Slavery is always bad. Is Colonization?
My most deeply held convictions about slavery were probably formed from a combination of my upbringing, my understanding of history, my grasp of the Bible, God’s heart for people, and my exposure to a global community. The brief one-sentence version of that conviction would go like this: “Slavery is always bad.”
To unpack that a little bit, my parents taught me from an early age that God values all people the same and that nobody is inferior to anyone else due to the color of their skin, cultural heritage, or economic situation. In school, I was told stories about the evils of slavery in both the world and American history. And when I’ve met people in extreme poverty and considered that they would be the ones most exploited in a slave system, it was anathema to me as a human being. Furthermore, Biblical history would trend away from slavery[1], and God’s people would learn to love others more and more deeply, reflecting God’s heart for humanity.
And somewhere along the way, through one or a combination of the above sources (or maybe it’s just instinctual to us as humans), I learned that people shouldn’t own other people and that each of us has a personal agency that should be respected.
In short, it was easy for me to reflect on and articulate what I feel about slavery (and especially chattel slavery) and why I feel it.
Colonialism, on the other hand, wasn’t so easy to nail down. Where slavery seems clear, Colonialism, in my mind, is fuzzy; it has more greys. There was no question in my mind that so much bad happened in the name of colonizing other people’s land; often, it felt like the geographic version of personal slavery that I so abhorred.
But while I rejected what I understood were the principles behind why much Colonialism happened (in the name of culture and religion—the ‘superior’ people civilizing the ‘natives’), I also asked questions like “When did anybody’s land become their ‘own’ to rule…aren’t’ we ALL a product of colonialism somewhere long past?” and “What about some of the good that has come from colonialism like modernization of infrastructure?” and “How have some nations done better economically because of the influence of colonialism?”
After reading A Brief History of Slavery: A New Global History by Jeremy Black and Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning by Nigel Biggar, some of my thoughts were affirmed. The activities of slavery and colonization have caused pain and brokenness in our world. In Slavery, Black is clear that the practice of slavery was often a reflection of, and led to, dehumanization, violence, and abuse and that society has had to pay the price for slavery even after it was abolished in that we are still dealing with its long-term effects.
In Colonialism, Biggar confirmed some of my thoughts, too, calling for a more critical and balanced approach to our understanding of colonial history. He writes that many evil actions happened in the name of colonialism, but not always with evil motivations or even always with evil outcomes. And he contends that there were actions taken in the pursuit of colonization that were not evil at all. In the book, he analyzes Empire and the pursuit of Empire from a moral perspective, attempting to point out its negative, positive, and, more importantly, nuanced aspects.
I want to talk about three things I discovered in the books that challenged or stirred my thinking
First, while I knew this on some level, I had forgotten (or ignored) the reality that slavery has so many different iterations, causes, actors, and contexts. As Black writes, “it is scarcely surprising that slavery does not have a single meaning, nor a uniform context.” (from the preface). Slavery was not just black vs. white or ‘enlightened’ Europeans vs. developing cultures. As far back as history goes, humans from every culture have been enslaving and dominating one another for many reasons, and even after “abolition,” we continue to do so all over the world (including here). So, while it’s important for us to recon with, say, the fruit of American slavery of Africans up to the 19th century, we should do so in a context of understanding the enormous scope of the problem of slavery everywhere else and to do so without minimizing in any way the specific tragedy of American slavery.
Second, I admit that Colonialism was a challenging read for me. Whereas Black’s book presented a more mainstream narrative surrounding slavery, Biggar seemed to be inviting discussion that would lead to disagreement but also deeper analysis. Though I started with a framework that I think aligned with his (“Colonialism is both bad and good”), his apologetic for the good done in the name of colonialism caused me to rethink my position. I’m still not sure where I stand, and I am pressed to do more than an inspectional reading of the text.
And I will re-read it because I had never truly considered how important it is to understand these issues when leading from a global perspective. It would have been impossible to have journeyed through this program without addressing these because the ongoing results of colonialism and slavery impact how we lead today, especially if we are leading in a global context.
I now see the genius (or serendipity) of starting the program in Cape Town. Reading these books has led me full circle and provided a connecting point to a map that must be made for me to lead well.
[1] For an excellent exploration of this, see the book Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis by William J. Webb.
