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Christianity Today, May, 2009 |

What to Do with the Stranger?

Two evangelicals argue for more generous immigration policies.

Tony Carnes | posted 5/11/2009 10:01AM

I had an intense reaction to Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press) because my great-grandfather, born in England, may not have informed the ...

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Lou	Posted: May 19, 2009 3:06 PM

Living in Southern California and having "illegals" living next to me, I can say most in my neighbor hood live quietly. Most in my town do the common things like driving without licenses, no insurance, fake ID's, etc. We have many in our church who support their right to be here because of what is happening in their country. I also know that our hospital is going out of business because it can’t afford the cost treating the large number with out insurance. There are lots of arguments back and forth on this subject. Should we feed them, yes, should we clothe them, yes. Should they be required to “obey the governing authorities” as I am, YES. It is a fine line between assisting illegal behavior and assisting the person, YES. As with this subject or any other we must use he WHOLE counsel of Scripture, not our emotions. Some one once said; "Calling an illegal alien an undocumented worker is like calling a drug dealer an unlicensed pharmacist."

Glen Peterson

Posted: May 18, 2009 10:11 PM

I had the opportunity to read the book and I am very happy with how it treats this important issue. My experience ministering with migrant people has been similar to the experiences of the authors. Laws must serve the people. The immigration laws we have in the US now are seriously out of date and need to be revised. The economy has absorbed many more workers in the last 10 years than the legal system has been able to provide for. I would not be against an amnesty of some sort. No one is proposing amnesty, there will be punitive measures with comprehensive immigration reform in 2009. Christians can lead the way here for compassionate treatment of the strangers among us. There is nothing Christian about about blindly citing and obeying laws that oppress the workers and deprive them of their pay. I hope those who have commented here without reading Welcoming the Stranger will take the time to do so and also read Christians at the Border by Danny Carroll.

Disturbed

Posted: May 14, 2009 10:06 AM

While the book looks to be provocative if weak in its scriptural misappropriations, I'm far more disturbed by the comments here. My word. I'm seeing not just a call for greater rule of law (good) or better patrol of borders (good), but a sneering contempt for those breaking the law. Painted as drug dealers and rapists? Really. That's childish commentary. Even if I'm the one hurt by, note the word, ..individuals.. who broke one set of laws to get to me and another set to hurt me. No, I'm far less worried about lawbreakers than I am about people who sneer and show contempt for fellow human beings as groups. It shows a seed of reactive fear not dissimilar to that exploited by demagogues in Germany in the 1930s.

Steve Skeete

Posted: May 14, 2009 9:59 AM

I have one fundamental problem with this review and that is the flexibility with which the author approaches the Bible and illegality. The argument that there is an "immigration narrative of God's own people: Abraham, an immigrant; Joseph, ... an immigrant success story; Moses, the emigration advocate; Jesus, the immigrant from heaven and refugee to Egypt; and the migrating apostles, traveling at will and getting into trouble", is spurious at best as any proper exegesis will easily demonstrate. Then there is this curious attempt at justifying wrong-doing with the explanation that "the immigrants have broken civil, not criminal, statutes". All true believers in Christ must sympathize with those who, driven by poverty, war, persecution, lack of opportunity etc., seek for a better life outside their country; but the ends do not sanctify the means. There are many ways we can serve those who are suffering. Telling them it is right to break the law is not one of them.

Steve

Posted: May 14, 2009 9:11 AM

By claiming a "biblical" point of view, the authors are unquestioningly assuming that the United States is a Christian Nation, ruled by Christian principles. While our Constitution is indeed based upon Christian principles, America in 2009 is officially not a Christian nation. The current interpretation of "separation of Church and State" prohibits the imposition of any religious point of view. These may be good points to bring up in church or Bible study about how Christians should treat foreigners, but to apply them identically to the political debate is a farce. Christendom is gone. RIP. Compassion toward the weak and poor is a vital part of our faith - we can't follow Jesus without it. But we also balance this with recognition that we live in a sinful world, that there are terrorists and criminals, and we need laws (even immigration laws) to keep them in check.

