Historically, the Bible has been used by some to enslave, subjugate and dominate over a people.
The "Curse of Ham" Myth: Pro-slavery advocates twisted Genesis 9 to claim that people of African descent were divinely cursed to be eternal servants.
Old Testament Legal Protection: Slaveholders cited Leviticus 25 to argue that purchasing foreign bondmen and passing them down as inherited property was biblically sanctioned.
Weaponising Obedience Verses: Plantation owners frequently read verses like Ephesians 6:5 ("Slaves, obey your masters") to religiously brainwash enslaved people against rebelling.
The Redacted "Slave Bible": British and American authorities physically censored the scriptures, deleting the entire Book of Exodus to hide the narrative of freedom from bondage.
Enforcing Fugitive Slave Laws: Pro-slavery preachers used Paul's letter to Philemon to argue that runaway slaves were legally and spiritually obligated to return to their masters.