Christian Leaders Resources:
Human Trafficking
Biblical Reflections on Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery Introduction As Christians, we require a biblical vision of human dignity in order for us to deal adequately with the horror of human trafficking. This resource uses important biblical passages to provide the most direct challenge from scripture. Please feel free to develop them further as you explore this issue with your congregation. These thoughts could also be used as a quick devotional prior to praying alone or in groups. You can find factual information and case studies to further your understanding of the issue in our other resources. www.care.org.uk/humantrafficking
Biblical Imperatives that challenge Human Trafficking 1. A tale of two cities - Revelation 18
The apocalyptic world of the book of Revelation provides us, if we may simplify for just a moment, with a picture of two cities: (i) the ‘whore’ Babylon and (ii) its counter city the New Jerusalem. The latter is characterised by its light, healing, life, water, aesthetic beauty, and the full and uninhibited presence of God that lights the entire kingdom. Babylon, on the other hand, is marked by the politics of exploitation, gluttony, drunkenness, and godlessness of every possible kind. The merchants of the earth who were devoted to Babylon’s way of life are described as follows, as they watch the drastic end of the kingdom in which they had invested so wholeheartedly. ‘And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo any more, cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves and human lives.’ (18:12,13) The very empire that boastfully paraded its wares and its way of life as the sole way to live came to a crushing demise. The reason for this divine judgment is the inherent and flagrant idolatry committed in the face of faithful Christian witness. Its idolatry led its people and tradesmen even to buy and sell human lives. Human trafficking - the buying and selling of human souls - has taken place from time immemorial. But this trade, or the tendency to even consider engaging in it, is stamped with the politics of Babylon, ‘the dwelling place of demons’. (18:2). The Church, the Bride of the Lamb who sits upon the throne, will inherit the fullness of the New Jerusalem one day. This means she must live in complete contradistinction to Babylon. So let us consider how we can reflect the life and healing of the coming city of God here and now by combating the trade of human trafficking. What can we do to speak up for those who are crushed, sold, terrified, abused, exploited, and degraded? How can we provide protection, comfort and help?