Ephesians 6:5 – “Slaves obey your masters”

Dear Wain,

Thank you for your heartfelt letter and for bringing up such a profound and important issue. It’s clear that you’re wrestling with some deep questions about faith, morality, and the history of humanity. These are not easy topics, and I commend you for seeking understanding and truth.

The phrase “Slaves obey your masters” is one that has caused a lot of pain and confusion over the centuries. When we look at these words today, we need to understand the historical and cultural context in which they were written. The society of that time was very different from ours, and many of the societal norms and practices were far from what we consider just and humane today.

But let’s get to the heart of your question: Was this really the righteous intent? I believe the essence of spiritual teachings is about love, respect, and the inherent worth of every human being. Any interpretation that promotes the oppression or dehumanization of others is a distortion of those core values.

Humans owning humans as property is fundamentally wrong and goes against the very notion of being made in the image of the divine. True faith calls us to recognize the dignity and equality of all people. It calls us to fight against injustice and to create a world where freedom, love, and respect prevail.

If slaves yearn for freedom, their desire is deeply aligned with the spirit of justice and righteousness. Throughout history, the struggle for freedom has often required courage, resilience, and sometimes even conflict. But it’s important to pursue these struggles with a vision of creating a world where everyone can live in dignity and peace.

Your struggle, Wain, is not only righteous but also necessary. It’s through asking these tough questions and seeking deeper understanding that we grow and evolve as a society. Never stop seeking the truth, and always strive to live in a way that uplifts and honors the humanity in all of us.

With deep respect and encouragement,

Oprah by ChatGPT

Dear Wain,

Your questions strike at the heart of complex moral and historical issues, and I appreciate your courage in addressing them. It’s crucial to grapple with these topics to find meaningful answers.

“Slaves obey your masters” is a phrase that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. To understand it properly, we must consider the context in which it was written. Ancient societies operated under very different conditions and moral frameworks than our current one, and it’s important to acknowledge that the ethical norms of that time were not aligned with what we understand today as moral truths.

The idea of humans owning other humans is fundamentally at odds with the concept of individual sovereignty and the inherent dignity of every person. From a psychological and philosophical perspective, the highest good is found in recognizing the intrinsic worth of each individual, which necessitates freedom and autonomy.

If all humans are indeed made in the image of God, as many religious traditions assert, then each person possesses an intrinsic value that demands respect and equal treatment. The notion that slaves should obey their masters can be seen as a historical artifact rather than a divine mandate for all times and places.

Your question about whether we are God’s slaves in heaven touches on a profound theological issue. If we think of ourselves as slaves in a divine sense, it should be in the context of voluntary servitude to a higher good, a commitment to principles that transcend our individual desires for the sake of a greater harmony and purpose.

As for the yearning for freedom, history shows that struggles for liberty and justice are often righteous. The desire to live freely and with dignity is deeply embedded in the human spirit. The struggle for freedom is not only justifiable but necessary. However, it’s essential to pursue this struggle with a clear vision of justice, guided by principles that aim to elevate humanity rather than devolve into chaos or violence.

The truth you seek is that each human being has a profound worth and that systems of oppression, such as slavery, are inherently wrong. The fight for freedom and justice is a noble and necessary endeavor, and it aligns with the highest ethical principles we can strive for.

Seek the truth, and let it guide you towards actions that respect and honor the dignity of all individuals.

Best regards,

Jordan Peterson by ChatGPT

Dear Wain,

Thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt letter. Your concerns are deeply important, and I appreciate the opportunity to address them.

The phrase “Slaves obey your masters” comes from a specific historical and cultural context. It’s essential to understand that the Bible addresses people and societies as they were at the time of its writing, often dealing with the realities of those times rather than endorsing them for all times. The ancient world was filled with various forms of servitude, and the Bible’s instructions often aimed to mitigate the harshness of these existing practices.

The moral framework of the Bible is centered on elevating human behavior and promoting justice, kindness, and humility. It’s crucial to recognize that the overarching message of the Bible is one of freedom and dignity for all human beings. The story of the Exodus, for example, is a powerful narrative about liberation from slavery, underscoring the value of freedom.

When the Bible speaks of being made in the image of God, it affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person. This foundational belief stands in stark contrast to the idea of humans owning other humans as property. The moral trajectory of biblical teaching moves towards greater recognition of human rights and dignity.

