Chrysostom had no definite scheme for the external reformation
of society. He recognized and accepted the existing order and wanted not to
rebuild society but to transform men. He believed in the triumphant strength of
the spirit, and this explains his attitude towards slavery. He recognized it as
an unnatural state but did not reject it or demand its abolition. This was not
because such a demand would not have been fulfilled: on the contrary, Chrysostom
frequently, especially in his severe standards of moral behavior, called for
things that were not possible to realize. However, he saw a faster and more
direct route to the overcoming of slavery in his advocacy of meekness, concern,
and love. He reminded slaveowners of the dignity of man and of the equality of
all people before Christ. He called slaves to a higher freedom and exhorted them
to submit for the sake of Christ, as this would mitigate their earthly
dependence. Chrysostom believed that every blow received in life on earth should
be seen in relation to the life of the spirit. No external conditions can effect
life in Christ and with Christ, and this is the source of eternal joy and
bliss.
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