Abstract
This chapter focuses on the foundation of the instance of transatlantic slavery in West Africa. It does this by introducing European powers that began the practice of stealing human beings from West Africa during the 15th to 16th centuries as a Roman practice as well as a Biblical practice. It will also establish dates and times, instances, etc. A full discussion of the transatlantic slave trade will take place and its evident consequences. A secondary discussion or conversation will take place regarding the psychological consequence of colonization and slavery as a byproduct of colonization. Solutions are then discussed regarding the natural extension of the master-slave relationship. Solutions and recommendations will then be reviewed and discussed.
TopIntroduction
Historically, slavery has existed for thousands of years (Smith, 2018). Throughout the Bible, the term slave or servant is used, sometimes interchangeably. There are various passages that speak of various relationships of slavery. In the Old Testament, there are instructions on how to treat slaves. For example, if a slave flees and finds refuge with a person, they are not to return them to their master (Deuteronomy 23:15) or if an Israelite is captured and made a slave, the kidnapper/slave traders must be put to death (Deuteronomy 24:7). There is also the story of Sheshan and his daughter’s marriage to a slave by the name of Jarha (I Chronicles 2:35) (Smith, 2018), which indicates that some servants were seen as family and treated as such.
There are also various verses in the New Testament albeit the list will not be exhausted here. For example, believers in Christ who have been enslaved or are referred to as slaves/servants (i.e., depending on the translation) are told to “[…] be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ” (Ephesians 6:5). This verse was referred to as the foundation for the slave’s sermon as referenced by Frederick Douglass in dissent to the control that White people held over the Black person’s mind, body and sometimes soul (Blight, 2018). Nonetheless, a discussion of the treatment of slaves in Christendom was also established as also noted by the Sheik in Chapter 2 regarding Islam and slavery.
A discussion of how masters should not threaten their slaves nor show favoritism was also discussed since the master also has a Master who is in heaven (Ephesians 6:9). Yet, once in Christ, though physically enslaved, a man/woman is still considered to be truly free (Galatians 3:28). However, regardless of the verse or where it is located in the Bible, each verse describes a relationship between men and their God. Moreover, the act of slavery in the Bible is quite different then the concept that came during the Eastern Slave Trade and is definitely different and less abhorrent (i.e., minus the Israelites being taken by the Egyptians/Pharoah) than what came to be known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Imminent Parousia: Term coined by K. Geneva Cannon. It refers to the force that the Church used to evangelize indigenous people via the implementation of slavery during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Colonization: When a group invades a country of indigenous people, settles within the country, and then takes over thereby controlling the indigenous people and the resources of said country.
Transatlantic Slavery or Transatlantic Slave Trade: The process by which Europeans went to various areas of Africa and by force or through business transactions acquired Africans with the intent of having them do manual labor without pay. A triangular pattern was utilized known as the Middle Passage. This form of slavery existed from the 16 th century to the 19 th century.