David Platt discusses modern slavery and the sex trade in Chapter five of Counter Culture. Post an
initial thread that considers his biblical arguments against slavery and human trafficking. Your
post should discuss the scriptures he uses to defend human dignity and
equality. Platt gives serious consideration to the fact that the Gospel offers the best means
of fighting slavery. In your initial thread mention at least two Christian ministries to victims of
human trafficking (use Google to find several). Discuss at least two things each ministry is doing and how
it fits with the biblical truths that Platt highlights. Mention at least two ways that your church might be
encouraged to become invovled in this kind of ministry. Your post should be at least 400 words and is
due by 11:59 PM Thursday eveing of Week Five/Module Five. Respond to at least two others by Sunday
evening of Week Five/Module Five.
Reading through chapter 5 of David Platt’s book Counter Culture he uses many different verses
that speak against human trafficking. Platt quotes that “God created man in his own image, in the
image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27)[1]. He goes on to
say that “Job implies this when he talks about why he refuses to mistreat his servants. He asks,
did not the One who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same God form us both
in the Womb? (Job 31:15)[2]. Platt continues stating that “Paul decries the sin of trafficking in
the same breath in which he speaks about murder and sexual immorality. The word translated
“enslavers” in 1 Timothy 1:10 literally means “man Stealer” or “Slave Dealer””[3]. He further
points out that “anyone whoh kidnaps people in order to sell them as slaves is “lawless and
rebellious… ungodly and sinful… unholy and irreverent (1 Timothy 1:9)”[4].
There are a few organizations that I would like to mention that are heavily involved within
human trafficking. The first organization is ZOE their goal is to end human trafficking by
reaching every person. Rescuing every child. They do this with a three step process. Step one is
prevention “Zoe prevents child trafficking through prevention rescues and human trafficking
awareness campaigns”[5]. The second step is rescue “Intervention rescues take place when a
child trafficking victim is brought to their attention”[6]. And the third step is restoration
“Rescued children are then brought to one of our safe houses where they provide short-term
specialized care”[7].
The second organization is Samaritan’s Purse. They are “working to prevent the horrors of
human trafficking primarily through education and prevention programs in vulnerable
communities. They also work with Christian partners to help restore victims”[8]. It is there
primary focus “to share the hope of Christ with those who are suffering”[9].
There are many ways in which a church can be involved within the community to help stop
human trafficking. As an example the church I currently attend (Grace Bible Church) had seen
many suspicious activities happening across the parking lot at this massage parlor. They notified
the local authorities and worked with them for months to help aid within the shutting down of
this within the community. Churches can help prevent trafficking from happening by remaining
vigilant and reporting anything that seems to be out of place. We all need to work together to
make everyone aware of the problems that are happening within our own communities.
