This is a continuation of a conversation elsewhere on Townhall that rapidly outgrew the column that it was attached to (Jena Jigsaw by Harry R. Jackson, Jr., 9/24/07)The poster in question is hostile to Christianity, and as such people often do, threw out some Bible passages that they have a problem with to "prove" the Bible is a fairy tale.Now, a lot of things spring directly to mind. First, it is always disingenuous (and often downright humorous) for a person who doesn't believe in the Bible to try to use pieces of it, without any context or understanding, as a club over the heads of Christians (or for that matter, Jews, the studious of whom have probably forgotten more of the Bible before their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs then the skeptic will ever learn in his lifetime).Second, Christians (I can't speak for any other) know that we need to understand the whole counsel of God. To use scripture to interpret scripture, the clearer passages to interpret the harder ones. You can't fully understand the New Testament unless you understand the Old and (though my Jewish friends would disagree) the OT truly comes alive when you understand the NT. You don't "cherry pick" verses to support a position (although, ironically, this is something the poster accused all Christians of doing).Third, spiritual things are spiritually discerned. You cannot approach the Bible in hostility and hope to understand it. In fact, you cannot understand the Bible without the aid of the Holy Spirit, who inspired its human authors.So, I'm going to try to answer the post. This would be a good time to state that I am the least of all Biblical scholars and confess that my Bible study too often is pre-empted by far less worthy pursuits. Nonetheless, Peter tells us to always be ready to give a reason for our faith. So here is the post with my comments added.The Bible on Slavery
Not exactly, as we will see.
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master (Matt. 10:24)No, not about slavery. A cursory reading of the whole passage will make it obvious that this is not about slavery, but is Jesus using the illustration of slaves and masters to make a point to those who would be his disciples. That is, if He, their master, will be hated and persecuted, then they cannot expect any different for themselves.Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is the slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. (Matt. 24:45-46)