of a Southerner and the other the part of a slave. Have the slave owner use the listed scriptures to teach the other that their race and slavery was an institution God supported. If anybody is willing to share, let them share.

After going through the other verses that give a clearer understanding of slavery in the Bible, have the slave share back to the owner other scriptures. If anybody is willing to share, let them share.

The one playing the part of the slave should feel more loved of God after having a clearer understanding of God’s word.

Review

We still see the ripple effects of these teaching of interracial marriage. For example, whites can marry Hispanics and Asians, but not Africans. If you have experienced racial situations in the church resulting from corrupt racial teachings from scripture.

Additional Resources

Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster Making Sense Of The Old Testament God. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.

Evans, Tony. Are Black People Cursed? The Curse of Ham. http://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Jan/18/are-black-people-cursed-curse-ham/