September 1, 2007

Dear Friend,

      Two new books came on the scene recently, each dealing with the moral and theological questions arising from the Civil War.  I was struck by the idea that there are theological issues connected with the war, because I have long pondered how it is that biblical law permits slavery.  It can jar the unwary reader to find a Scripture like this one:

“If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property” (Exodus 21:20-21 NIV).

      Anyone raised in the United States, and drinking deeply of the culture will find that passage problematic, not merely for the allowed treatment of slaves, but for the assumption that one man can be another man’s property.  The question has to be asked, is it the will of God that one man should be able to enslave another, or was God merely regulating a custom of the time?

      In a book review of those two new books on the Civil War, the reviewer outlined the cost of the war, calling it “the butcher’s bill,” and went on to ask if it was really worth it.  There are some truly important questions raised here.  In a new program titled, The Theology of the Civil War, I address in some detail the issues raised by this theme.  We have to address not only the causes and results of the war, but also the theological underpinnings of slavery itself, because many people who styled themselves as good Christians found biblical justification for slavery.

      This is an important program, and I want you to have your own CD of the message for study, reflection, and to share with others.  It’s FREE, so don’t hesitate.  To get a CD of The Theology of the Civil War, call our office at 1-888-BIBLE-44.  Or, you can download your copy right now by clicking on this link.

Yours in the Service of Christ,



Ronald L. Dart

PS. We’re not kidding. This CD is FREE. On the other hand, if God leads you to make a contribution to help in the work we are doing, we will be eternally grateful—and we promise to use it faithfully in the ministry of Jesus Christ.