Introduction to the Reading
The article “Human Trafficking and The Terrible Price of Sex” and the podcast on the price of sex serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the widespread problem of human trafficking. We may better comprehend the prophetic summons to fight human trafficking and defend the values of genuine religion by looking at the article through the lens of justice and the subject of the widow, the orphan, and the immigrant.
Chakarova’s encounters with women who were ensnared in sex trafficking reveal the depth of exploitation they endure. The article highlights how unsuspecting victims are lured with false promises of employment as waitresses or hotel maids, only to find themselves trapped in forced prostitution. Chakarova has a connection to the women she interviews because of her own experience growing up in a communist Bulgarian town (NPR, 2011). It draws attention to the reality that human trafficking victims typically originate from similar backgrounds and might pass for anyone’s sister, daughter, or friend.
Justice and Care
The Bible often urges us to care for widows, orphans, and strangers. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is stated that “God defends the rights of the fatherless, widows, and foreigners residing among His people, ensuring they have their basic needs met, such as food and clothing” (Hudson, 2021, p. 69). This passage portrays God as an example for the Israelites to follow, encouraging them to extend their help to widows, orphans, and aliens. Although the pimps who employ or, rather, exploit these women may provide them with food and clothing at a superficial level, the reprehensible actions and lifestyles forced upon them are in stark contrast to the message of God and the example set by Christ.
Perspective of the Hebrew Bible and the Prophetic Message
The Hebrew Bible consistently emphasizes justice as a central component of true religion. Caring for the oppressed aligns with the core principles of justice and righteousness found throughout Scripture (Hudson, 2021). The prophets exemplified this by speaking out against oppression, advocating for the marginalized, and demanding societal transformation. In the face of human trafficking, justice requires a collective effort to dismantle the systems that enable and profit from the exploitation of the vulnerable.
Faith Guiding Actions
Empathy is not enough to combat human trafficking; active participation is also necessary. True faith requires us to fight this injustice with deeds, not words. We must lobby for legal changes that hold traffickers accountable, increase awareness about the pervasiveness of trafficking, and support groups that offer rehabilitation and reintegration assistance to survivors (Hudson, 2021). By engaging in these activities, we actively fight to create a just and compassionate society while embodying the prophetic message of standing up for the downtrodden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by recognizing the oppressive realities faced by human trafficking victim women from Eastern Europe, people are summoned to actively engage, create awareness, and strive for a just society. Reflecting the prophetic teachings and the fundamental principles of genuine faith delineated in Scripture is crucial. Through these efforts, we can strive for a world where the widow, the orphan, the alien, and all oppressed are cared for, protected, and restored to dignity and freedom.
References
NPR. (2011). Human Trafficking and the Terrible ‘Price of Sex’. Web.
Hudson, D.M. (2021). Foundations of Christian thought and practice (4th ed.). Cast Publishers.