In Setting the Captives Free Marion Carson sets out to answer the question, what does the Bible say about human trafficking? Aimed at Christian anti-trafficking activists and church groups, the book offers an overview of the biblical material on slavery and the sex trade. Acknowledging that there is a difference between the biblical worldview and most Christians today with regard to slavery, it suggests that we can learn much from the Abolitionists of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Following their example, it reads the biblical text through the lens of the law of love. Each chapter provides study questions and is illustrated throughout.
If you are a Christian and engaged in the issues of human trafficking and prostitution, this is a book you will want to read. Marion Carson is thorough in her theological reflection to expose attitudes that contribute to the suffering of those enslaved, and to leading us through the biblical lens to a hatred of injustice and exploitation. It is a powerful read and leaves me with much to ponder and do.
–Nancy Murphy, Executive Director, Therapist, Educator, Northwest Family Life Learning & Counseling Center
If believers want to eliminate modern-day slavery, they should begin by reading this book. No other book so thoroughly examines the Biblical texts dealing with human trafficking and prostitution. Setting the Captives Free is the result of years of rigorous theological research–and ministry with victims. It challenges Jesus-followers to look at an ugly issue through God’s eyes–and then never see someone in prostitution the same way again.
–Lauran Bethell, International Consultant, Issues of Human Trafficking/Prostitution, International Ministries ABC/USA, Founder, International Christian Alliance on Prostitution (ICAP) Marion L. S. Carson is a freelance theologian and writer who lives in Glasgow, Scotland. She is secretary of the European Baptist Federation’s Anti-Trafficking Network.