In our honors section this first week, we explored the ideas Dr. Beck presented in his lecture. We discussed obstacles to critical thinking or those things that make critical thinking difficult. I introduced the concept of the “hermeneutics of suspicion” and notions of “thin” and “thick” description and invited students to consider an illustration from the American political landscape.
The following outline presents a familiar argument presented by religious and political speakers across the country in the 19th century (adapted from W.M. Swartley, Slavery, Sabbath, War, and Women).
QUESTIONS: How would similar arguments be received in churches or public squares today? On the surface, this is a highly logical argument. What type of evidence is presented and how is it used? What assumptions or biases within the text need to be addressed more directly?
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Case Study
Thesis 1 – Slavery was divinely sanctioned among the patriarchs
A. Noah’s curse upon Canaan (Gen 4:9:24-27) – first appearance of slavery in the Bible is the wonderful prediction of Noah.
B. Abraham is our Godly example – Abraham possessed and willed slaves to his children.
C. Joseph – God approved slavery; commanded that Joseph buy people and enslave them.
Thesis 2 – Slavery was incorporated into Israel’s national constitution.
A. Israel was allowed to take foreigners as slaves.
Thesis 3 – Slavery was recognized and approved by Jesus Christ and the apostles.
A. The apostles approved slavery while disapproving of its abuses.
B. The apostles teach that the church has no authority to interfere with slavery as a political system.
C. The distinction between master and slaver are not an impediment to faith and are thus insignificant.
D. Slaveholders were accepted and affirmed not only as church members, but also as church leaders.
E. The apostles gave no exhortation that Christian masters should free their slaves, but said that they should remain in their existing state, for masters have a right to their slaves’ labor (1 Cor 7:20- 24).
F. In 1 Timothy 6:1-6 Paul declares that his doctrine of slavery is based on the words of Jesus Christ himself. “Slaves are to honor unbelieving masters, these are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
G. Paul’s own example indicates that the biblical apostolic writings fully support slavery.
Thesis 4 – Slavery is a merciful institution.
Conclusions
Those arguing the Pro-Slavery side:
- John Henry Hopkins, DD, LLD, bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Vermont.
- Albert Taylor Bledsoe, LLD, professor of mathematics at the University of Virgnia.
- Thornton Stringfellow, DD, Richmond, Virginia.
- Charles B. Hodge, DD, distinguished Princeton professor.
- George D. Armstrong, DD, pastor, Presbyterian church of Norfolk, Virginia.
One response to “Encouraging a Critical Suspicion”
This is great! I’m going to use this for a “Critical Thinking” exercise.