This Masters Dissertation addresses the context of Nigerian Sex Trafficking in Europe, the unique use of traditional spirituality to exploit victims, and the European Faith-Based NGO’s which seek to assist such survivors. It argues that Psalm 82 has applicability to Nigerian survivors since the Divine Council scene of Psalm 82 depicts a royal intervention of God Most High to rescue those being mistreated and abused by unjust deities and their related human actors. Applying the Psalm includes using the unique way that Psalm 82 fits within the larger biblical meta-narrative in order to empower survivors. It also provides the outline for a ritual-judicial application of the Psalm in order to offer access to a spiritual experience of relief from unjust powers.
Over the last twenty years, the global recognition and response to the social justice crisis of human trafficking has continued to take shape, motivating the international community to confront criminals operating trafficking networks as well as provide social assistance and care for survivors of trafficking (SOTs). Within the various categories of human trafficking as defined by the UN, the exploitation of sexual labour is especially prevalent within the EU member states. This form of trafficking most often exploits women migrating into EU member states from other economically disadvantaged member states or from third countries. Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation thus refers to cases in which women are forced or coerced into prostitution post-migration and some or all of their money is taken. A common method for sex trafficking is the establishment of debt-bondage. In these cases, money is not taken by force but is rather ‘collected’ as a debt.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction
A. Nigerian Sex Trafficking in Europe
B. Christian Faith-Based NGOs as Key Players in Assisting Nigerian SOTs in Europe
C. Introducing Psalm 82 and the Cosmos as a Polity Framework
D. Outline of Dissertation Approach and Relationship to Integrative Theology
Chapter 2 – Understanding the Role of an African Traditional Justice System in Nigerian Sex Trafficking Cases
A. An African Traditional Justice System in Nigeria
1) The Categorical Framework: Deities as Enforcers of Justice
2) Oath-Taking Temples as Locations for African Traditional Justice
3) Example of Ayelala
B. Ritual-Judicial Practices and Juju
C. Sex Trafficking as Corruption of Numinous-Judicial Power
Chapter 3 – Understanding Psalm 82
A. History and Core Interpretational Issue
B. ‘The Cosmos as a Polity’ – An ANE Categorical Framework and Root Metaphor
1) ANE Categorical Framework
2) A Root Metaphor
3) The Phenomenon of Elohim as Judicial Powers
C. Biblical-Exegetical and Theological Consideration
1) Verse 1
2) Verses 2-4
3) Verse 5
3) Verses 6-7
4) Verse 8
5) Summary of Interpretation
Chapter 4 – Applying Psalm 82 to Nigerian SOTs
A. From Apperception to Intersubjectivity
B. Narrative-Theological Application of Psalm 82
1) The Biblical Metanarrative Related to Psalm 82
2) Applying the Narrative to SOTs
3) A Narrative Therapy Based on Psalm 82
C. Ritual-Judicial Application of Psalm 82
D. Project Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This dissertation aims to provide European Christian Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) with a theological and practical framework—utilizing Psalm 82—to better understand and assist Nigerian survivors of sex trafficking (SOTs) who are impacted by the spiritual threats of traditional justice systems and ritual oaths.
- Analysis of African Traditional Justice (ATJ) systems and the role of juju in human trafficking.
- Biblical-exegetical study of Psalm 82 using the 'Cosmos as a Polity' (CAP) framework.
- Implementation of 'intersubjectivity' as a counseling approach for FBOs.
- Development of narrative and ritual-judicial therapeutic applications based on Psalm 82.
Excerpt from the Book
A. Nigerian Sex Trafficking in Europe
Over the last twenty years, the global recognition and response to the social justice crisis of human trafficking has continued to take shape, motivating the international community to confront criminals operating trafficking networks as well as provide social assistance and care for survivors of trafficking (SOTs). Within the various categories of human trafficking as defined by the UN, the exploitation of sexual labour is especially prevalent within the EU member states. This form of trafficking most often exploits women migrating into EU member states from other economically disadvantaged member states or from third countries. Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation thus refers to cases in which women are forced or coerced into prostitution post-migration and some or all of their money is taken. A common method for sex trafficking is the establishment of debt-bondage. In these cases, money is not taken by force but is rather ‘collected’ as a debt.
