Can people still ignore that the bible promotes slavery, & treating woman as ‘inferior’

There are passages in the Bible that have been interpreted by some as treating women differently than men, and there are passages that mention slavery. However, it is important to note that different interpretations and translations of the Bible exist, and many Christians do not interpret these passages as being sexist or promoting slavery.

Here are some examples of passages that have been cited as potentially treating women unfairly:

• In 1 Corinthians 11:3-10, it says that men are the head of women and that women should cover their heads during worship. Some have interpreted this as implying that women are inferior to men.
• In 1 Timothy 2:11-15, it says that women should not teach or have authority over men. Some have interpreted this as implying that women are not capable of leadership roles.
• In Ephesians 5:22-24, it says that wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Some have interpreted this as implying that women should be subservient to men.

Here are some examples of passages that mention slavery:

• In Exodus 21:2-6, it describes rules for Hebrew slaves, including that they should serve for six years and be freed in the seventh year. Some have criticized this as promoting the ownership of people.
• In Leviticus 25:44-46, it says that Israelites can own slaves from other nations. Some have criticized this as promoting the idea of one group of people having power over another.
• In Colossians 3:22-24, it says that slaves should obey their earthly masters. Some have criticized this as condoning slavery.

Throughout history, many prominent figures who were deeply involved in religion were also involved in slavery. Some of these individuals held high positions in their religious communities, yet their involvement in the slave trade and their ownership of slaves are part of their legacies.

George Whitefield was a prominent preacher in the 18th century, known for his role in the Great Awakening. He founded several orphanages in Georgia, but he also owned slaves and believed that slavery was sanctioned by the Bible. In his sermons, Whitefield compared slaves to children and argued that slave owners had a religious duty to provide for their physical and spiritual needs.

John Newton was a slave trader in the 18th century before becoming a prominent Anglican clergyman. Newton later wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace,” which has become a beloved spiritual song. However, his involvement in the slave trade, as well as his views on race, have been criticized. Newton himself expressed regret for his involvement in the slave trade later in life.

Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father of the United States, was a Deist who believed in God but rejected many traditional Christian beliefs. He also owned slaves, including Sally Hemings, with whom he had a long-term relationship. Although Jefferson wrote extensively about the importance of individual rights and freedoms, he did not extend those rights to the people he enslaved.

Jonathan Edwards was a prominent theologian and preacher in the 18th century who played a key role in the First Great Awakening. He also owned slaves, as did many other religious leaders of his time. In his sermons, Edwards emphasized the need for individual conversion and salvation, yet he did not extend the same freedom to the people he enslaved.

These individuals are just a few examples of how religious figures in history were involved in the slave trade and the ownership of slaves. Their legacies are complex, as their contributions to religion and society must be weighed against their involvement in a system that oppressed and dehumanized others.