Aus-USA mgiant

Posted: May 14, 2009 8:35 AM

Now that's interesting - Your above Vol. 53, No. 5 newsletter deals with immigration! I just returned from the US Embassy at No. 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia (about 500 miles away). I was waiting for 4 hours, only to be told my application for a non-immigrant visa was refused. I had stated on my application form that I wanted to travel and 'explore opportunities'. The staff who interviewed me classed this as work and advised me to apply for a work-visa. With this one sentence my application was dismissed. I lost over 200 Dollars application fee. I didn't feel welcome at 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, why would I feel any different in Montana Ave, Santa Monica? Has America, the land of unlimited opportunity, become the land of unlimited bureaucracy?

Bruce Norquist

Posted: May 12, 2009 9:26 PM

Very compelling review of welcoming the stranger. It challenges us out of our preconceived stereotypes. Although, it's difficult to not be taken aback by some of the posts on here. I'm sad with some of what I read and I wonder what the people on this post who seem to detest those who come here "illegally" would do if they met an "illegal" immigrant on the wayside in need. Would they be all offended and indignant that this person came "illegally," pass by on the other side of the street, and leave the person for some other good Samaritan to deal with? I wonder what Jesus would do... actually come to think of it, I don't wonder at all what Jesus would do. I know what He would do. Instead of arguing from an ivory tower on the theoretical level, I challenge anyone who demonizes the undocumented to get involved, engage with, care for, and get to know these outcasts. Real life involvement might transform your heart.

Dale R. Yancy

Posted: May 12, 2009 5:15 PM

Tony Carnes' review of "Welcoming the Stranger" strains at credulity as far as biblical exposition. First of all, Abraham was a "protected citizen everywhere he went because of the call of God. And his stay in Egypt was only temporary. As for Joseph, he was a slave and not an "illegal" since slavery was sanctioned in Egypt. It's an incredible STRETCH to call Jesus an "immigrant from heaven." As far as his being a refugee in Egypt, again, that was only temporary. Numbers 15:16 reminded Israel that there shall be "one law and one ordinance for you and for the stranger that sojourns with you." God is saying that there were laws which both Israel and the foreigner had to keep. And that is the crux of this debate. The illegal immigrant is breaking the law and not keeping the same law that we have to keep as U.S. citizens. I believe that "Welcoming the Stranger" is seeking to "massage" the Word of God to fit the authors' politically-correct agenda.

Stone Mason

Posted: May 12, 2009 2:56 AM

As Christians, we have the tendency to whittle this debate into the question or whether an immigrant broke the law or not. There are larger issues I think we need to consider in this debate for example about why they're coming and what they're doing when they get here. I've seen immigrants picking strawberries in the fields of California- jobs that no American would want to do. These immigrants are hard-working and pursing the American Dream that we all have had the fortune to pursue because we were born in this country. We have people living in the shadows of our society- we need to fix the immigration system this year- not because it's good for the immigrant but because it's good for America. As Christians, what better witness is there than to show compassion and mercy to these strangers? In the end, what we have here on this Earth is not ours to keep, and if we fix the system and get it right sooner rather than later, hopefully we won't have this problem again in the future.

John	Posted: May 12, 2009 1:13 AM


Jesus was not a liberal! Jesus was not a universalist! Liberal theology is not Christian! The 'brotherhood of man' is not a Christian doctrine!

franklkinney

Posted: May 12, 2009 12:09 AM

most of illegals are honest working people? nice thought! tell that to the victims of rape murder identity theft? seniors children americans victims of murder and rape! newnation.org! who speaks up for them? cartel drug gangs? gangs taking over our national parks georgia? campers are told to stay away for own protection? NICE! we have a very serious problem thats only becoming worse in our open house country. california arnold the terminator legalize marijuana to help cover cost? future of california ghetto DRUG slum city? tennessee extremely large population of illegal immigrants" father of five illegals murders wife in fit of rage on mothers day! illegals living in arizona no speakie english son kidnapped by kidnappers and taken to mexico and held for ransom? we americans pay the tax dollars to solve these crimes? refugees brought into our country filled with disease? h-1 h-2 visas and many more to fill jobs? legal immigration? we need law and order enforcement big time period. AMEN.

