Class 6:Q & A

The Most Difficult Issue CEI Ever Faced

The Most Difficult Issue CEI Ever Faced

The Most Difficult Issue CEI Ever Faced

The most difficult “issue” CEI ever faced:

slaveryslavery

In 1851, members of the Restoration Movement (not just Churches of Christ) had 101,000

slaves.

Why was this such a difficult issue in the Restoration Movement?in the Restoration Movement?

•Economic Stress

•Cultural Pressure

•Moral Conviction

•Biblical Permission

Campbell’s view

•“Slavery is not expedient” (practical)

•It is not a sin

•It is not a reason to disfellowship or break unity

Shannon’s view

•“I have nature, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bible on my side.”

Butler’s view

•“Slavery must end now!”

Results

•Did slavery divide the Restoration Movement?

Results

•Many justified slavery through the Bible

•Bible never condemns slavery, but regulates it.

•Lev. 25:44; 1 Cor. 7:21-23; Eph 6:5-8; Col. 3:22; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18

•Slavery back then wasn’t what it is now.

Results

•Many justified slavery through the Bible

•Bible never condemns slavery, but regulates it.

•Lev. 25:44; 1 Cor. 7:21-23; Eph 6:5-8; Col. 3:22; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18

•Slavery back then wasn’t what it is now.