[TheRealThing]

Onesimus was the bondslave of Philemon. Paul's language does not rule out that Onesimus was a form of indentured servant. While the term "indentured servitude" may not have existed at the time, the typology of relationship was not unknown. Paul offered Onesimus back to Philemon as a brother, as your analysis indicates.

As for the slavery that existed on our shores, it almost sounds like you are Barbara Bush suggesting that the condition of slavery was as the Superdome for the Katrina displaced: an improved condition.

The phrase "indentured servitude" describes a relationship which, as you suggest, most likely does not stretch to Onesimus/Philemon. However, Paul's language also leaves open a much different relationship than Mr. McGee describes.

Making voting more arduous suppresses turnout. It is very easy to hide behind the mantle of legitimate voters only as motive when suppressing legitimate voters is an ancillary result.

Listen, bluffing your way through this voting rights deal is one thing, well, one wrong thing is guess. But trying that act with God's Word is extremely foolhardy. The term bond slave does not appear in the text. We know that Roman law would have applied here, and we know what Roman law said about slavery because we still have copies of it. Philemon owned Onesimus. The fact that you would place yourself above J Vernon though incredibly arrogant is not surprising, but perhaps you could find within your vast experience the grace to cut John F Walvoord some slack?

[SIZE="3"]"The occasion for writing is almost identical with the story of the epistle itself. Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, had run away, having evidently robbed his master (Phile. 18). His travels somehow brought him to Rome where, in the providence of God, he came in contact with Paul. Through this contact Paul led Onesimus to know the Savior. Then Onesimus in some way became useful to Paul (vv. 12-13).

But Paul realized that Onesimus had a responsibililty to Philemon and should make restitution for his thievery. Thus Paul deemed it right to return Onesimus to Philemon. Tychicus was given the responsibility of carrying Paul's letter from Rome to the Colossians, and Onesimus evidently traveled back with him. (Col. 4:7-9).

In this letter to Philemon Paul explained his situation and asked Philemon to treat Onesimus not as a runaway, thieving slave, but now as a beloved brother in Christ (Phle. 15-16; cf. Col. 4:9). In so doing, the apostle gave not only some insight into the institution of slavery in the Apostolic Age but also his Christian response to it."[/SIZE]

But please stick with your indentured servitude concoction if you choose. And let's face it. There is no logical answer to my question about voter ID's, but the challenge for you to come up with one still stands.