About the Author
Tim Clark
I'm on a lifelong journey of discovering the person God has created me to be and aligning that with the purpose God has created me for. I've been pressing hard after Jesus for 40 years, and I currently serve Him as the lead pastor of vision and voice at The Church On The Way in Los Angeles. I live with my wife and 3 kids in Burbank California.16 responses to “Slavery is always bad. Is Colonization?”
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Tim,
I resonated with how you were formed in your beliefs about slavery and the dignity of human beings. Thank you for writing out your thoughts clearly.
You wrote:
“First, while I knew this on some level, I had forgotten (or ignored) the reality that slavery has so many different iterations, causes, actors, and contexts. As Black writes, “it is scarcely surprising that slavery does not have a single meaning, nor a uniform context.” (from the preface).” Your post caused me to reflect on something Jeremy Black wrote in chapter 7, A Troubled Present: “The emphasis on the service economy can be taken further if slavery is extended to include ‘wage slavery’ for much of the recent expansion of low-paid jobs classically done by recent immigrants is in the care sector. Thus (and here’s my point), medical assistants, physician assistants, home health aides and PT assistants were among the ten fastest-growing occupations in America . . .” Have you ever considered that certain healthcare professions could be seen as ‘wage slavery’? Especially in a state as expensive to live as California?
Wow, Pam, you just blew up my brain!
I hadn’t considered that, but then when I further consider that many healthcare professoinals COULD be seen as wage slaves, I have to ask what does that do to church employees who make less than medical workers?
In California, it’s complicated because the cost of living is so high. So considering that, I wonder if ‘wage slavery’ has more to do with inequity (the “top brass” making 50x more than the bottom rung) and profit margins than raw numbers and cost of living.
But really intriguing comment that is going to make me consider how my org. may inadvertantly play into this problem.
Hi John,
Nice post.
As a fun side note, Hawaii, the “Aloha State,” was colonized by the U.S.! My birth certificate says “Territory of Hawaii” at the top.
In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed the Apology Resolution (Public Law 103-150), acknowledging that the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii was illegal and that the Native Hawaiian people never relinquished their claims to sovereignty. While it didn’t change Hawaii’s status, this resolution formally acknowledged the wrongful actions taken.
Sigh.
I have mixed feelings about the excerpt about Hawaiian history I listed above. If Hawaii had not been annexed by President McKinley in 1897, my identity would be quite different. Rather than a U.S. Army Officer, missionary, and now doctoral candidate, I would be the subject of the Kingdom of Queen Liliuokalani. (No thanks, by the way.)
Things like colonialism cannot be undone. It happened, and we, the “colonized,” have to push through assimilation/prejudice and victimization.
I, for one, am content to pursue the “American Dream.” My daughter is in the US Air Force Academy, and my son is in the US Army.
As a former colonist, I am content.
Shalom
Russ,
You addressed John in your response so I’m not sure if that was intended for John’s post, or if you just see us as the same guy (which is fair, we’re kinda joined at the hip).
But I’ll respond anyways.
It’s really interesting to hear one who was “colonized” say that you are content with the results of that colonization. I think that’s what I was wrestling with.
And I fully appreciate your statement, your heart that doesn’t respond in historical offense or bitterness, and I defend your right to it… at the same time, as one who would more readily identify with the colonists (because of my lineage and heritage), I feel a responsibility to wrestle with the negative implications.
In ohter words, I think if all of us focused more on cleaning up our own side of the street, we’d be better off.
Hi TIM,
I’m sorry. I do get you two confused sometimes. Anyway, PASTOR JOHN responded with something that caused me to pause in appreciation.
(Philippians 4:10-13)
Paul reflects on his experiences, saying he has learned to be content in any situation, whether in plenty or want. He declares, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NIV), emphasizing the source of his strength and endurance.
Ah…contentment in all situations, even in colonization?
As I mentioned to John, I don’t know how I could share that with my Afro-American brethren without sounding condescending and without offending them. Slavery and its legacy continue to wound today’s generation.
I glanced over at Archbishop Tutu’s book, No future without forgiveness……
Shalom
You mentioned the good and bad that came with colonialism. I’m thinking that this connects with what the 20th century missiologist David Hesselgrave wrote (I reference this in my blogpost): “(E)very culture has elements of divine order and satanic rebellion; each has potential for the revelation of God’s truth and for its concealment or mutilation.” Every endeavor enacted by humans is going to have aspects of humans as image bearers, made in the image of God, and the brokenness that results from living in a fallen world.
