Bible Questions and Answers

During our annual Bible reading plan, members submit questions as they read Scripture. Here are selected questions and answers.

Submit your question(s) at https://hooverchurchofchrist.org/ask-a-question/

Can Genesis 9 be used to justify slavery?

During the slave-holding past, pro-slavery proponents used Genesis 9:26-27 to justify slavery by saying that slaves were the descendants of Ham who were cursed to serve. The overall teaching of scripture supports the dignity of all humanity, and we can all agree that slavery is reprehensible, but . . . Noah seems to be at fault for drunkenness and nakedness, so why is Ham in trouble for seeing him? Is the problem one of disrespect because Ham told his brothers?…