Bible on Slavery (Part 1): Exodus 21:20-21

Multiple examples of acceptance and support of slavery are found within the Bible. In modern times the majority of Believers do not take these parts all too seriously. However in the not too distant past, these verses were used to justify the practice of slavery. The first set which will be discussed here is found in the book of Exodus — 21:20-21.

When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be punished; for the slave is his money. -Exodus 21:20-21

Obviously the Bible in this instance is in support of the institution of slavery; let's break these verses down for the underlining meaning. The first part:  "When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished". This shows that even in the past, slaves were viewed as more then just property, being that if they died from the owners abuse, the person that killed them would gotten punished —which is presumably more then the murder of ones own livestock (cows, sheep etc.). Details on what the punishment would be were left out. This was probably intentional, the writers wanted to show that they viewed slaves as being slightly higher then livestock, but did not want to declare slavery itself as immoral. The only impact this verse would have had would have been in the form of a slap on the wrist for murderer, if even that. The next part: "But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be punished; for the slave is his money.". This verse shows the true views of the writers, that slaves, in the end are mere property. A slave owner gets a "punishment" for committing murder, and nothing for nearly doing so. The writers had a void in basic human compassion and morality. Slavery is a very immoral practice, why anyone would look for morality in a book which condones it is beyond me.