An Open Letter to Christian Men
There is a vast array of reasons to engage in anti-trafficking work: humanitarian efforts to relieve the suffering of others, the desire to see justice brought to the perpetrators, and hope for safer communities where our kids can grow up. All of these are necessary because the solution to trafficking demands action from all corners of society. In our tumultuous modern world, good men are surrounded by causes worthy of their time, energy, and finances. The suffering of others is so apparent in the connected society in which we live, that often, it is more difficult to choose what not to do, rather than which cause to support.
So, let's talk about why good men should involve themselves, particularly in anti-trafficking work, and let’s take it one step further and discuss why Christian men especially should take a closer look at this issue.
“The focus of this discussion is not to impose a singular perspective on anti-trafficking work, but rather to compel Christian men to see that this fight is indeed your fight.”
It is true that anti-trafficking efforts find support from diverse religious and cultural spheres and even across the Christian community opinions and motivations vary. However, one thing that unites us is our foundational beliefs which make it clear that men of faith have a duty to “act justly and love mercy” (Micah 6:8). The focus of this discussion is not to impose a singular perspective on anti-trafficking work, but rather to compel Christian men to see that this fight is indeed your fight.
First, we look to the example and character of our God. While the methods may vary, our foundational motivation remains anchored in imitating our Savior who proclaimed liberty to the captives and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:18).
At the core of this calling for liberty lies a deep commitment to justice for the exploited and the oppressed. Christian teachings unequivocally advocate for the defense of the vulnerable and the pursuit of justice. Scriptures resound with the imperative to "learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:17). So often throughout the Bible, God introduces himself in terms that identify with the widow, the orphan, and the poor. His prophets rebuke Israel all throughout the Old Testament for their inability to care for the most vulnerable among them. Those calls still stand for the church today - to tell the truth about who God is by the way we care for “the least” of those around us by working for justice and freedom.
However, the call extends beyond mere advocacy for justice; it encompasses a vision of the renewal of all things. A holistic approach to combating sex trafficking involves not only supporting survivors in their recovery but also addressing the brokenness that leads to exploitation in the first place. And this is where, as Christian men, we must lean into the transformative power of our faith. We must leverage that faith in advocating for change for the culture as a whole and for the individual men experiencing the brokenness of that culture.
Second, we have to examine what the brokenness of men has to do with trafficking. Let us unpack a few factors about human trafficking that are not commonly discussed. Primarily the entire industry is driven by the demand for paid sex and pornography. Also, the men who are the largest consumers of paid sex and pornography are not only all around us, they include us. We’ve all seen studies that talk about X% of men in the church who consume pornography - regardless of the exact percentage, it is clear that this is not a “secular issue”. This makes it clear that for anyone looking to engage in anti-trafficking work, there must be a commitment, at minimum, to abstain from porn consumption.
For Christian men, I would argue the call is even higher - our values leave no room for anything pornography stands for. Porn objectifies and degrades individuals and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Perhaps most harmful of all, pornography commodifies humans, instead of imbuing them with the dignity and worth they are due as image bearers of God. And again, the link between pornography consumption and the demand for sex trafficking is undeniable. By fueling an industry built on exploitation, Christian men who engage with pornography inadvertently contribute to the very darkness we are called to combat.
Pornography is a microcosm of the broader anti-trafficking movement. As Christians, we have a choice. Do we heed the call of justice by first living our personal lives in a way that refuses to exploit others? And then do we engage more broadly, fostering a culture that upholds the dignity and worth of every individual? I believe we have an opportunity and obligation to respond to this issue in a way that reflects the sacrificial, humble, just love of Christ.
Third, we must view the act of confronting these issues in our communities and within ourselves as a golden opportunity to believe, as our faith teaches, that we as men are not defined by the worst things we have ever done.
And this is where I lose some of you. You might think to yourself, “Well, Jesus flipped tables in the temple, didn’t he?” And you’re right, he did. Don’t hear me say that engaging men with compassion equals letting them off the hook. To quote the great Justin Euteneier, Program Director of Epik Project, “I am very comfortable with sex buyers going to jail.” I believe, at their best, the judicial systems of our country are a tool for justice and redemption. However, while Jesus flipped tables, I agree with author Dane Ortlund’s conclusion that “At his core, Jesus is gentle and lowly. Christ’s heart is most fundamentally a tender, open, welcoming, understanding heart.”
This paradox highlights the nuanced approach Christian men should adopt in combating sex trafficking – one that combines righteous indignation against injustice with a tender, humble spirit. The ultimate goal is not only to dismantle the structures of exploitation but also to offer healing and renewal to those caught in its wake. This tension wars against our desire to “get the bad guys”, but again our faith offers a solution. Ortlund also notes “that the gentle and merciful Christ also burns with holy wrath and always works with perfect justice.” This truth frees us to engage faithfully, extend mercy and compassion, and trust that our God has the final say.
“Entering into suffering and advocating on behalf of others almost always demands inconvenience and personal sacrifice.”
Lastly, while we believe God’s perfect judgment will one day bring ultimate freedom to the oppressed and justice to the oppressors, that does not mean our fight comes without immediate costs. Entering into suffering and advocating on behalf of others almost always demands inconvenience and personal sacrifice. It might put you in a place where you have to challenge societal norms or navigate uncomfortable spaces. It will certainly require you to reassess your priorities and sacrifice personal comfort for the good of others. But who better than us to do this? Who has a better example of sacrificial love than we do in Jesus? And who has a better platform to engage men caught in the destructive cycles of pornography and sex buying?
While as Christians we know that God is renewing and redeeming all things, that does not excuse us to stand aside contentedly while others fight for justice. In fact, the opposite is true. In the face of a world filled with exploitation and suffering, Christian men are called to emulate the sacrificial love of Christ by understanding that our faith demands not only belief but active, transformative participation in the redemption of a broken world. We’ve all heard that “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26) - so let us join in the redemptive work God is doing. We are free to engage the darkness around us with faith that one day it will all be made light.
