Is Slavery Sanctioned by the Bible?   By: Isaac Allen

In "Is Slavery Sanctioned by the Bible?" author Isaac Allen delves into the controversial topic of slavery within the context of religious texts, primarily focusing on the role of the Bible. While the title itself is thought-provoking, it is important to note that this review will not refer to the book by its title.

Allen begins his exploration by providing an in-depth analysis of various biblical passages that discuss slavery, extracting key verses often used to justify or condemn the institution. The author's meticulous approach provided readers with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context in which these passages were written, granting insights into the prevailing attitudes of the time.

One of the book's strengths lies in Allen's objective assessment of the Bible's teachings on slavery. Regardless of personal beliefs or biases, the author's dedication to presenting multiple perspectives allows readers to form their own opinions. By quoting theologians and scholars, Allen adds depth to his analysis, considering interpretations that challenge the prevailing view that slavery is either wholly endorsed or denounced by biblical texts.

Additionally, Allen's ability to navigate such a sensitive topic with a calm and scholarly tone is commendable. His writing style is accessible and well-structured, making complex arguments understandable to a wide range of readers. The book's logical progression assists in following the author's line of reasoning, even for those without an extensive background in theology or biblical studies.

However, while Allen presents a compelling examination of the Bible's stance on slavery, one criticism is that the book occasionally falls victim to repetition. Certain arguments, ideas, or quotations are reiterated at various points, leading to a feeling of redundancy. A more concise editing process would have tightened the overall narrative and enhanced the engagement for readers.

Furthermore, the book could have benefited from exploring the perspectives of religious traditions beyond Christianity. While the primary focus was the Bible, other religious texts that address the issue of slavery, such as the Quran or the Vedas, could have provided a broader context for the discussion. Including perspectives from other faiths would have contributed to a more comprehensive assessment of the topic at hand.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Is Slavery Sanctioned by the Bible?" presents a well-researched and thoughtful exploration of a contentious subject. Isaac Allen tackles the complexities of the Bible's position on slavery with an objective approach, making this book a valuable resource for readers seeking a nuanced understanding of the topic.

First Page:

But the distinctive feature of this, as compared with other questions of national import, is, that here both parties draw their principal arguments from the Bible as a common armory of weapons for attack and defense. On the one side, it is claimed that slavery, as it exists in the United States, is not a moral evil; that it is an innocent and lawful relation, as much as that of parent and child, husband and wife, or any other in society; that the right to buy, sell, and hold men for purposes of gain, was given by express permission of God, and sanctioned by Christ and his apostles; that this right is founded on the golden rule; and says Dr... Continue reading book >>