How did the “holy city” become the “slave capital” of the nation? 

Do you know which city?

The city has been called the “holy city” because of its religious heritage and the numerous church steeples that make up the city skyline.

It became the nation’s “slave capital” because approximately 40% of all Africans brought to America and sold as slaves came through this port city.

The city: Charleston, SC.

We are studying Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount on Friday nights.  Over and over Jesus says, “you have heard it said, but I say to you…”  He is referring to Torah, Old Testament Law, and the contemporary (1^st Century) interpretation of those commands.

Exodus 21:16 declares, “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.”

I wonder how/if Jesus might reinterpret this command?  We can never know for sure, but this we do know – Jesus never seems to make following Old Testament commands easier.