People reject the Bible because of its doctrines on slavery. They assume all slavery is evil, and that it is always preferable to be free than to be a slave.
Is it better to be a slave or to be free?
It depends. Often, when people think of slavery, they associate it with cruelty, beatings, unending hard labor, treating people like animals? Is this accurate? In some cases, probably, but certainly not in all cases.
Slaves were owners’ property. Would they mistreat their property or take care of it?
Imagine being a slave to a wonderful master.
1. Your master treats you like family.
2. You work Monday through Thursday 9-5. You have long weekends to do whatever you choose.
3. You love the work you do.
4. Your master lets you use everything they own.
5. When your child gets sick, your master pays for everything.
6. Your master protects you from your enemies.
7. Your master even gave you your own house.
Then imagine being set free. You are no longer a slave. Time to celebrate? No job, no income, no home, no food, perhaps despised by many vs. being loved by your master?
Some slaves in the Bible had great lives as slaves.
A few examples.
1. Potiphar put his slave, Joseph, in charge of everything he had. (Genesis 39:1-6).
2. Some slaves during the Old Testament period preferred slavery over freedom. (Exodus 21:2-6).
3. Daniel was given many great gifts and made ruler over all of Babylon (Daniel 1-2).
4. Philemon is a book in the Bible dedicated to taking care of a specific slave.
Saved people, God's children, are also His slaves. God is the most wonderful Master. Slavery to God is a rare and incredible privilege. Worship God because He receives you to be His slave.
Note.
Slaves are often called "servants" in the Bible.
Exodus 21:2 KJV
[2] If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
1 Corinthians 7:21 KJV
[21] Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
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