Changes

The slavery system reduces a person to the status of an animal who can be owned by another person. The value of a slave was typically about the same as that of a [[race horse]]. The master controls and commands the slave, either through ownership of the slave like property, or by right to command him.

The slavery system reduces a person to the status of an animal who can be owned by another person. The value of a slave was typically about the same as that of a [[race horse]]. The master controls and commands the slave, either through ownership of the slave like property, or by right to command him.

Some say it is a contradiction of our God-given human rights. Yet the Bible states that thieves should be sold into slavery.<ref>Exodus 22:3 "He should make a full restitution; and if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.</ref> In the Old Testament era, slaves could be kept for six years. <ref>Exodus 21:1-4 "If thou buy a Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve; and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."</ref>  

Slave owners in the Southern states cited Ephesians 6:5, “slaves, obey your masters” as proof of Christian endorsement of slavery. Another Bible verse states that thieves should be sold into slavery.<ref>Exodus 22:3 "He should make a full restitution; and if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.</ref> In the Old Testament era, slaves could be kept for six years. <ref>Exodus 21:1-4 "If thou buy a Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve; and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."</ref> (See "Slavery in the Bible", below.)

 

== Ancient History ==

== Ancient History ==

[[Image:Ruslavery.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Painting of a slave market in early medieval Eastern Europe.]]

[[Image:Ruslavery.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Painting of a slave market in early medieval Eastern Europe.]]