You mean the stuff that sells for $ 5 qt instead of $ 2 gal that we ' re getting for gas ? <| sep |> Southern slave owners were wealthy people , likely with a poor understanding of theology . Of course they would use anything they could to justify their mistreatment of others . Religion was a significant order at the time and was usually applied by the upperclasses to subdue those below them . Look at how religion was used during WWI for instance . Is slavery a God given institution in Christianity ? Clearly not as Christians were also at the heart of the abolitionist movements . The themes throughout the Bible and the Gospels clearly show that slavery is inhumane and unchristian . But it would be quick and easy for God . Unless you don ' t believe he is omnipotent and omniscient . It doesn ' t work like that . God is omnipotent but he chooses not to rule over mankind as a tyrant . He will intervene but if we do wicked then it is from our own free will and we are accountable for that . God doesn ' t force us to do anything but gives us a guide so that we may do good .