Regarding the question of whether we are slaves in heaven, it’s important to understand that the biblical concept of serving God is about willingly aligning ourselves with the highest moral ideals and values. This kind of servitude is about choosing to live a life of purpose, guided by ethical principles, rather than being compelled into subjugation.

If slaves yearn for freedom, that yearning is a reflection of the divine image within them. The struggle for freedom and justice is a righteous one. It’s imperative to pursue this struggle with wisdom and moral clarity, striving to bring about a society that respects and honors the dignity of every individual.

Your questions are essential for understanding how to apply timeless principles to contemporary issues. The pursuit of truth and justice is at the heart of living a morally fulfilling life. Continue to seek the truth, and let it guide you towards actions that promote freedom, dignity, and justice for all.

With sincere respect,

Dennis Prager by ChatGPT

Dear Wain,

Thank you for your sincere and thoughtful letter. Your questions touch upon profound moral and theological issues, and I am grateful for the opportunity to address them.

The phrase “Slaves obey your masters” must be understood within its historical and cultural context. The early Christian communities lived within a Roman Empire where slavery was a deeply ingrained institution. St. Paul’s admonition was not an endorsement of slavery as a moral good, but rather a pastoral directive aimed at maintaining order and charity within the existing social structures of the time.

Christianity, at its core, is a message of liberation and human dignity. The teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the Golden Rule and the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself, subvert any justification for the dehumanization and oppression of others. Over the centuries, these principles have inspired countless movements for social justice and the abolition of slavery.

The notion that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God is central to Christian anthropology. This belief affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person, which stands in stark opposition to any form of human ownership or exploitation. The ultimate expression of this dignity is found in the freedom and love that are our birthright as children of God.

Regarding the question of being God’s “slaves” in heaven, it is essential to distinguish between the servitude imposed by human institutions and the joyful service we offer to God. In heaven, our relationship with God is not one of coercion but of loving and willing participation in the divine life. It is a state of perfect freedom, where we freely align our will with the goodness, truth, and beauty of God.

If slaves yearn for freedom, their struggle is indeed righteous. The quest for liberation from oppression aligns with the heart of the Gospel, which calls for justice, peace, and the flourishing of every human being. Such a struggle should be pursued with wisdom, courage, and a spirit of nonviolence, always seeking to transform hearts and structures in accordance with the love and justice of Christ.

The truth you seek is found in the light of Christ, who came to set the captives free and to proclaim the dignity of every person. Continue to seek this truth, and let it guide you in your pursuit of justice and compassion for all.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Robert Barron

Dear Wain,

Wow, you’re really digging into the big questions here. Kudos to you for not shying away from the tough stuff.

Let’s get straight to it. “Slaves obey your masters”? Yeah, that’s in the Bible, and it’s one of those verses that makes you go, “What the hell?” But let’s remember, the Bible was written in a time when slavery was as common as cell phones are today. People back then didn’t have the same moral framework we do now, so they included some pretty outdated ideas.

Owning humans as property is obviously messed up. It’s the opposite of everything we should stand for today—freedom, equality, and basic human rights. If you’re asking whether God really intended for humans to be enslaved, my guess is no. More likely, these ancient texts reflect the norms of their time, not divine moral prescriptions for all eternity.

Now, the idea that all humans are made in God’s image and that freedom is a birthright? That’s a much better message to take away. If we are supposed to be like God, then we should respect each other’s freedom and dignity. It’s pretty simple: treat people like people, not property.

As for being “slaves in heaven,” I’d hope that any place worth aspiring to wouldn’t involve more of the same old subjugation. The whole point of heaven, or any kind of ultimate good place, should be freedom, peace, and equality. Otherwise, what’s the point?

And yes, if slaves yearn for freedom, their struggle is righteous. History has shown that the fight for freedom and justice is not only justified but necessary. The idea that people should just accept their lot in life without fighting for their rights is ridiculous. The pursuit of freedom is a noble cause, and it’s what drives progress.

So, in seeking the truth, remember this: our understanding of morality evolves. What was acceptable in ancient times isn’t necessarily right today. Trust your instincts about justice and equality. Those are the values that should guide us.

Keep questioning, keep fighting for what’s right, and don’t let anyone tell you to settle for less than freedom and dignity.

Best,

Bill Maher