Photo: ktylerconk
Once upon a time, everyone understood slavery. You either owned a slave or were one. Sure, some cultures traditionally never had slaves, but for the most part, it’s been a normal part of life. Until now.
Now slavery’s banned.
(But secretly – or not so secretly – I’m bringing it back.)
Because of this general distaste for slavery, most of us don’t really know how it works (or worked) anymore. How much do you know about it? If you have any input you’d like to add, let me know.
For now, here’s some of what I’ve learned about slavery. I’ve wanted (and needed) to write this for a long time. It’s the backdrop for bondChristian. Now that we finished the Others-oriented fruit of the Spirit series, I thought I’d go into more detail on the topic of slavery over the coming Wednesdays. This is the introduction.
What’s a slave?
A slave is someone who’s completely subservient (not the most popular word in the world) to a dominating influence. A slave obeys a master, but more than that, the master actually owns the slave as a type of property.
So the master not only can but should use the slave as a tool – that’s the entire purpose of the slave. The slave’s whole mission in life is to offer the best possible service to the master.
So what’s a master?
The master is that dominating influence. The master has complete control over the slave to do anything with the slave.
The master has an independent purpose or motivation. While the slave’s purpose is completely tied to the master, the master’s goals and ambitions might be separate and do not have to involve the slave at all.
Again, the master is supposed to use the slave to accomplish his own purposes. A master who does not use his slave to full potential is wasteful and stupid.
What’s the master/slave relationship like?
The master/slave relationship is asymmetrical. Equality is out of the question. The master is in a position of authority, and the slave is in submission. The master can entrust a slave with responsibilities, but these decisions are always made by the slave on behalf of the master.
Depending on the purposes of the master, the master can actually treat the slave very well. On the other side, though, the master could treat the slave like garbage. It all comes back to what the master wants, not the slave.
If the master treats the slave well, the slave is probably going to like the master more than if the master treated the slave badly. Either way, though, the purpose of the slave stays the same: to serve the master whether the slave likes it or not.
Both the master and slave must trust each other
- The master gives the slave instructions then trusts that the slave will follow them.
- The slave trusts that the master’s instructions are good and follows them.
Of course, though, the master has more control in the relationship. If the slave fails to follow instructions, the master can punish the slave or get rid of the slave altogether. But the slave still has to follow instructions even if and when the instructions fail.
So the slave is far more dependent on the master than the other way around.
Who’s responsible for what?
In general, the master is responsible for results, while the slave is only responsible for obedience. I say “only,” but obviously that’s not always (ever?) easy.
- The master makes the plans. The master says what to do. If the plans work out, fantastic for the master. If not, not so fantastic for the master.
- The slave follows the plans. The slave does what the master says. If the slave follows the instructions, fantastic for the slave. If not, not so fantastic.
So while “success” for the master might be measured in results, “success” for the slave is measured in obedience and submission.
That’s a key issue in slavery. The slave, as an extension of the master, represents the master. The master is accountable for what the slave does, both the good and the bad. If the slave pulls off some amazingness, the master gets the credit, but if the slave louses everything up, the master gets the blame.
The slave only gets credit or blame for obedience or disobedience.
A master and his slave is like a craftsman and his chisel
- If the craftsman carves an amazing, wooden figurine, the master gets all the credit. Someone might note his fine chisel, but no one gives the chisel credit for the job well done.
- If the craftsman produces some mangled mess, the master gets blamed. Someone might say, “Dude, you need to get some sharper tools,” but it’s still the craftsman’s fault for using that lousy chisel.
The master is like the craftsman here, and the slave is like the chisel. The chisel is only required to perform its specific function well: to stay sharp, to stay strong, and so on.
The slave doesn’t have to worry about the final product – just obey the master’s instructions.
How does slave property work?
As property, the slave has no rights. The master can use the slave for anything and treat the slave however he wants. In a sense, the master has the rights from the slave – the master has the rights the slave doesn’t have.
This means the slave is completely within the master’s control but also benefits from being the master’s property.
Benefits of being property
No one can mess with the slave without also messing with the master. Again, it’s like someone vandalizing the craftsman’s chisel. If the craftsman cares at all about that chisel or really his property in general, that vandal’s is in trouble. Since the master is superior to the slave, the slave has better protection as a slave than if the slave were fending for itself.
The slave enjoys part of the master’s reputation and comforts. Obviously, being the master himself is better than being the slave. But if the slave has to choose between an excellent master and no master at all, often the reputation and comfort is better than going on alone. For example, which is better, being slave to a king or free as a serf? Freedom’s not always best.
Who is that master? Whose is that slave?
This is the last point I’d like to bring up. The master is a “who” – the slave is a “whose.” Bringing everything I’ve already mentioned together, you can see how the master is defined independently, as an independent person. The slave, though, is defined by the master.
