If Christianity is based on love, why has it been used to justify oppression, colonialism, and slavery?

The Centrality of Love in Christian Teaching

Christian doctrine consistently emphasizes love as foundational. Jesus taught, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). Similarly, He declared, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another” (John 13:34). Throughout Scripture, love is constantly affirmed as the core ethic binding believers to God and to one another. Despite this consistent biblical mandate, certain historical events show individuals and groups twisting or misapplying Scripture to justify oppression, colonialism, and slavery.

Historical Misuse and Misinterpretation of Scripture

From the early centuries of the faith through modern history, people have used selective readings of the Bible to rationalize actions that stand in stark contrast to its overarching message of love. One notable misuse was during various colonial expansions, when some invoked the concept of a “divine mission” to claim new lands, often forcibly subjugating local populations. In many instances, passages from the Old Testament referring to Israel’s inheritance of Canaan (Joshua, for example) were taken out of context and applied to entirely different historical and cultural conditions.

In the era of chattel slavery, particularly in parts of Europe and the Americas, certain groups cited verses like Ephesians 6:5—“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would show to Christ”—to defend the practice. However, they overlooked the surrounding teachings on the radical equality of all people in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and the Bible’s warnings against oppression (Isaiah 10:1–2).

The Cultural and Historical Context of Biblical ‘Slavery’

In ancient Near Eastern societies, servitude often looked different from the modern, race-based chattel slavery of recent centuries. For example, the Hebrew word for “servant” or “slave” (e.g., ’ebed in the Old Testament) frequently referred to an indentured servanthood intended as a temporary arrangement to pay debts or survive economic hardship. Exodus 21 outlines regulations designed to protect servants from permanent, cruel servitude. Such rules, while not abolishing the practice outright, set Israel’s laws apart from other ancient cultures that allowed virtually unchecked exploitation of slaves.

By New Testament times, the Roman Empire’s economy depended heavily on bondservants (Greek doulos), many of whom had different legal statuses. The apostles wrote to congregations within that social framework. When Paul addressed slaves and masters, he reminded both parties of their accountability to God (Ephesians 6:9). These passages stress moral responsibility, urging masters to act kindly and warning them they have a Master in heaven.

Colonialism, Oppression, and Scriptural Twisting

When exploring instances where Christianity was invoked to perpetuate colonialism, many theologians and historians point out that political powers frequently manipulated religion to justify imperial expansion. References to God’s sovereignty were misapplied, conflating spiritual dominion with national and political dominance. This was contrary to the biblical message of service and humility, as taught by Jesus, who said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).

Certain missionaries, to their credit, sought to bring the gospel alongside educational and humanitarian services, opposing exploitation of native peoples. Still, others colluded with oppressive practices, demonstrating the human capacity to distort spiritual truths for personal or national gain.

Core Scriptural Teachings Against Oppression

Scripture repeatedly reprimands oppression and cruelty. The prophets, for example, denounced those who “deprive the poor of justice” (Isaiah 10:2). Jesus’ ministry elevated the marginalized—He healed the sick, touched lepers, and spoke compassionately to those society despised (Luke 5:12–13; John 4:7–9). The apostle Paul, addressing social divisions, proclaimed, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). These passages serve as a corrective lens through which the rest of the Bible must be viewed.

Scriptural and Historical Movements Toward Abolition

Christian convictions also fueled the abolitionist movements. Historical figures like William Wilberforce in England credited their Christian faith with motivating them to end the slave trade. They drew on biblical mandates for justice and love, citing passages like 1 Timothy 1:10, where enslavers are listed among those practicing evil. Notably, Wilberforce introduced legislation that eventually abolished the British slave trade, supported by fellow believers who saw slavery as incompatible with the gospel.

Throughout American history, various revivals and Christian reform movements advocated for emancipation, citing the same Bible to champion freedom and equality. These abolitionists emphasized the liberating message of the gospel—how Jesus sets us free from bondage, both spiritual (Romans 6:17–18) and social (James 2:1–9, forbidding favoritism).

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence in Context

Although the issue of slavery and colonialism is more ethical and historical than textual, archaeological discoveries do provide context for biblical cultures. Ancient inscriptions show how other cultures made perpetual chattel slavery an economic mainstay, with fewer ethical constraints on masters. In contrast, records and manuscripts from Judean communities during biblical times demonstrate a concern for fair treatment of workers and servants, consistent with principles laid out in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 25:39–43).

Surviving New Testament manuscripts reveal no contradiction in the emphasis on love and mercy. The textual witnesses—from the papyri to the Codex Sinaiticus—consistently convey teachings that challenge dehumanizing oppression. Scholarly analysis confirms the consistent transmission of passages that elevate love for neighbor and impartial justice.

Practical Teachable Points

1. Human Failure vs. Divine Standard: The misuse of Christianity for oppression reveals not a shortcoming of Scripture but the propensity of human beings to distort truth for selfish ends.

2. Proper Contextual Reading: A thorough study of cultural and historical backgrounds clarifies misunderstanding of biblical texts.

3. Biblical Trajectory of Freedom: From Mosaic laws limiting servitude to New Testament declarations of unity in Christ, the trajectory points toward emancipation, dignity, and love.

4. Call to Compassionate Action: True Christian discipleship involves upholding human dignity, reflecting the God who created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27).

Conclusion: Returning to the Heart of the Gospel

Christianity, at its core, calls for love of neighbor and embraces all people as God’s image-bearers. When individuals misapplied Scripture to justify oppression, colonialism, or slavery, they acted outside the scriptural framework that commands us to love and serve others, not to dominate them.

Throughout history, those who genuinely sought to align their actions with the Bible’s consistent teachings on compassion, mercy, and equality led movements that dismantled oppressive systems. They recognized that “the entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14). Far from endorsing exploitation, Christianity at its faithful best inspires the pursuit of justice, liberation of captives, and the creation of communities marked by sacrificial love.