Debt-bondage and the exploitation of sexual labour is the most common method used in the trafficking of Nigerian women within the EU. Despite the fact that the overall numbers of Nigerian migration into the EU has seen a steady decline since 2017, stakeholders continue to recognize the trafficking of Nigerian women as a concern. In the vast number of reported cases, these women were promised some form of employment in the EU and provided with a financial sponsorship to fund their journey through irregular migration. Those who sponsor the women are themselves female and are referred to as ‘madams.’ Madams maintain control over those they sponsored until the debt has been repaid.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1 – Introduction: This chapter contextualizes Nigerian sex trafficking in Europe and introduces the proposed application of Psalm 82 within the framework of integrative theology.
Chapter 2 – Understanding the Role of an African Traditional Justice System in Nigerian Sex Trafficking Cases: The chapter examines the categorical framework of African Traditional Justice (ATJ), including deities as enforcers of justice and the ritual use of oaths (juju) by traffickers.
Chapter 3 – Understanding Psalm 82: This chapter provides an exegetical analysis of Psalm 82, viewing it through the 'Cosmos as a Polity' framework to understand its significance as a divine response to corrupt judicial powers.
Chapter 4 – Applying Psalm 82 to Nigerian SOTs: The final chapter proposes an intersubjective approach for FBOs, offering narrative therapy and ritual-judicial prayers based on Psalm 82 to support the liberation of survivors.
Keywords
Psalm 82, Nigerian Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, African Traditional Justice, Juju, Faith-Based Organizations, Intersubjectivity, Biblical Exegesis, Narrative Therapy, Suzerain, Numinous Power, Social Justice, Ritual Oath, Debt-Bondage, Theology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the intersection of Nigerian sex trafficking, the cultural role of traditional justice and spiritual oaths, and how the biblical text of Psalm 82 can be used by Christian organizations to provide effective care and liberation for survivors.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the 'Cosmos as a Polity' framework, the psychology of spiritual trauma, the application of narrative theology, and the concept of intersubjectivity in social work.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to equip European Christian FBOs with a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural worldviews of Nigerian survivors, enabling them to address the specific spiritual fears—specifically regarding oaths and deities—that prevent survivors from integrating into host societies.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach, combining biblical-exegetical research, comparative Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) studies, cognitive linguistics, phenomenology, and a post-colonial theological analysis of African Traditional Religion.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body explores the mechanics of debt-bondage trafficking, the nature of African traditional temples, the historical and interpretive challenges of Psalm 82, and concrete therapeutic methods for helping survivors regain a sense of self and freedom.
Which keywords best describe this dissertation?
The dissertation is best described by terms such as Psalm 82, Nigerian sex trafficking, intersubjectivity, African Traditional Justice, narrative therapy, and spiritual bondage.
How does the author define the 'Cosmos as a Polity' (CAP)?
The author defines CAP as an ancient framework, prevalent in both the ANE and African traditional cultures, that views the entire universe as a hierarchical household governed by a divine Suzerain, where power is delegated and accountability is paramount.
What role does 'intersubjectivity' play in the counseling process?
Intersubjectivity serves as the foundation for the counseling process by requiring the counselor to proactively suspend their own cultural presuppositions to consciously enter the lifeworld of the survivor, creating a shared space where healing can occur within the narrative of Psalm 82.
How is Psalm 82 applied therapeutically for survivors?
The author proposes two methods: narrative therapy, where survivors present their complaint of injustice to God as the supreme judge, and ritual-judicial application, where the counselor uses the performative language of the Psalm to break the power of spiritual oaths in the name of Jesus.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Justin Shrum (Autor:in), 2020, Psalm 82, "Unjust Gods" and its Application to Nigerian Survivors of Sex Trafficking in Europe, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/987127