The very identity of the master and slave are different. It makes sense to ask who the master is because the master has an independent purpose, but it doesn’t make sense to ask who a slave is. Instead, we can ask whose a slave is.
And in this way, the slave is able to point directly to the master while still keeping the reputation of the master:
- [Speaking of the master] Q. Who is that? A. The master
- [Speaking of the slave] Q. Whose is that? A. The master’s
In each case, the focus comes back to the master… the way it should. And that is what slavery is all about.
Serving Suggestions:
(1) Go read up on slavery. Study it. There’s more to learn from slavery than you might think.
(2) Share what you find in the comments.
(3) Over the coming weeks, I’ll match slavery to Christianity. See if you can find how that might work? How do you as a Christian function as a slave?
Twitter Updates
WOW, Well , I think many would´nt like to post a comment on such an article, just to speak about this Word “”Slave”"bring a kind of fear for some and hate for others.
I believe we as Christian and I myself, have nothing ours on this earth, all what we have belong to God, and as I believe we are living here on earth we must see ourselves as slave for Jesus Christ, who set us free from the power of Sin and His consequences.
As Slave we follow God, He gives us the directive we Obey, we are recognise as God´s or as you says Master´S property.
We belongs to Him.
Hope I am right????
Absolutely, man. Slavery, to me, is a concept that goes unnoticed in Christian culture. We often like to talk about it to show that we’re serving God, but I think we under appreciate the value of thinking (and living) through this perspective.
I’m looking forward to sharing more about it in the coming posts.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
You nor I are a slave to God nor man. Man brought this sin upon himself. We are all free the day we were born, and we are no salve for Christ. Jesus Christ he also did not save us, God, and we ourselves saved us. What man believes we need to be a slave or we are slaves or we should have been slaves is a fool himself- that also is a weak man. You are your own creator as God was your head creator you have power over you and what comes to you and what comes to this world. I feel very sorry for the people or person who has brought this word back alive. He/she will suffer in the now to be into such a thing as this. This also is not a game, it is nothing to be taken lightly. Be careful of people you follow and who you listen too. You lose your power when you become a subject to ANYONE ON THIS EARTH.
Sincerely,
Maria Edwards
I think we disagree on some deep issues here, but I definitely agree with you on the choice part. I think it’s always our choice how we choose to submit.
Thank you for dropping into the comments here.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
You may disagree Marshall, but why are you bring up Slavery anyways do like stirring up a Hornets nest or what? Or are you with a little touch of prejudice in your bloodline. Which I do believe in every single White man there is Racism in all of their Bloodline. Sorry but that is my own feelings and belief, yet I love them as I love my own ancestors. I don’t hate, I just dislike haters of all kind.
How I found out about this I kept hearing DJ Freddy Nak and Ashton, talking about “Slavery”, on Twitter, so I Googled. “What are Celebs tweeting about slavery and you came up therefore I came to read. I did not read it all before I stated my feelings on the matter. I will read the rest on your blog. But why bring up something you can’t even imagine living Marshall Jones Jr., really why do you want to own Black people as a Slave or my other INDIAN PEOPLE ALL YOUR PEOPLE HATED AND STILL HATE. All ignorant you do know this. I am so sick of people and their religious beliefs and hate and Its not anything Christ taught at all. I’m serious about all of this. The way the title Christian came about is because people claimed to follow Christ but they really are not doing anything he has taught them at all. Well I will close for now.
Maria
Thank you for coming back by, Maria.
My pro-slavery stance is in a different context, certainly not one where I want to own slaves. You can read more about it the third post in this series:
How to become a (bond)slave to God
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Marshall, what I am saying why are you awaking something that never should have been alive or awaken in the first place. This is what I am saying to you that is all. Its your Blog and all but why this evil subject? What are you trying to teach, trying to say, Do you know the wrong people come here they will get the wrong understanding of your Slavery 101. Oh well.Its your thing do what you want to do Marshall. Life lays in each persons hands, they must choice how they chose to live it. If they turn to destruction so be, if they chose life and to live good so be it. I see this turning to not so good.