My voice

Posted: May 11, 2009 10:12 PM

Many people, have no idea how hard it is to be an "illegal immigrant" . I am one and I know how hard it is I struggle with this everyday, this is my obstacle for every decision I desire to take. I completed elementary,middle school and high school and now I'm unable to go to college, and I can't a get job. But I'm believing that this year something is going to happen. Like the prophet Kim Clement said this year all illegals are going to be legal. I'm believing this word. People do not understand how hard it is , very smart educated young adults feel hopeless and a limit sign is put front of them that reads " your dreams can't be that high" because their immigration status is an obstacle. To those christians that are against legalizing us check again if you're christian because I doubt you are.

Felipe

Posted: May 11, 2009 9:46 PM

I am an immigrant myself, I came from Brazil over 21 years ago. I came LEGALLY, in order words, with a temprary stay working Visa, that was renewed and then I've got my Green Card and following that my citizenship. I work in Brazilian Community (Christian and non-Christian) in the USA, and I have to disagree with term "undocumented" , because it does not apply to all the Illegal immigrants, because they are breaking the law of the immigration of the USA. I can tell you for sure that the great majority of Illegal immigrants are here illegal on their own choice, and know that they are breaking the law. I think the authors of this book the writer of this article should live in a while in an immigrant community in order to draw conclusions or even Biblical comparisions, because one thing I know for sure: is that our God is a God of legallity. Felipe

Lindy Scott

Posted: May 11, 2009 9:39 PM

Thank you for a good article. I am disappointed by some of the comments that have appeared. It is one thing to express disagreement with the tenets of the book Welcoming the Stranger, by appealing to an argument of legality. That is a valid concern and can be expressed in a Christian manner. But if we come to know how many of our ancestors came to this country and took land that belonged to native Americans, or how we obtained half of Mexico's territory through an "immoral war" (Lincoln's phrase), we would be more humble and less hypocritical. May even our heated debate about immigration demonstrate Christian integrity and grace. There are still a few people observing Christians to see if we are anything like our Founder and Lord.

double echo

Posted: May 11, 2009 9:03 PM


We are a country "ruled by law", though sometimes amnesty is granted. The survey left off one critical choice. "Granted temporary work permit, and amnsesty with proper registration.

Anonymous

Posted: May 11, 2009 8:59 PM

My perspective began changing two years ago when I met a lovely woman at church who fled Bolivia with her husband and four children, because of political upheaval in their country. They gave up a white collar job, a business, and a house to come to the US. After paying large sums of money to a crooked lawyer, they found themselves without a proper VISA and unable to look for work in their fields. They struggle to survive, working odd jobs at dry cleaners and small retail stores. Today she stood in my dining room and cried as she explained that her husband is extremely discouraged and talks about returning to Bolvia, where she not only fears for her childrens' lives but where they have nothing. She wonders why God has taken them through such a difficult two years if they must return. We've helped as much as we can, finding clothing for their children, watching her youngest while she works, and paying her to "help" around the house when we have extra cash. It's heartbreaking.

Anna	Posted: May 11, 2009 8:11 PM

Strangers in Hebrew back then were those passing through not beoming residents. These people are parking themselves on foreign land (U.S.)for economic reasons. Israel was conquered by many peoples for economic reasons & got kicked out of their own land by the powerful "parking" people. We forget these people are citizens of the South American country they are coming from, not born U.S. citizens or legalized citizens. They don't salute our flag but their own. Remember two years ago when they rioted they were showing their own countries flags until they were told by their leaders to drop their countries flag and carry the U.S. flag for the benefit of their image and the media. Since they are not here for religious freedom or political fear for their lives, they technically aren't supposed to be here. Also there are millions of foreigners legally in this country right now taking top jobs because the government claims they can't get qualified Americans to fill these jobs.

Al Mount

Posted: May 11, 2009 7:22 PM

As a teenager in Southern California, I hoed soy beans with migrant workers one summer never realizing that one day I would be bilingual and minister together with them. After 14 years as a missionary in Panama my family and I began ministering to the Spanish speaking people in our neighborhoods. We discovered the difficulty that there was helping them work through the immigration process when files were displaced or lost. The difficulty in establishing relationships with those born here in the U.S. because they felt the difficulties their parents had gone through to educate and support their children. As a pastor of a Spanish speaking church I struggled with them through the Biblical commands of Romans 13 and I Peter 2. We rejoiced with them as the majority obtained legalization as they endeavored to walk in obedience to the Scripture. This is an overwhelming situation that cannot be compared with previous historical situations. The need is for believers controlled by His Spirit.

