State v. Mann Mock Trial

I speak to you today advocating for John Mann. From a religious standpoint, what he did to his slave Lydia was completely valid. Who are we as Christians to charge this man unlawfully when the faith we look towards tells us that his actions were holy? Even the Bible itself condones his actions.

The story of Abraham discusses the topic of slavery. According to the story, Abraham owned a slave named Hager. Hager spoke with an angel, who then said to her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her." This story demonstrates how religious figures, in this case angels, encouraged slaves to obey their masters because that is the Christian thing to do. If angels want slaves to obey, why would Mann be wrong by encouraging his slave to obey?  It is not morally incorrect for Mann to whip Lydia and then shoot her for trying to run away. She wasn't doing what she was supposed to, and he retaliated in a religiously sound manner. Also, Leviticus 25:44-46 says, "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves." Strengthening the argument that slaves are property bought by individuals who are allowed to do what they want to with their property. Even if Lydia was rented she was his for the time being.

Jesus himself, who we hold in such high regard as good Christian people, also accepts slavery. It has been said that "Not one word of criticism did the Lord ever utter against slavery." If the Lord does not criticize slavery, why are we so quick to? Isn't that an unholy thing to do? Mann had every right to discipline his slave because she was there to serve him, not the other way around. In Ephesians 6:5-7 it states, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with the sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." In the eyes of God slaves must obey their masters no matter what, like how Lydia should have obeyed Mr. John Mann. However, she didn't and for that deserved to be disciplined. 

Theologians, including Charles Hodge, have also come out to speak of this issue. Hodge states, "To call slavery sinful was a direct impeachment of the word of God." Further solidifying that there is nothing wrong with supporting slavery or, in this case, the actions of John Mann.

John Mann should not face such horrific scrutiny for what he has done. His actions were in fact lawful and were a good Christian thing to do when put into that situation. I know it is ultimately up to the judge to come to their own decision about the case. However, when coming to your conclusion, I urge you to think, "Would I be going against my religion by going against John Mann?" The answer is yes. You would be doing your beliefs and our God above a disservice. Thank you for letting me share some religious reasons as to why John Mann is innocent and should not be charged with any crime or pay the five dollar fine.