As noted by Evan Hurst at Truth Wins Out, the following is the Declaration of Causes of Texas’s secession from the Union in the prelude to the American Civil War:
In all the non-slave-holding States, in violation of that good faith and comity which should exist between entirely distinct nations, the people have formed themselves into a great sectional party, now strong enough in numbers to control the affairs of each of those States, based upon the unnatural feeling of hostility to these Southern States and their beneficent and patriarchal system of African slavery, proclaiming the debasing doctrine of the equality of all men, irrespective of race or color–a doctrine at war with nature, in opposition to the experience of mankind, and in violation of the plainest revelations of the Divine Law. They demand the abolition of negro slavery throughout the confederacy, the recognition of political equality between the white and the negro races, and avow their determination to press on their crusade against us, so long as a negro slave remains in these States.
We hold as undeniable truths that the governments of the various States, and of the confederacy itself, were established exclusively by the white race, for themselves and their posterity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment; that they were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race, and in that condition only could their existence in this country be rendered beneficial or tolerable.
That in this free government all white men are and of right ought to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the Almighty Creator, as recognized by all Christian nations; while the destruction of the existing relations between the two races, as advocated by our sectional enemies, would bring inevitable calamities upon both and desolation upon the fifteen slave-holding States. [emphasis added]
The language used to justify and rationalize pure, evil bigotry is eerily familiar over the years.
Hat Tip: Evan Hurst, Truth Wins Out
Thanks for sharing this. I would also reccommend Googling the sermon NATIONAL STABILITY. It was given by Baptist minister Basil Manly less than a year before the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention.
We can find so many references to the rationalization of exclusion by using the Bible. Our country’s slow march to equality and justice continues. What’s perplexing is the ignorance of our usual opposition, and how much they want to embrace similar doctrine instead of rejecting it.
The issue of marriage is framed in the same ‘divine organization’ and that only heterosexuals not only are to be credited for it’s creation, but should be the only beneficiaries of it.
Saw the same with Jim Crow. That white men were the founders and organizers of this country, so therefore should be the only beneficiaries of what it has to offer.
Never mind that the labors and sacrifices of others forwarded those benefits too.
I think, given how much information our detractors like to throw at us, how eagerly they embrace the internet to spread and receive information, that such history and the context of bigoted discrimination gets by them.
They are free to believe what they want to, but the urgency in which they have to be educated is ours.
After all, there are children being tormented to the point of suicide and murdering each other in cold blood over what a gay person is.
That, I would think, should move a decent person to examine how wrong they possibly are. And what their message does to innocents.
If fear and ignorance have to be utilized for their message, then decent people know too, that’s the root of very bad things.
What’s interesting is that the way southern slave-owners treated their slaves is extremely unBiblical. The Torah gives specific rules for treatment of slaves. First and foremost, do not treat humans like you would animals. (and you’re supposed to treat your animals with respect too.) Another law is that if you injure your slave, they are to be set free. I’m sorry to say that there were indeed plenty of Jewish slave-owners in that era. They ignored the Torah by supporting such ill and inhuman treatment.
Well, actually the pro-slavery people did really have the better Biblical case. Just sayin…
No, they didn’t.
Mark F. There has never been a case for slavery. Not ever.
There is no defense for it, no justification.
Be careful of what you say…
Regan, While there may not be a case for slavery, the presence of rules for how one should treat one’s slaves in the Bible undermines the biblical inerrancy arguements that so many try to make. For the Bible not to utterly condemn slavery in the strongest possible terms is to me one of the most disturbing things in the Bible. A just God could never give any quarter to slavery.
Also John, a just God wouldn’t condemn gay people for such a difference which doesn’t attack, harm or take anything away from anyone or anything.
It contradicts the abundance of diversity and variance there is in God’s own world.
Even now, the way some people entitle themselves to speaking for God and enforcing what they think is God’s will and intentions, God is a vindictive, cowardly, fear mongering and vengeful, racist and misogynist being.
Made in man’s image, no doubt, rather than the other way around.
No. Thanks.
There is no verse in the Bible disapproving of slavery, and it is explicitly affirmed in several places. I’ve read the Bible. Have you, Emily K.?
Regan, of course there is a case for slavery. It’s not a good one, but there is a case and it was accepted by most of the so-called civilized world for 8,000 years. Why should I be careful what I say if it’s totally true?
Okay then, there is a difference between someone saying there should be slavery, and that it’s an ethical, moral and acceptable thing to do.
Men have believed and accepted that women are inferior, should be submissive and subject to all manner of violence, sacrifice and subordination to men.
Doesn’t mean THAT’S right, or a rightful, moral and ethical case can be made for it.
Or rape.
Or honor killings…
Or the human sacrifice of gay people.
So, tell me how there is a CASE that can be made for it as far as being a rightful and acceptable thing because it’s been a tradition for a long time.
Go ahead.
Since Jews don’t follow the Bible alone but instead have a rich array of interpretation by many sages that makes the whole of “Halacha,” asking “have you read the Bible” is irrelevant. Have you read the Talmud?
Really, I don’t care if you have or haven’t; i’m not going to argue anymore as it is a waste of my time and energy. (feel free to interpret this as a “victory;” again, I do not at all care.)
Actually, the bible talks many times about setting captives free. Anyone with even an adequate reading comprehension level can know that “SLAVERY” does not fit under the “GENUINE LOVE FOR ALL PEOPLE” category mandated by our God. Wherever Christianity is preached, slavery and bondage are soon ended because you can’t follow the golden rule AND be a slave owner. You just can’t.
@Regan DuCasse
I repeat that there is no GOOD case for it.