Maria
Yes, I know a lot of people don’t agree with me here. I don’t have much else to say about it except what I’ve written in the posts. Thank you for sharing, though.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Yes, I am sure you don’t have much to say why you wrote such Topic. Like people need to learn about Slavery. YES,know that it was and it was for many people White your kind and other races to be a Slave back in the day . But to learn of it in this manner, Slavery it was derived by your kind the haters, the sinners, the white man the so-called Christians running around spreading their religion telling Africans and Indians my Ancestry that their belief was wrong. When they were only serving God the creator as Jesus taught all men to do in the first place.. Its your Blog do as you please, but know the out come of your Blog. To me if you all chose to carry the title “Christian” Christ followers. Please know how JESUS YOUR MASTER REALLY WORKED AND HOW PURE HIS HEART WAS IN HIS TEACHING OF GOD EVERY ONES MASTER. Why don’t you teach us “WHITE MAN’S 101″, THEN YOU WOULD HAVE A TRUTH STARTED. TEACH US HOW HATEFUL YOUR PEOPLE CAN BE TO YOUR OWN AND MAINLY TO MINE. WE ARE STILL LIKE SLAVES NOW YOUR PEOPLE ARE THE MASTERS OF US. YOU PEOPLE HATE EVERYTHING THAT WALKS. Just know in the end what your out come will be Marshall.
Again, like I already said, my mention of slavery is in a different context. It’s about choosing to become slaves to God, not slaves to other people.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
I have know real problem in away, I am glad you have this kind of Blog. Maybe some people will open their eyes to true Racism in this world of today. Something White man won’t let go of, nor they won’t give up on. they live off of Hate. They were born to hate all that is different then them.
Isn’t that a bit racist too, to assume that all white men hate everyone?You’re in my prayersbecause you’ve evidently had some bad experiences in your life. I pray that God shows His love to you.-Marshall Jones Jr.
[Edit: I really am praying, but this is a lousy comment. I thought about deleting it, but it had already gone out in the email subscription. I apologize for it.]
Thanks for you’re prayers and all mine go out to you too. I didn’t say all whites, but look around you. You will understand what I mean, I have a lot of white friends’ dude my mom is part white I am Black, White and Indian best friends’ that are White, but see they get what I am saying so my deepest prayers go out to you too. This still is a not so nice Blog. I had a White worker come to me years ago and said White people are bad people. Yes, bad is in every race but the bad she meant was what I AM now talking to you about. Well good luck in whatever your trying to do here. I see you stirring up a Hornets nest up that is still what I see. And you call yourself a real Christian give me a big break. Slavery 101 WOW!!
Yes, I agree with you that bad is in everyone. It’s our nature.
Again, I encourage you to check out the other posts I’ve written about slavery to learn more about the general spirit I’m coming from. I think they might help clarify. I’m so sorry you’ve gotten the wrong impression of me and this blog.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Hi again, I just got Twitted that Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, are Campaigning to Ban Child Slavery, Well to me they need to have you teach us about (Child Slavery 101), the benefits why it is good to have Children as a slave.
Its what you have done here with Slavery 101. You have how it is all benefiting to am man to have another human as a Slave. I see a difference in what they do and what you as a Christian Blogger are doing. You feel I need prayer, but I feel the same for you and for many fake Christians people who have been blinded by the wrong ideas of Christ himself Christ to to praise God the creator not to praise him, but White man tell us to praise a man Jesus, I’m so sure without a doubt he is hurt how man has done here with his name. I pray for all like you. All Christian are not the same, some do follow as Christ says but a great many do not. Its like they need some neon signs’ to post on their heads to say “I am a Christian” they walk around just like as if they have it all, They are better then any other people. Christians are the real reason for all our WARS. You can believe me or you can not. Your choice. My choice is to believe in Jesus Christ but to do as he says praise God not man. Jesus, was a man a good prophet a great teacher. What more can I say Marshall. Take care and have an AWESOME WEEKEND my friend.
Jesus even said we’re supposed to serve God: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
And then Paul later: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more…”
But it’s definitely not slavery the way you’re referring to it. That’s why I’m sorry this wasn’t clearer.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
You say you pray for me because I must of been hurt. Heah, I was never a Slave so I have know reason to be hurt and as I said my mom is part white and many of my loving relatives are, I am very proud of me; but now that you bring it into EXISTENCE to our world of people AGAIN. I just may need strong prayers and a many of my people too, because you would have us become Slaves again in the world God made us all FREE in. What made you do this type of blog Marshall, what was your reasoning to this type of Subject??? May I even ask you this.
I explained some of my reasoning here. In general, I bring it up because I think that’s the way we’re supposed to submit to God as Christians.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Have a nice “Good Friday”, and an awesome Easter Day and everyday with your family and friends Marshall.
From Maria
Thank you very much, Maria. I will – I’ve already had a fantastic Good Friday and hope to continue enjoying this season.
Same to you as well.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
We are to be a Slave to no one except to God Almighty. He created us. He made us. God Almighty loves all of the people so much that Jesus Christ His Son died so that everyone may have freedom from sin; Slavery from another human being is sin. Christ came to the earth so everybody might have life and have it more abundantly.
Yep, absolutely agree. Serving God, though, often means serving others.
-Marshall Jones Jr.