Richard Furman's The Biblical Justification For Slavery

Slavery has been in existence for almost the entire extent of human history. During the first years of this industry no one seemed to care much about the cruelty and immoral treatment slaves were forced to endure. During the 1800’s opinions began to be spoken, and questions about the morality of slavery came into question. Contrary to the beliefs of Richard Furman and George Fitzhugh that slavery was morally good and used even in biblical times, slaves such as Sally Thomas and Harriet Jacobs tell their horrific stories that give a different view of the brutal institution of slavery. One supporter of slavery was a South Carolina Baptist minister named Richard Furman. He wrote the address, The Biblical Justification for Slavery, to display the church’s views on slavery and how it was supportive of the state on the matter. Furman declares that the practice of slavery is “clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example in the Old Testament.” He uses the story of the Israelites being directed by God to purchase bondsmen and women from rebellious nonbelieving nations. The bondsmen and bondmaids were declared to be their “bondmen forever” and were not allowed …show more content…
Sally Thomas and Harriet Jacobs are just two of the many slaves who suffered in the bondage and industry of slavery. The pro slavery arguments made by slave holders were justified by out of context biblical scriptures and views only made by the master. The master sees no wrong doing in owning slaves because he is not the one being subjected to violence, lifelong servitude, and immoral treatment. However, some slaves found dignity by owning their own businesses, buying their freedom, or even learning to read and write. The firsthand accounts of these slaves show us how obvious it is that there is no excuse or justification for the awful life they were required to tolerate based on the complexion of their