professor rah's thoughts

Professor Soong-Chan Rah at North Park University's perspective on immigration (I believe it's excerpted from his book, The Next Evangelicalism):

http://profrah.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/excerpt-from-the-next-evangelicalism-on-the-topic-of-immigration/

Two of the more intriguing sections to me because it sheds light on an area that may be of interest to conservative, evangelical Christians (who are, typically, against immigration):

"The question of immigration presents an interesting dilemma for majority-culture Christians. Immigrants and ethnic minorities are saving American Christianity.  Immigrants and ethnic minorities tend to be socially and morally conservative. (If the religious right were committed to overturning Roe v. Wade*, there is an easy solution.  Give citizenship to the 12 million undocumented aliens, who are largely politically conservative and would turn the tide and momentum of the abortion debate).  Immigrant and ethnic minority churches are restoring spiritual vitality and fervor oftentimes missing in many white evangelical churches. Too often, the future of American evangelicalism is viewed as a battle over the heart and soul of middle-America (i.e. – white America), when the restoration of faith in American culture may actually depend on the ongoing growth of immigrant and ethnic minority Christian communities. So what is the response of the white evangelical community to the changing face of America? So far, it has been one of conspicuous silence on the issue of immigration. Many Christian leaders have been hesitant to support genuine immigration reform – possibly reflecting the fear of a non-white America and a non-white American Christianity."

"Evangelicals claim Scripture as having primary authority in a believer’s life and conduct. What then, is the Biblical response to the issue of immigration? In my study of Scripture, I have yet to find a single passage which supports the right to bear arms. (I’m not arguing against the right to bear arms, I’m just saying I can’t find a biblical reference regarding the right to bear arms.) I have, however, found numerous references (close to 100) calling believers to care for the alien among them. Why is it then that I am more likely to find members of the National Rifle Association in a typical American evangelical church than I will find those who advocate for an immigration policy that shows compassion for the immigrant among us? How much of our view on immigration is driven by a political and social agenda rather than a biblical one?"

*this is not a political statement that reflects my views necessarily, just an interesting example.