My brief history of slavery

I like to start my history lessons, in my Bible, asking God to light up, significant patterns of humanity, and human history recorded there. 

Today there is much talk about slavery and reparations in America, a great time to build knowledge and expand views. I believe, God alone, can turn our corrupt, sinful natures into forgiven, mercy driven, unconditional, impartial, overcoming love for all culminating in a Christian sacrificial love, that puts others first, and even to lay down life, for the life of others.

We've all experienced Hollywood, novels and media which often sell demonized, distorted and overblown aspects of most issues. It's good to remember that media is a business, built on greed, designed for profit and to sometimes entertain. Media is people, some corrupt, some not. Media is not known to be "altruistic" nor is it their intention to draw you closer, to our Savior! That said, history happened, accuracy can be discovered and we won't confuse Hollywood stories, with history scholars.

"Text without context is only, pretext."
Bob Morris, Hadavar School of Ministry

1830 Census starts me off with overview of American slavery.
"There were approximately 319,599 free blacks in the United States in 1830. Approximately 13.7 per cent of the total black population was free. A significant number of these free blacks were the owners of slaves. The census of 1830 lists 3,775 free Negroes who owned a total of 12,760 slaves." 

American slavery begins with black African slavers, which was black on black, often barbaric and spiritually darkened with witchcraft. They kidnapped and sold one another to foreign often white,traders. Many survived, and reached England, America and other countries. Traders were most often seeking affordable servants. The American Civil War ended slavery. Northern whites, and blacks fought shoulder to shoulder against the South, defeating the South and ending the practice and business of American slave trading.

The history of American slavery is perhaps the most quantifiable, given our access to ships logs, census taking and business ledgers, from 1619 forward. Such documentation tells us that by 1830, there were thousands of American slave owners who were black. Not all blacks were abused, used or tortured. Many became as family members to the owners, nursing babies, were paid, educated and many became dear Christians. Others wrote their spirituals from great pain, which haunt us, and stir our hearts. Their spirituals explained pain while exalting the holiness and nearness, of our Heavenly Father. The sang for deliverance, escape, as in "Swing low, sweet chariot, coming to carry me home!"
The Battle Hymn of the Republic reminds us of painful struggle, our capacity for barbarism and selfless courage to overcome evil and defend freedom for all.

We see history of slavery is universal, started for profit, power or political gain. common to every people group and continent. It is an undeniable human tragedy and sin.

Ancient Egyptian enslavement of Hebrews comprises, at least a 400 year history of oppression, kidnapping, abuse, killings, imprisonments and abominations until ultimately, God led Moses to win their freedom. 

Babylonian slavers kidnapped the brightest, most educated men in Israel, Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abendigo. These men exemplified a political power play, with world conquest and Babylonian Supremacy, the goal. Ancient slavers, ultimately expanded nations and mixed the multitudes. God oversaw and led it all. He made us one blood, every nation. Acts 17:26.

Much of the Middle East continues to fight for freedom. With God's help,Israel has succeeded to maintain and defend their freedom, thanks to God!

Serfdom typified the Dark and Middle Ages, where cultural control and profit were the goals of the kingdoms. Greed caused great famine, disease and uprisings, all fighting for and ultimately achieving forms of freedom.

Slavery is a reality of human history to this very day. Women and children are trafficked all over the globe. The fight for freedom is always, won and done, ultimately by God who provides everlasting life, in Jesus, and heavenly citizenship for all who trust in Him. John 3:16