Able Quote by Samuel Hopkins
“God saw fit, for wise reasons to allow the people of Israel thus to make and possess slaves; but is this any license to us to enslave any of our fellow-men, to kill any of our fellow-men whom we please and are able to destroy, and take possession of their estates?”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Moral Philosophy, 1795
Questions whether divine permission for slavery in ancient Israel justifies modern enslavement.
In simple terms: Challenges biblical justification for slavery today.
Key Takeaway
Reject using ancient texts to legitimize oppression.
Themes
ethics
theology
human rights
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- educational curricula
- public discourse
- activism
Key Concepts
moral relativism
scriptural interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How should modern societies interpret ancient moral codes?
- What principles guide contemporary ethics?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary across faiths.
