While we do not prescribe Israel’s theocratic policy for American policy, we can glean wisdom from biblical and American first principles. While pro-amnesty evangelicals are selectively quoting Scripture, EBI looks at the whole of Scripture. And nowhere in Scripture do we find “blanket” or “comprehensive” immigration, asylum and amnesty. Rather, we are taught to make wise distinctions about citizenship, and to assimilate the sojourner who comes as blessing to advance the story of God’s law and love in and for a nation. Israel was to be kind to the “stranger in your midst” even if that kindness does not always translate into full citizenship. Israel was uniquely kind to sojourners and resident aliens. Scripture teaches us when and why to build walls (eg. Ezra and Nehemiah), and when and why to welcome (eg. Rahab and Ruth). We think of Ruth from Moab, the poor and young widow of a Hebrew man, who loved God and the Jewish people. She was invited into Jewish culture as blessing to embrace and advance the faith, values and beauty of the Kingdom. We think also of Nehemiah’s calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem both against destructive forces and for the cultivation and renewal of the good, true and beautiful in jeopardy within that culture. Whether cultivating a garden, a family, or a nation, we seek wise principles for personal and cultural well-being.
EBI does not exist as a 501 or other organized entity. Our location is only here, on the web. We are simply an ad hoc forum, both Americans and friends applying to become American citizens, with concerns about America’s sustainability as a nation, national security, debt and vulnerable citizens. We welcome the well-meaning foreigner with kindness. We seek the whole counsel of Scripture. Let’s be kind and careful as we discern from the Lord and engage in principled conversation.
There is a creeping liberalism in the evangelical movement organized. Organizations in the Southern Baptist Convention like the “Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission” (ERLC), magazines like “Christianity Today” and sites like “The Gospel Coalition” have been drifting into political and theological liberalism way too much.
I have benefited from the work of these above organizations, but they need to be REFORMED in some places. One contributor to The Gospel Coalition, for instance, had a published piece in the Washington Post recently. He advocated for evangelicals to NOT work with PRESIDENT TRUMP to get a pro-life SCOTUS Justice.
He insisted he was pro-life, but thought the association with Trump was too dirty. Pretty much like a Pharisee, eh?
Christianity Today has published work by a female ‘evangelical’ who openly celebrated on Twitter the legalization of same sex unions in Australia.
Not good.
My point isn’t to denigrate the whole of these entities. CT and TGC do have good content. But the wheat needs to be separated from the chaff.
Evangelicals for Biblical Immigration might be a good first step.
sff
I don’t have a problem with Christian immigration unless they are anti-semitic. Many from the mideast are and I have personal knowledge of it.
A comprehensive immigration
plan for the USA today can’t be derived from Biblical language. But I see nothing in the Bible that says, “Let everyone in, no matter what they are like and what they believe.”
I smell Soros
“Biblical” immigration is legal immigration
If God installs leader...those bad and good, those include ones who make laws...ergo, laws are meant to be followed.
Wayne Grudem's excellent article on Biblical justification of the Wall...
Thanks for posting!
I like these guys. They kind of sound like sheep in wolves’ clothing. And they provide a well-considered, rational push back to those who would quote scripture for un-Godly purposes.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy...”
As per Jesus. ‘Nuff said.