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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. ATR, Oath Taking Rituals and Juju
3. Scripture and Ancient Oath Taking Traditions
4. Reason and the Supernatural
5. The Experience of Juju
6. Liberating Communities
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the intersection of African Traditional Religion (ATR), specifically the use of juju rituals, and its role in the mental enslavement of victims within the context of Nigerian sex trafficking. It utilizes an integrative theological method to bridge the gap between African supernatural worldviews and Western secular perspectives, aiming to equip diaspora communities and NGOs with better tools for the liberation and support of trafficked women.
- Theological analysis of ATR cosmology and oath-taking rituals.
- Comparative study between Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) traditions and ATR.
- Examination of the epistemological tension between Western secularism and African supernatural worldviews.
- The psychological impact and "juju power" experienced by trafficking victims.
- The role of African Christian diaspora communities in providing support and liberation.
Excerpt from the Book
African Traditional Religion, Oath Taking Rituals and Juju
When attempting to define a very diverse and complex subject as “the whole African religious phenomena,” our brief description of ATR beliefs will focus on the cosmology related to the use of ritual oaths in trafficking. Even though Africans believe in one benevolent God who is the creator of man and the universe, almost all traditions speak of the “withdrawal of God.” Furthermore, in between man and God stand various intermediaries such as deities and ancestors as well as rituals, medicines, and other spirit beings. The deities are especially seen as expressions of God’s grace and each of these “force-beings” derive their life and power from God to help rule and judge on his behalf, even if they do so in an unpredictable, arbitrary manner. This pantheon of spirit beings within the ATR cosmology stands at the center of ritual oath activity with oath taking temples and shrines functioning as locations where deities and humans meet. The operational model of these oath taking temples is directly related to the theological principle that the ruling deity possesses an authority derived from God to enforce justice (or enact otherwise some blessing) in the world of humans. This sense of justice, however, is more often related to the prosperous advancement of the family or tribe than to a universal standard of right.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the rise of Nigerian sex trafficking and the critical challenge that traditional belief systems pose to international law enforcement and NGOs.
2. ATR, Oath Taking Rituals and Juju: Explores the cosmology of African Traditional Religion and how ritual oaths are utilized as tools of control and "native justice."
3. Scripture and Ancient Oath Taking Traditions: Compares the supernatural worldviews of the Ancient Near East and Hebrew Scriptures with ATR, focusing on the concept of spiritual beings enforcing earthly arrangements.
4. Reason and the Supernatural: Discusses the historical tension between Western Enlightenment rationality and the non-Western belief in a populated, active supernatural realm.
5. The Experience of Juju: Details the practical application of juju by priests, the disorientation of victims, and how ritual fear is used to maintain exploitation.
6. Liberating Communities: Examines how African Christian diaspora communities can provide culturally resonant support to help victims break free from their spiritual bonds.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the need for an integrative theological approach to overcome epistemological gaps and provide effective liberation for victims.
Keywords
Nigerian sex trafficking, Juju, African Traditional Religion, ATR, Oath taking, Native justice, Integrative theology, Supernatural worldview, Epistemological tension, African Christian diaspora, Human rights, Spiritual abuse, Liberation, Exodus, Psalm 82.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The essay investigates the theological and cosmological foundations of the "juju" rituals used by traffickers to mentally control and exploit Nigerian women in Europe.
What are the central thematic fields explored?
The work covers African Traditional Religion (ATR), Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) parallels, Christian theological perspectives, and the clash between Western secular humanism and African spirituality.
What is the primary goal of the paper?
The aim is to help NGOs and Christian communities provide more effective liberation for victims by understanding the belief systems that keep them trapped.
Which methodology is applied?
The author employs an integrative theological method that balances Scripture, tradition, reason, experience, and community to interpret the trafficking crisis.
What is covered in the main body?
The text analyzes the ATR oath-taking cosmology, compares it with biblical divine council imagery, critiques the Western rejection of the supernatural, and evaluates the role of diaspora communities in recovery.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include sex trafficking, juju, native justice, integrative theology, ATR, and supernaturalism.
How does Psalm 82 relate to the problem of trafficking?
The author uses Psalm 82 to argue that God indicts "gods" or spiritual beings who act as corrupt judges, providing a theological basis to challenge the deities cited in trafficking oaths.
What is the role of the "madam" in this context?
The "madam" is the female trafficker who manages the victims and employs juju priests to enforce compliance through spiritual fear and psychological manipulation.
- Quote paper
- Justin Shrum (Author), 2019, African Traditional Religion and Voodoo Rituals in Cases of Nigerian Sex Trafficking. Application of an Integrative Theological Method, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/489211
