Illegal Immigration, christian viewpoint? (Jesus, America, religion)

[Mister_T]

Originally Posted by rheff78

DING DING DING!!! That's a great loophole! I appreciate it. I'll take that and run with it. Good job.

Somehow, I don't think taxes are a major defining factor what constitutes a Christian. Nor do I think that Jesus would've had taxes take precedence over helping the needy. But, who knows.

[Ratiocinative]

Originally Posted by Mister_T

The Mexican government is guilty of corruption and oppression, yes. Building a wall to keep out needy people is not what I would call an act of kindness. They are preventing people from escaping a crappy lifestyle and forcing them to stay there in their current living conditions...sure seems like they're contributing to their oppression to me.

The government's duty is to protect it's citizens, and there are legitimate reasons for limiting immigration into this country. If you're really so worried about these people then maybe you should spend more time helping them and less time blaming our government for things another government has done.

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Originally Posted by Mister_T

Somehow, I don't think taxes are a major defining factor what constitutes a Christian. Nor do I think that Jesus would've had taxes take precedence over helping the needy. But, who knows.

In fact, I remember something in the Gospels where Jesus talks about people who strictly adhere to the law but ignore compassion... something about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, wasn't it?

[doppelgänger]

Originally Posted by 9-10ths_Penguin

In fact, I remember something in the Gospels where Jesus talks about people who strictly adhere to the law but ignore compassion... something about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, wasn't it?

There was also something about an ox in a pit. And does anyone recollect something about Samaritans . . . ?

[Mister_T]

Originally Posted by Ratiocinative

The government's duty is to protect it's citizens, and there are legitimate reasons for limiting immigration into this country. If you're really so worried about these people then maybe you should spend more time helping them and less time blaming our government for things another government has done.

I help where I can, which is more than I can say for some "Christians." Which is preciesly why I feel that the U.S. should strive to keep religion and politics seprate: Politics give Jesus a bad name.

And what exactly does the government need to "protect us" from? Taco stands and culture change? The government is to blame, so I will continue to put the shoe where it fits.

[Mister_T]

Originally Posted by 9-10ths_Penguin

In fact, I remember something in the Gospels where Jesus talks about people who strictly adhere to the law but ignore compassion... something about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, wasn't it?

I believe this is the verse you were talking about my good Penguin:

Matthew 23; 13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[c]

15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

[Ndoki53]

A Christian should not have a problem with illegal immigration, if they know their Bible and the teachings of the Christ.

Some in these forums ask, "What would Jesus do?" Are they kidding?

The problem is that many professing Christianity think like "Nationalist" (that's is Americans, for example) rather than Christians. They have become blinded by "love of country" and "patriotism." Such loyalty has no place in a Christians life.

The Apostle Paul at Acts 5:29 said that "we must obey God as ruler rather than men."

Do Christians (especially Americanized ones) not know that they have Brothers and Sisters in those countries who the United States government has defined as its enemies. Yes, their are many Christians in those lands who are of Arabic descent! I know, I have been their. These are your Brothers and Sisters! And, someone asks, "what would Jesus do?"

The Bible is clear. It stands as the ultimate authority of what the Christian mindset should be, not worldly men. The Bible at Lev. 19:34 says:

"The alien resident who resides as an alien with you should become to you like a native of yours; and you must love him as yourself."

American Christians need to be careful: Stop thinking like an American and think as a Christian. You can't do both. You can't serve to masters.

Jesus never involved himself or concerned himself with the petty political affairs of the time. He is not a democrat, republican, or independent.

[Rolling_Stone]

Originally Posted by rheff78

This is a topic I've struggled with for awhile. I'm am very much against illegal immigration and amnesty overall. I'm very much in favor of the fence going up. My question is, does this go against my christian upbrining? Should I accept these people wth open arms, as they are trying to better themselves and I should, as a christian, be all for that. Before arguments are brought, keep in mind, I have looked at it quite a bit. I believe that, although they are trying to better themselves, their entrance into this country brings most other poeple down, i.e. social security, health care, jobs, etc. either going up or down, depending on the topic.

In this life we must become adept in the art of a continuous temporal compromise while yielding spiritual allegiance to but one master. Illegal immigration comes under “rendering unto Cesar.” A nation has every right to make laws that it deems to be in its best interest and enforce those laws as long as does not require its citizens to transgress divine law (as opposed to feel-good morals).

Originally Posted by Mister_T

I'm reminded of the saying "What would Jesus do?" Well call me crazy, but I don't think Jesus would build a wall to keep people oppressed in need out of the "land of oppurtunity." Jesus the Advocate for the Poor - Jesus Central jesuscentral.com Life-of-jesus-modern

This hardcore anti-immigration stance doesn't seem very "Christ-like" to me and seems more like an act of oppression, which Jesus overwhelmingly condemned. Yet another reason to keep politics and religion seprate IMO.

Okay, I will do as you ask: You're crazy. Law and its enforcement has nothing to do with religion so long as, like I said above, it does not require the individual to transgress divine law. Christians can have sympathy and understanding for those who would enter illegally, but by the same token, they should have sympathy and understanding for those who would enforce the law in defense of their society and way of life.