Were The Black Races Cursed by God?

It is a common myth that the Bible, specifically in Genesis 9, condones the enslavement of the African races, and implies that the black races are inferior. Genesis 9 was used in the days of the black slave trade by supposed Christians who wished to justify their horrible treatment of African peoples. However, their interpretation of this passage was a flagrant misuse of Scripture, a misuse of Scripture that unfortunately continues to this day in some quarters. This incorrect interpretation has caused much tragedy and suffering among the African races, and we need to put it to rest immediately. Following an immoral incident involving Ham and perhaps his son Canaan, Genesis 9 describes how Canaan is cursed by Noah:

“And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant” (Genesis 9:25-27).

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Author: The Agora Biblical Knowledge Base

Keywords: Black race, Cursed by God, Ham, Canaan, Noah's curse, Cursed by Noah, Canaanites, Negro, Negros, Negroes, African race, Africa

Bible reference(s): Genesis 9:25-27, Joshua 9:22-23

Source: The Agora Biblical Knowledge Base

Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.