Marion L. S. Carson Knihy

Whilst the philosophical battle against slavery might have been won, human trafficking is very much a problem for our time and continues to spark rigorous debate among Christians wrestling with what God’s justice might look like today. Can the Bible, whose teaching on slavery is so at odds with our contemporary worldview, inform efforts to end human trafficking, and if so, how? In “Human Trafficking, the Bible, and the Church” Marion Carson offers a profound, interdisciplinary account of how Christians have engaged with slavery in the past, and how they might respond in the future. Whilst rigorously scholarly and painstakingly researched, this is at the same time a highly readable book that will refresh our own understanding and help shape our responsibility to bring about change.

Focusing on the biblical perspective of human trafficking, the book explores the scriptures related to slavery and the sex trade, providing insights for Christian activists and church groups. It highlights the contrast between historical and contemporary Christian views on slavery, drawing lessons from 18th and 19th-century Abolitionists. Each chapter encourages reflection with study questions and includes illustrations, all while interpreting biblical texts through the lens of love.