I was jumping from blog to blog this evening, as I quite often do and on Wesleyan/Anglican http://wesleyananglican.blogspot.com/ , which I’ve visited a couple of other times, I ran across a post on the Wesleyan Church’s (the COTN’s sister denomination) statement about Immigration. If you want to take a look at it here it is. http://www.wesleyan.org/gc/blog/positional_letters/?cat=5 . But the main reason for this post is to see what you guys as Christians think about this issue. About laws, “the fence”, their treatment. How should a Christian view this issue and the issues within it?
4 comments:
Other than the fact that it is so long that hardly anyone will ever take the time to read it, I think the Wesley Church has a pretty good understanding of the nature of the issue and has formulated a Christian response to it.
With regard to the fence, I am neither opposed not in favor of a fence... I am indifferent on that issue. I do, however, believe that our laws should be respected and obeyed when immigrating to our country.
That being said, given the nature of the socialist government of Mexico which has destroyed that nation's economy, I believe we should have a great deal of understanding and compassion for those who are seeking the blessings of a free market that our country offers. And talk of deportation fails to address the root of the issue.
Our response to immigration, specifically with Mexico, should be to expand trade where possible with that nation in order to further weaken the bonds of socialism and expand the potential of Mexico to be self-sufficient economically. If their economy was able to support their work force, we would cease to have an issue with people immigrating north.
As much as we hear about the evils of America, it is a testimony to the goodness of our nation that so many still seek the blessings that we so casually enjoy. As a Christian, I view illegal immigration as an opportunity to expand God's Kingdom, as well as a tremendous challenge for the church in meeting the needs of people.
Thanks Heath. I quite agree that it is a chance for individual Christians and the Church as a whole within the U.S.to minister to them.
Daniel it is funny that you spoke about immigration & aliens at this time. I had been thinking about it a few weeks ago and then the other day during my devotions I came across a scripture about aliens. I have deleted, for a long time, derogatory forwards regarding immigration and the people who come into our land. In the old testament there are many verses where God instructed His people in how to treat aliens. All of them talk about providing for the aliens. I know there are many who say we live in a New Testament age, well Jesus calls us to love everyone. I believe we should show love and compassion to all people. I find it very disturbing when "Christians" send or make jokes in a very unkind and offensive way in regards to others who have come into our country, whether legal or illegal. I am not saying laws are not necessary, but God calls us to love all people.
Amen Bonnie! I have talked and talked and talked to some of my Christian friends about immigration and they will not listen. I keep on bringing up the passages in the Pentatuach that talk about not oppressing the stranger since Israel was once a stranger in the land of Egypt. But they will not listen. THANK YOU. It is encouraging to find another Christian who feels the way I do. The cause is not lost. I know many illegal immigrants. They are good, honest people who just need a little help, that's all. And we are a nation who can help. It makes me so mad to see people say things that are racist, usually from people who've never met an illegal alien. I just want to tell them, "Listen, bucko, you're lucky to have an IRA, 401(k), stock options, a good job, health insurance, etc., etc., because these immigrants don't, and yet they are courageous enough to come anyways." That's true human spirit. I wish the Church would come together on this issue and support these Latin Americans more.
Taylor
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