Why would God want slaves? North Alantic slavery was more brutal in many ways than previous slavery. Slavery was never a desireable state. Jesus' and Paul's endorsement of slavery always made me wonder. They were not slaves. Our present culture around the world condemns slavery. In my mind, there is a vast difference between an independent follower, disciple, students, protege, servant and a slave.
It is odious in our culture. Anyone who would call themselves slaves while enjoying all the freedoms not associated with slavery seem very rude to actual slaves. Visit a slave ship, plantation, or view the photographs of the consequences of slavery -- Jim Crow laws, lynchings, massive segregation, the KKK.
I was raised that humans were created in God's image. Rock stars and politicans don't seem to respect all or nothing fans, etc. They respect others at their level. I've known famous people in real life. The culture in NY is to never ooh or ahh.
There may be slaves and slaves. It may not be the most important thing. All my Christian teachers said God does not want the worship of worms. I suspect that slave is used as code for someting other than slavery. English has so many words to describe status. Curious as to why slave was chosen.
I see the Witnessses as slaves of a concept. There seems to be a book with a similar title. Only an observation. Modern language might me more understabdable. Mystics talk about submission to God. Slavery has very ugly connotations in our culture.