I’m surprised that Prager used slavery as an example of moral regressiveness of Judaism. Just as the Torah was the first time these distinctions in sexual relations were set forth, it was also among the first time that chattel slavery was abolished. The slavery described in the Torah is more generally along the lines of indentured servitude, rather than the modern American conception of slavery.
I am interested in learning about the similarities and the important distinctions between different forms of dependent labor: chattel slavery, Abrahamic slavery, serfdom, indentured labor, apprenticeship, domestic labor (the working family), monastic labor, etc.
I say "interested" because I actually don't know much, but would like to learn and understand more.
Could you please elabaorate a little more on your above statement?
And if you know of anyplace on the Internet where there is a more in-depth discussion, could you recommend it? Thanks.
I recommend that you read Leviticus 25:44. This tells the ancient Israelites whom they may enslave and whom they may not (generally other Israelites) and for how long. This biblical passage was oft cited by southerners as a justification for slavery.
After reading the above Text, you may wish to read Exodus 21:20 and 21:21. This tells the ancient Israelites that they will be punished if they beat their slaves and slave girls to death. However, if those ancients were to beat their slaves or slave girls to death slowly over several days, they will suffer no punishment, because they are his property.
Very enlightened, wouldn't you say?