Author Topic: SLAVERY THREAD (Read 1603 times)

Vladimir · « **on:** August 11, 2010, 10:27:22 PM »

This thread is for the discussion of the institution of human slavery, Church teaching on this topic, opinions of holy and learned men, saints, and justifications or criticism of slavery.

I don't know much, but I am just curious:
If slavery isn't wrong, what justifies starting the institution in the first place? In other words, if it isn't intrinsically evil to own a slave (say in antebellum South) -- I agree with this by the way-- what justifies kidnapping, buying, or selling another human being for slavery? Does the propagation of the Holy Faith justify this? What has the Church taught?

Thank you.

sedetrad · « **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2010, 10:34:51 PM »

The Church is the institution over time that did away with Roman slavery. The clergy realized that it could not have it abolished all at once so it did it over time.

sedetrad · « **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2010, 10:41:18 PM »

I think that before we start this thread we have to recognize that their are many different forms of slavery and many nuances concerning how each form of slavery is treated. For example, the Church teaches that a criminal may be justly enslaved due to his crimes. In this discussion, we must make the proper distinctions. I feel like Caminus now. heh!

Vladimir · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2010, 11:25:50 AM »

Does the Church teach that? Where?

I'm just trying to find the Church's teaching (official and unofficial) on slavery in general. I don't know where to look though.

Caraffa · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2010, 12:20:36 PM »

Quote from: Vladimir

Does the Church teach that? Where?

I'm just trying to find the Church's teaching (official and unofficial) on slavery in general. I don't know where to look though.

The Church disallows chattel slavery, but penal slavery is allowed as punishment for wrong-doings and crimes.

Vladimir · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2010, 11:27:05 PM »

So is my defense of Southern pre-war slavery wrong? I am more than willing to abandon its defense (seeing that the original motive for enslaving the Africans was not penal for the most part) since I only want to conform to the Church's teaching.

Matto · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2010, 08:10:37 AM »

I am interested in this issue, though I am not very learned about it. I have not seen many unbiased sources that go into detail about what is necessary for slave holding to be without sin. I do know that the Church has approved of certain forms of slavery, and not just penal slavery, but other kinds as well, as long as the slaves are treated justly. But I do not know the conditions necessary for slave holding to be without sin.

In 1866, the Holy Office ruled that: "Slavery itself, considered as such in its essential nature, is not at all contrary to the natural and divine law, and there can be several just titles of slavery and these are referred to by approved theologians and commentators of the sacred canons.... It is not contrary to the natural and divine law for a slave to be sold, bought, exchanged or given."

At Vatican II, Gaudium and Spes no. 27 condemned slavery as "infamy" and a "supreme dishonor to the Creator." Since God has given laws regulating slavery and has approved of slavery under certain conditions in both testaments, this seems to be accusing God of approving "infamy" and a "supreme dishonor" to Himself, which is impossible and offends my pious ears.