Q & A: WHAT DOES REVEREND DEAL SAY?
‘Don’t believe the hype’
Question: Was the “Curse of Ham’ a justification for slavery?
Answer: Some scholars have made a motion that the Curse of Ham justified the bondage of a selected people (Black People). If you pray on this subject, research, and get involve with a Bible based study group you will understand the falsehood of this notion. I’m suggesting to you “Don’t believe the hype”. The Bible never mentioned that Ham was cursed. Ham’s son Canaan was cursed (Genesis 9:25). This is an example of how myths are started. There is a process known as sacralizing. To sacralize is to develop theological and religious beliefs for the benefit of a particular ethnic or racial group. One author says myths, however, do not need facts; they simply need supporters. So, twisting scripture to keep one in bondage for economic gains is a Christian myth. To justify that God has chosen a particular people to raise up a new realm in a New World is sacralizing.
A myth can be powerful and everlasting. As the Englishmen planned their pilgrimage for the New World, John Rolfe observed they were” a peculiar people, marked and chosen by the finger of God, to possess it, for undoubtedly He is with us’. This was their justification to enslave people (as one Englishmen says savages).
It is up to you to know the truth. There is no excuse. Pray, mediate, and study the word of God. The Gospel of John 8:32 says “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’.
Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Reverend Deal can be reached in care of the spiritual editor at the Westside gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or email at David.deal55@gmail.com
