immigration

Tom Sims has a post on immigration. While he is dealing with the USA context and discussion over immigration, there are some things that apply to Canada. We Canadians like to think we are open to immigrants and don't face the same degree of racism that our neighbours to the south struggle with. But I'm not convinced that is as accurate a picture as we think it is. Sadly, I think racism is on the rise in our land... so this is a good reminder.
I hate to offend, but to never offend would be to never take a position on anything.

And I am not sure this is a position.

...

Nor am I sure I understand all the variables. I have been listening to arguments and, as with most viewpoints, people on both sides have good points and are passionate about them.

I have no idea what our government should do, but I know what believers and churches must do - follow the principles of God's Word - and all that keeps coming to me is this verse:
"The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt : I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:34).

That should be equally offensive to all.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It's a cheery thought, but that was meant for the Israelites. And were they not supposed to "cleanse" Canaan anyway? They failed at most things, and they failed at that. (Nothing like an old fashioned theocratic sponsored state wide genocide!!)

I'm with the Dutch on immigration. You want to come to my country? Why? There is something obviously wrong with your country if you don't want to stay there. My country is actually quite decent as it is now. SO DON'T BRING THE CRAP AND THE SHIT FROM YOUR COUNTRY.

I'm not p-c, never have been, never will be. And ideally, I would be non-violent, and thus far have been able to keep that ideal. However, if someone else's brand of violence (rooted in hate and religion) were to come slapping me around or defying my country and its ideals, I would definitely get all George Bush on that person.

The main difference I see between Christians and Muslims is that some Muslims actually have the nerve to act on what they talk.
9:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Mike, thanks for your comment on my post from The Dream Factory (http://pastortomsims.com). I realize with Michael that there is some ambiguity about the Old Testament witness in the matter of immigration. However, it does appear that throughout her history, and especially in the early days, people were welcome to become Jews if they chose to. In the book of Esther, many did so (Of course, they were the aliens and captives then). Rather than borders, cities had walls. It is difficult to translate from one time to another. However, what we must guard and stand against, as you say, is any policies that are motivated by and rooted in racism. I do not argue against a nation's rights to secure borders, I just see them as a modern phenomenon floating in a lake of ethical and religious ambiguity. I look forward to reading more of your posts. - Tom
6:14 PM
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