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'''Slavery''' was a peculiar institution found in all [[civilization]]s which diminished a person's value to the point where they would be regarded as a "thing" to be owned.  Slavery came into existence as a social institution largely to deal with common social problems such as thievery and drunkeness in eras prior to incarceration of prisoners supported by taxpayers.

'''Slavery''' was a peculiar institution found in all [[civilization]]s which diminished a person's value to the point where they would be regarded as a "thing" to be owned.  Slavery came into existence as a social institution largely to deal with common social problems such as thievery, drunkeness, and debtors in ancient times prior to incarceration of prisoners supported by taxpayers. 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]], although Biblical injunctions existed such as a prohibition against putting a slave's eye out. 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.

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|Slavery in the Bible]]", below.)

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|Slavery in the Bible]]", below.)