You also stated, “And I will re-read it because I had never truly considered how important it is to understand these issues when leading from a global perspective.” I’m curious — What are the top three books from this program that stand out to you, as a pastor wanting to lead from a global perspective?
Travis, I appreciate that quote and look forward to reading your post.
I fully resonate with it, but I wonder if it can be an excuse for some. “People are imperfect, so anything we do is going to be flawed” could become twisted to justify the extremes in something like colonialism.
I know that’s not what you are saying but it made me think.
Top three books on a global perspective? Cascades was very instructive for me as it recognized the power of small groups in every context and culture.. Hero with a thousand faces and the universal archeypes contained there. I can’t think of a third ‘global’ book off the top of my head, but I’ll offer Friedman as foundational to non anxious but convicted leadership is key anywhere in the world I have observed.
Tim,
Great post!!! I love how when I am reading blog posts from our cohort, I hear their voices animating the words.
I share that gratitude for parents who modeled loving others from all races/cultures, stages of faith, and socio-economic level. I listened to the audiobook for Colonization (that was a challenge. . . had to pause a lot. . . big words and lots to chew on). 🙂. I came to the book with an idea that colonization was like stealing. But hearing some of the good that has come out of colonization made me rethink my perspective too. Thanks for sharing your thinking shifts.
Cathy, this WOULD be a hard book to listen to!!!
Yeah, I’m with you on wrestling with the grey in-between area when I previously thought slavery and colonization were hand-in-glove. I’m grateful for a program that challenges us to think about BIG ideas and wrestle through to different conclusions.
Thanks Tim,
You reflected many of my own thoughts about both slavery and colonialism…and also some of your own continued uncertainty to speak to the issue of colonialism with a degree of conviction. For me, the issue is so complex, it feels like it would take another few months (or another degree) to read counter-arguments to Biggar’s book to ensure a ‘balanced’ reality is being presented. This seems to be the (for me) tiring and complex world we live in now–where one very well-researched and articulated position is challenged by another expert in the field….and I am left thinking: I likely shouldn’t speak to this at all….not without a lot more work. That being the case…I suspect I’ll be doing lots of listening on Monday…
Scott, I am SO with you on these sentiments.
I love that we get to dive into these topics that I may never have engaged, but I really do feel like i’m diving into the deep end of the pool (which you should never do in a pool).
But to know the issues are there and know where to go to find out more, is, I think, part of this process.
And I don’t have the time, money, or bandwidth for another degree.
I’ll be listening for your voice on Monday because I’ll be listening more.
I concur with your firm grasp on the evil of slavery and the uncertainty regarding colonialism. I’m in that same space. It was helpful to read Russell’s post and his replies that gave some up close and personal experience. I simply don’t have that background.
Even though I inspectionally read Biggar’s book, I sincerely want to go back and dig in deeper. The shores of my ignorance are showing.
Agreed. Russle’s post was helpful and sobering.
I’ll throw you a lifejacket if you get too far off the shores.
Tim,
I agree with the connecting of this reading at the end of our studies to the beginning of our studies. Colonization was and is a huge issue in Cape Town. Thank you for connecting maps.
Tim,
As I am currently struggling to find value in things…as so many things/people/systems disappoint. I really appreciate this statement as it reminds me of the importance of what we are doing- ” It would have been impossible to have journeyed through this program without addressing these because the ongoing results of colonialism and slavery impact how we lead today, especially if we are leading in a global context.” I know that we have an opportunity to impact global change…I just don’t currently have the bandwidth for it. I am disheartened and tired.
Jonita,
While I know I can’t fully understand it, I feel your pain. This is a perplexing season in the US. I don’t get it.
Regarding colonialism, I want to be clear, that though I am trying to see where there might be any good, I’m having a hard time with it.
I realize that our world was shaped by colonization from ancient times and there would be no America, no Australia, no Europe, and Asia and Africa would look much different, too.
Maybe it would all be better had no colonial powers ever manifested? I don’t know. It’s possible there are some places in history where the goal of a colony was to serve indiginous people but in general I think it was always about power and coersion, so whatever the results (even if not always “bad”) if the root was evil the fruit probably is too.
But that’s what I mean with the wrestling. I think I’ll come out on the side that Colonialism in general isn’t/wasn’t good, but I feel I’ll have a better and more educated approach to be able to say that.