Why Did So Many Christians Support Slavery?

[ollie10]

32. I have been to church for decades.

And, you know what? I can't remember a single sermon in favor of slavery every being preached. Neither do I remember a single church member telling me he or she thought we should have slavery.

I know, slavery was supported by the church.....but that was a long time ago.

Well, so was abolitionism.....some of the abolitionist pioneers were motivated by.....yes....religion.

"The fight to end slavery is usually associated with mid-19th century figures such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, but the first stirrings of the abolitionist movement began more than a century earlier among a group of former slaves, religious activists and political leaders. Below, meet six early pioneers of the antislavery cause, including an eccentric Quaker and a former slave trader turned abolitionist."

https://www.history.com/news/history-lists/6-early-abolitionists

Although many Enlightenment philosophers opposed slavery, it was Christian activists, attracted by strong religious elements, who initiated and organized an abolitionist movement. [1] Throughout Europe and the United States, Christians, usually from 'un-institutional' Christian faith movements, not directly connected with traditional state churches, or "non-conformist" believers within established churches, were to be found at the forefront of the abolitionist movements.[1][2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Abolitionism

It is also true that slavery was part of the Roman Empire, long before Jesus was around. So to blame it on Jesus is a stretch. Maybe there are reasons society has had slavery historically besides blaming it all on religion? Retired history teacher here, couldn't resist.

Today, virtually all Christian leaders condemn slavery as contradictory to God's will. Last I heard, we live in this day, not centuries ago.

OK....we can return now to bashing religion as the cause of slavery......my apologies in advance for having an heretical (on this board) view