NWA Letters to the Editor

Bible doesn't justify

illegal immigration

I have no problem with the DACA gang remaining in the USA if they have graduated from high school and have no criminal record. They should, however, seek naturalization to become citizens.

Too many quasi-religious leaders have used the Bible to justify illegal immigration. They quote such verses as Leviticus 19:34, which states, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself."

They forget to mention then Israel was a theocracy, not a democracy. To dwell in Israel, a person had to be converted to Judaism or the worship of Jehovah. They point to Ruth, a foreigner who moved to Israel and was accepted. But Ruth's statement to Naomi, her mother-in-law, was vital. She promised "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." That statement was her passport to live in Israel. Matter of fact, the Lord dealt severely with Israel because they allowed foreigners to bring their idols into the land. The punishment for a foreigner who did not worship Jehovah was death by stoning. Israel didn't need a wall when that was the understood outcome.

Hebrews 13:2 ("Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers") is quoted to justify allowing illegal crossing of our borders. Once again, context is important. Rome was the established world power; few travelers came from outside the Roman Empire. New Testament Christians met non-Roman citizens who were visiting for religious holidays or merchants selling their products just as foreigners visit our nation, but Roman laws had to be obeyed. And remember, the Old Testament and Jesus Christ said to obey the "powers that be."

Columnist Lowell Grisham bemoans that illegal immigration separates families. We do that all the time to American citizens. If the parents are found guilty of a crime, their children are placed in foster care and the parents serve out their sentence [far] away. Why should non-citizens be treated better than citizens?

We can us encouraging words of Holy Scripture to establish all life should be valued. But pulling verses out of context to justify illegal behavior is NOT following the footsteps of Jesus.

I am Native American. Many white religious leaders tried these same "talking points" to justify ignoring our treaty-established borders: "Indians aren't good Christians. There is enough for everyone; Indians live in a rich land, Indians are being greedy. The settlers had rough lives and just want the best for their children."

If the Democrats had been around, they would condemn Indians for showing "Nativism." Oh, yes, Democrats were around! Andrew Jackson illegally forced Cherokees on the Trail of Tears. Seems the Democrats like to ignore any law that doesn't fit their political goals. Jackson wanted to give the Cherokee land to his poor white supporters; today's Democrats are importing more votes. Many religious leaders supported these non-Christian and illegal actions, which is why many Native Americans today don't trust organized religion.

It was wrong when white people ignored the legally established borders of brown-skinned natives. And it is wrong for brown-skinned people to ignore legally established borders now.

Donna Hutchinson

Bella Vista

Commentary on 05/18/2018

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