Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking (A Book Review)

Hello, it's me again... I thought I would reenter the bloggersphere briefly to share a recent book review I was asked to write on the subject of human trafficking. Below is my original draft before undergoing helpful edits before final publication (which you can find here). I commend this book to you and hope you will find my thoughts below useful to you.

*******

Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking by Raleigh Sadler

A BOOK REVIEW

“What can I even do to help?”  When confronted with the overwhelming problem of modern day
slavery, this question often serves as a stumbling block for responsible engagement.  When the
unfathomable enormity of the issue of human trafficking is revealed, hearers are often left lacking
a clear vision for how to leverage their lives toward an effectual course of action. In his book,
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler seeks to answer the question of how
ordinary people are to fight a global injustice such as human trafficking through a gospel-
centered lense.  

The central theme of his book is clearly stated as follows, Jesus Christ motivates vulnerable

people, like you and me, to love other vulnerable people by becoming vulnerable for us, to the
point of death.  Shedding light on humanity’s default mode of “us” and “them,” Sadler begins by
challenging believers to consider that the gospel shows us that our vulnerabilities are not to
serve as a means of shame and separation.  On the contrary, our vulnerabilities actually qualify
us to enter into the vulnerable stories of others. The reader is reminded throughout that the
gospel message reveals our identity as broken, imperfect people redeemed through the perfect
Son of God who invites and empowers his people to join him in the work of caring for other
broken, imperfect people.  Christ followers are challenged to consider their own vulnerability not
as weakness but as an integral part of the solution. Believers are also reminded that this work is
not to be done in isolation but as a collaborative work within community for the good of the
global community.

Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking is divided into six sections around varying aspects of
the concept of vulnerability. The book progresses from defining the problem of the exploitation
of the vulnerable to an examination of what scripture reveals about God’s heart for the
vulnerable.  Sadler transitions to a section aimed at equipping believers with the ability to
identify the vulnerable through daily mindfulness. He debunks human trafficking myths

including the acknowledgement that global injustice is a 365-day reality that extends beyond
big sporting events.  Sadler returns focus back to the reader with a section on recognizing
your own vulnerability. In this portion, time is spent acknowledging the potential effects of
entering the vulnerabilities of others advising the wisdom and practicality of self-care. The final
two sections of the book include the receiving and the applying of the believer’s call to join

God in his work of justice for the vulnerable.  Sadler concludes with an exhortation to move
from passive recipients of grace to active participants of grace as yourself.

After reading many books on this subject, I would strongly commend Sadler’s book as a fresh
means of encouragement and equipping toward Christ’s call to love our neighbors both seen
and unseen.  I am encouraged anew to “do something” not as someone else, but as myself.
Sadler appropriately reminds believers that it is the finished work of the cross that empowers
compassionate neighbor love and pursuit of justice.  Christ has done the work and invites us to
join him where he is at work. Every one of us can do something to engage human trafficking.  

Be encouraged, that something is by simply being who you were created to be.