Biblical Treatment of Immigrants

[Dr. Shane]

Politicians have long played with the immigration issue.  They often switch "sides" depending on public opinion.  There are many types of immigrants and when discussing them, politicians often blur the distinctions in an effort to gain more support.  That practice is so common, that many people posting memes about immigrants on social media do not even understand the issue enough to hold an opinion, much less be posting memes on social media.  The two groups of immigrants that concern most people are 1. Undocumented workers and 2. Asylum seekers.  Undocumented workers are often labeled "illegals" because they are working without legal permission.  Asylum seekers are often labeled refugees because they flee their home country for their safety.  It is not illegal for asylum seekers to enter the country without documents as long as they are seeking asylum.  They do not have to use a port of entry.  That means they can swim across the Rio Grande river or come to one of our sea shores in some sort of raft or boat.  There are many other types of immigrants that I will not take the time to dive into here. 

Immigrants fill our churches.  While white-American church attendance has been decreasing for years, immigrant churches have been starting all over the country.  It is common to find Spanish-speaking churches, Filipino churches, Haitian churches, Korean churches and those of other immigrant groups.  Here I post a video from a friend of mine who is also a Seventh-day Adventist pastor.

 

[phkrause]

Shane I like your comments on this situation!! Haven't had a chance to watch the video yet, but will soon!! Will let you know what a think!

[bonnie1962]

Legal immigrants are not the problem.   Having borders and rules for entry and citizenship is not unbiblical. What has been taking place is not biblical nor legal. Nowhere in the bible does it condone or encourage that behavior so we can fill our churches.

It tells us how to treat the stranger among us then explains what is required of the stranger.  Also very plainly spells out the rules of behaviour for "strangers in out land" 

The bible does not condemn borders or countries having borders. It does condemn the 

illegal behaviour presently occurring.

Nothing about the cartels, child trafficking , forced labor, dying in the trailers of semi's is biblical or just . Nor does God indicate anywhere that this might be a good way to fill our churches. The question of How to treat immigrants? is very misleading  and is a much different question than the very current and horrific mess with the border and the thousands and thousands coming in illegally to our country. Draining resources in many communities, hospitals, schools, social services in many areas are being over run.