What the Bible Says about Immigration: 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 35)
Nov 8, 2024
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Explore the biblical perspectives on immigration, emphasizing compassion while navigating legal complexities. Discover practical advice on expressing faith in a Muslim family and maintaining relationships amidst differing beliefs. Delve into theological discussions about the nature of the Trinity and the balance of discipline versus drudgery in faith. Tackle tough questions like polygamy and addictions, all while grounding practices in scripture for a transformative spiritual journey.
01:20:15
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Quick takeaways
The podcast underscores the significance of integrating biblical principles into political discussions, particularly regarding immigration and compassion versus order.
It emphasizes the importance of contextualizing scripture to understand the nuanced biblical views on how to treat sojourners and immigrants fairly.
The discussion highlights the necessity of prioritizing the care of one's family while balancing compassion towards immigrants within community responsibilities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Biblical Stance on Political Issues
Christians are often hesitant to take clear stances on politically charged topics, despite having a biblical commitment that should guide their views. This reluctance can stem from the desire to avoid controversy or backlash within their communities. However, it's essential to engage biblical principles in all areas, including politics, as scripture offers guidance on various moral and ethical issues. Addressing contentious subjects like the death penalty and immigration through a biblical lens can provide clarity and help inform a Christian's position.
Understanding Immigration Through Scripture
The podcast explores what the Bible teaches about immigration, emphasizing the need to contextualize scriptural verses rather than use them to support extreme positions. For example, some liberal interpretations advocate for open borders using verses about compassion, while conservative arguments cite laws that promote national boundaries. It's crucial to recognize that the Bible contains nuanced views about sojourners and immigrants, advocating for compassion while also acknowledging the importance of structure and order within society. Analyzing various categories of immigrants in scripture helps inform a more balanced perspective on contemporary immigration issues.
Biblical Compassion for Sojourners
Several Old Testament verses highlight the importance of treating strangers and sojourners with compassion, as the Israelites were once sojourners themselves. Scriptures such as Exodus 22 and Leviticus 19 emphasize the need to care for those who dwell among you. This compassionate stance is not meant to support indiscriminate immigration policies, but rather to ensure that those within a given land are treated with dignity and respect. Understanding the context of these verses enriches the conversation about how to enact policies that genuinely care for immigrants while maintaining order.
Caution Against Love Abuse
The concept of 'love abuse' is discussed, particularly concerning how some groups may manipulate scripture to support extreme liberal positions on immigration. The podcast points out that while it is essential to show compassion, this does not equate to an obligation to create open borders or a social welfare system for immigrants. The distinction is made between genuine care and the potential for exploitation of the term 'love' to justify harmful policies. A biblical understanding of love should neither endorse negligence towards one's own community nor disregard the well-being of immigrants.
Prioritizing Responsibilities
The podcast emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's responsibilities, particularly regarding caring for family first before extending help to others. Scripture illustrates that the obligation to provide for one's household takes precedence over assisting outsiders. This principle highlights that it's not unloving to care for one's own family, as neglecting family can lead to further issues both personally and within the community. A balanced approach to immigration acknowledges this priority, stressing that a nation should take care of its citizens before extending help to others.
The Role of Assimilation
The podcast examines the biblical principle of assimilation and how it can be applied to modern immigration. Assimilation requires that newcomers integrate into the existing culture while maintaining their distinct identities. For a society to thrive, it is vital that immigrants engage with and respect local customs and laws, a theme supported by various scriptures. This principle discourages mass immigration without integration, which can create tensions and challenge the cohesion of the community.
1. 0:18 {A Biblical View of Immigration} What are some biblical thoughts surrounding the political issue of immigration? 2. 49:40 {Confessing Your Faith when Difficult} I'm a 30 y/o woman in SoCal, financially dependent on my Muslim parents. I've studied for years and I’m now feeling called to Christ. I fear being kicked out. Any advice on how to tell them I'm Christian? 3. 52:03 {Eternal Begottenness?} Should we hold to eternal begottenness of the Son which seems to suggest that the Son was caused? It seems orthodox, but wrong to say of God. 4. 56:13 {When Discipline turns to Drudgery} William Booth says, “We ought not consult feelings but do our duty.” How does that not then become drudgery? How do we be disciplined like Daniel, yet not mechanical? 5. 58:11 {Hosting Sinners in our Homes} Is 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 only for corporate gatherings or also for private gatherings such as family meals, etc.? Should Christians host professing Christian family members who are living in unrepentant sin? 6. 1:03:00 {Overcoming Difficult Addictions} I’ve tried SO many times trying to quit vaping. I’m starting to feel like a bad Christian. Any advice? 7. 1:04:51 {Contemplative Prayer} I'm curious about contemplative and listening prayer practices promoted in my church. Are they rooted in or influenced by Eastern mysticism or New Age ideologies? 8. 1:08:01 {Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?} If verses like Exodus 21:10 aren't supporting polygamy but protecting women in a bad situation, why didn't God just outlaw polygamy outright? I agree with you, but don't know how to counter this argument. 9. 1:13:10 {Obeying our Conscience} Is Romans 14:23 about emotional doubt or intellectual doubt? For example, I'm mentally convinced that ham is OK to eat but I still doubt it emotionally. Which is my conscience to obey? 10. 1:17:21 {What is a Heart of Flesh?} What does giving us a heart of flesh mean, when flesh is usually negative?
If you want more info on this issue of immigration and the Bible, I recommend reading this very short book. It's also free. I am not saying I agree with everything in it but I think it's generally useful: Click Here
Showing how four polygamy proponents twist Scripture: Click Here
My video on why the death penalty is biblical and all nations should have one: Click Here
I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join. To ask a question you'll need to follow these instructions: 1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera. 2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream. 3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat. 4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment. 5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
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