Does anyone have an indication of when Biblical interpretation was first used to justify racism and slavery? I'm sure that, at the very lastest, that developed as soon as voices were raised against slavery in America. The prime example that I'm aware of would be Genesis 9:20-27. The name of Noah's son Ham is said to mean "dark', or "black". Because Ham saw his father nude and mentioned it, his son Canaan and further descendents are cursed with slavery. So, of course, it was contrary to the will of God to free black people from slavery. If the last sermon to this effect has been preached in "Amerika", I fear it hasn't been that long ago.