Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject Theology - Biblical Theology, London School of Theology, language: English, abstract: In this essay, we will consider the role that the theological method has in engaging with these narratives, especially focusing on the conflicting concepts between the abolitionist narrative and that of sex workers rights. The goal is to use the framework of the theological method to engage with key epistemological differences in the narratives, in order to determine a more balanced and effective approach. There are three primary narrative approaches to define the relationship between sex trafficking and prostitution. The first is that of abolition, where the lines of delineation between prostitution and trafficking are often blurred and cases of exploitation within prostitution are categorized in a sex trafficking context. Here one commonly finds the language of rescue and restoration. In this context, individual actors such as pimps and traffickers, as well as the society itself which allows prostitution to flourish, are viewed as perpetrators. The second narrative is one of criminal justice, where the issue is framed by the language of legal prosecution against criminals and the war on trafficking done by the State and NGO actors. The third narrative is one of sex workers rights, where the human rights abuses surrounding prostitution are framed principally as gender migrant issues and the need for better working conditions is presented as the solution. Assistance from a sex workers rights approach speaks in terms of harm reduction and empowering agency among those in prostitution. This approach considers sex work to be a viable job when the conditions are correct and the women are free from exploitation. All narratives agree that sex trafficking is wrong. The departure takes place where views of prostitution are concerned. The prevalence of harm found in prostitution cause some to place it ontologically in the same category as sex trafficking while others would say that is overreaching and adds to the challenges women in prostitution face. In effect, presuppositions built by a commitment to any of these narratives tend to influence the orientation and praxis of an organization.

In this book Marion Carson brings us a profound, interdisciplinary account of how Christians have engaged with slavery in the past, and how they might respond in the future.

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Theology - Practical Theology, grade: 7 (UK Higher Education), London School of Theology, language: English, abstract: This essay will utilize an integrative theological method to examine the theology behind African Traditional Religion and its use of juju in cases of Nigerian sex trafficking. An integrative theological method approaches theology by focussing on the epistemological sources of Scripture, tradition, reason, experience and community and their interpenetration. This essay is especially aimed at equipping those among African Christian diaspora communities as well as NGO’s in their work to assist Nigerian trafficking victims within Europe. Reports of Nigerian and other West African women migrating into EU member states then being forced into prostitution are on the rise at alarming rates. This form of labor exploitation has been defined as sex trafficking based on the UN Trafficking Protocol and is considered to be one of the most urgent human rights abuse issues of our time. The methods behind sex trafficking carry distinct traits in different parts of the world. There is, however, a particularly beguiling element to Nigerian sex trafficking - the use of juju (voodoo) rituals as a tool to mentally enslave victims. This element has captured the attention of both state actors and European society on a larger scale. This form of control has been especially challenging to navigate for law enforcement and NGO organizations within the EU, since the controlling factors are built upon belief systems that are radically different to their own.

This book examines the history, theological beliefs and current contextual practices of faith-based NGOs who work in the area of human trafficking that involves the sex industry. There are hundreds of religious organizations around the globe who minister with human trafficking survivors and sex workers, but what is really happening on the ground and how do theological beliefs support a faith-based response? Many of these groups represent their work as a cosmic battle against evil forces, yet important structural critiques are ignored in the urgency to rescue women and children. Using perspectives from both NGO staff and sex workers, an interdisciplinary panel of contributors examine specific organizations, highlight marginalized voices, and analyze undergirding methodologies. In doing so, the authors provide clear critiques and establish best practice guidelines for faith-based NGOs and future religious leaders, affirming an intersection of justice based upon critical reflection and careful action. This book addresses with nuance an important topic that is often over-simplified. It will, therefore, be of great interest to scholars studying the interaction of religion to sex work and human trafficking, as well as academics of religious studies and theology more generally.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) are global crimes impacting local communities. Vulnerable people are exploited through labour, sex and forced criminality. Churches and communities are increasingly encountering these victims and survivors, and consequently need to develop more effective engagement. The book will highlight that churches and communities are in a unique position to partner towards slavery-free communities. Beginning with the narratives of survivors who experienced three different forms of MSHT, including labour exploitation, sexual exploitation and domestic exploitation, the book then shows how practitioners and theologians respond to these narratives through exploring theologies of suffering, ecology, missiology, restorative justice, trinitarian theology and liberation theology. Offering faith responses from organisations such The Salvation Army, The Clewer Initiative, BMS World Mission and Rene Cassinhe the volume also includes a final resource section with prayers and liturgy for survivors and victims as well as for church and community responses. The book includes a forward by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP and an opening prayer by the Most Revd Justin Welby

Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Gender Studies, grade: 1,7, Åbo Akademi University, language: English, abstract: In the beginning of the 20th century sexuality in Western culture was considered as a taboo and especially the church acted repressive towards sexual topics.. Since the 1960s the term “sexual revolution” described a cultural change in the western society towards a more liberal view of sexuality, monogamy and sexual relationships. Reasons for that are on the one hand the availability of new methods of birth-control like “The Pill” and the lack of fear of sexual diseases in the 1960s but on the other hand also a change of thoughts and believes which came up through the students movement of 1968 and its more promiscuous and hedonistic way of live (“Sex, Drugs & Rock'n Roll”), which still influences our sexual believes today. To understand the consequences of this development I want to explain the term “sexualization of society”, which describes the constant (or growing) presence of sexuality in public, in social perception and consciousness of the people. It also refers to the focus or emphasis on sexuality within a broader context and viewing an object under the sexual point of view or in terms of sexuality. I want to analyze if a sexualization of society as an example in the case of “mainstreaming of pornography” really has taken place and in what way this is reflected in pornography and prostitution. Therefore I will also consider the changes in the public opinion towards pornography and I will compare it to prostitution and its role in our society.

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,0, University of Bayreuth, course: Introduction to Queer Theory, language: English, abstract: Frank Wedekind ́s "Spring Awakening" was undoubtedly a real shocker for its time. Still today every director and actor ask themselves how to approach this extraordinary piece of drama. This paper examines from a queer and psychoanalytic perspectve the personality construction of the two major characters Melchior and Wendla and comes to a serious conclusion which is of interdisciplinary importance.