Issues, Etc. Answering Arguments Against Christianity: Christianity Is Pro-Slavery? – Dr. Korey Maas, 12/16/25 (3502)
Dec 16, 2025
Dr. Korey Maas, an academic historian from Hillsdale College, tackles the controversial claim that Christianity is pro-slavery. He explores the historical and theological nuances of slavery, emphasizing that Scripture allows but does not endorse it. Maas contrasts ancient and New World slavery, highlighting how early Christians critiqued the institution and worked against it. He challenges listeners to consider moral foundations beyond personal distaste, discussing how Christianity played a significant role in spreading anti-slavery sentiment in antiquity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Two-Part Accusation Requires Deeper Analysis
- The accusation that Christianity is pro-slavery bundles two claims: slavery is obviously evil and Christianity endorsed it.
- Maas urges interrogating the moral claim about evil, noting atheists lack an obvious objective ground for morality.
Require Objective Grounds Before Moral Condemnation
- Do not accept emotive personal distaste as a moral foundation when critiquing Christianity's past.
- Ask critics to justify objective moral standards before using moral condemnation as a rebuttal.
Slavery Is Not A Single, Unchanging Institution
- 'Slavery' is historically ambiguous and differs greatly between antiquity and New World practices.
- Maas highlights key differences like racialization, legal restrictions, and opportunities for slaves in antiquity versus the New World.