<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]Read the rest of my reply and tell me if you think the only wrongful act was the kidnaping of Africans or is slavery as defined here in America wrong?</font><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>(Fred) Due to the fact that the majority of slaves here in the US were stolen by other men and then sold to westerners involved in the slave trade, I would say that Exodus 21 is a proper passage to invoke in this case. However, what of that person who inherited his slaves from family who was not directly involved in man stealing? Is there a direct command that tells us that he is not to have and own slaves? I think the better course of actions to confront this sin would be to appeal to God's creative act in Genesis of making men in his image, and as a result, point out how men are volitional creatures and equal to one another on that basis alone. That would mean that they need to be treated with respect, set at liberty and paid properly for the work they provide for the land owner. <br><br>Guys, I am not trying to be sensational and scandalous with my posts; or even argumentative. I want to desire to approach any such moral issue with the correct handling of God's word, properly understood in its context and applied appropriately. That is the point in my haggling over this particular issue.<br><br>Fred

"Ah, sitting - the great leveler of men. From the mightest of pharaohs to the lowest of peasants, who doesn't enjoy a good sit?" M. Burns