Allyce

Posted: May 11, 2009 6:55 PM

Being a Christian and a veteran Foreign Language educator, I have a unique perspective on this issue. I have also escorted groups to other countries with a goal of introducing Americans to other cultures. However, there is NO justification for people entering any country illegally. Illegal aliens need to be sent back to their countries of origin as soon as they are discovered on US soil. With the current economy, citizens should not be competing with illegal aliens for jobs. The notion that illegals do work that Americans won't perform is not realistic. In fact, at present there needs to be a moratorium on legal immigration in order to give citizens the opportunity for work. The government is importing 13,000 immigrants when 12,000 citizens are out of work. However, the appropriate reaction of Christians upon encountering illegals is to show God's love by explaining His Simple Plan of Salvation. With Christ as Savior, many illegals would return home on their own.

Angels and Demons

Posted: May 11, 2009 6:09 PM


This is off topic but why in the world is Christianity today accepting sponsorship dollars from the anti Christian anti Catholic people that made Angels and Demons? What's next porn ads?

Julie

Posted: May 11, 2009 5:11 PM

I think the key to this issue is balance, which neither side appears to have. To deport those who knowingly and willfully defy our nation's laws to enter this country is one thing; it is quite another to deport someone who was brought here illegally while still a child, has grown up here, put down roots, and is a contributing member of society. For such individuals, amnesty should be considered on a case by case basis, but blanket amnesty is only going to encourage law breaking. The truth is, illegal immigration is putting a horrific strain on the intrastrucure in border cities, particularly hospitals. When my father immigrated here from Germany at age 17 following WWII, he was required to have a job waiting for him as well as a place to live and a family member to sponsor him. Why should those who refuse to play by the rules by rewarded? What kind of message does that send, and how is it consistent with biblical morality?

Paul	Posted: May 11, 2009 5:05 PM

When Israel became an institutionalized monarchy, they excluded the stranger, orphan, and widows. Look at Isaiah and Jeremiah and how many times they speak about exclusion and how Israel was perceived by foreign nations and Yhwh. The other point is that, the U.S. is not Israel, but we should develop immigration policies which reflect our resources. Americans and their "private property rights" are ridiculous. We act as if we own the earth or at least our little sliver. We live in fragmented communities, do not know our neighbors, and isolate ourselves behind our four walls; then project this image of life onto other groups. It is sad. Peace.

Gregory K

Posted: May 11, 2009 5:03 PM

If your wife is having a baby and you speed to the hospital you are breaking the law. You should, legally, receive a ticket. For many immigrants the decision to come to America is even more serious. It is life or death. Allot of people in this debate, on both sides, forget the human element of this discussion. Illegal immigrants are not coming here to take jobs away from legal Americans on purpose. But it does happen; and children go hungry whether their parents are legal citizens or not. Too many Christians are tempted to bend the stories of the Bible to fit this debate. How can Moses be called the an emigration advocate when the migration of Israel resulted in the deaths and displacement of thousands of people? The Apostles may have wandered and yet they never really left the Roman Empire. Since Joseph was a slave, was he ever really an illegal immigrant? What do stories of legal immigration in the Bible really have to say about what is going on in America today?

Wendell Franklin Wentz

Posted: May 11, 2009 5:00 PM


No person is "illegal." In the Old Testament they were called "strangers within the gates." In the New Testament Jesus called them our "neighbor" and "brother." There should be no borders, and people should be able to go where they want to go and live where they want to live. It is high time this "Christian Nation" begin living the Christian life and love everybody. Amen. -Wendell Franklin Wentz

Kevin

Posted: May 11, 2009 4:34 PM

I have done mission work in Mexico, and know the poverty that they are fleeing. I live in a poor neighborhood with many illegal immigrants as my neighbors, and I wish them no harm. But Mr. Carnes statement that "the overwhelming majority of "illegal" immigrants are otherwise law-abiding" is tired propaganda. The overwhelming majority drive cars with no license or insurance, file false tax returns under assumed names, and access benefits to which they have no right. Do I want to send them all home? No, I want to identify them, assimilate the good ones into the US, and send the criminals back to Mexico. The Mexican government needs to move out of its feudalistic, racist policies and govern by the will of, and for the good of, their own people. Our current de facto open doors policy enables the wealthy in Mexico to ship their problems to the US.

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