I have noted numerous times that some of the strongest advocates of harsh immigration reform - some of who would deport American citizens based on their race and sexual orientation - are the same folks who wear their alleged Christianity on their sleeves and endlessly congratulate themselves for their godliness - even as they show themselves to be anything but truly Christian. Many of them claim that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, yet pick and choose which passages to use to persecute others while ignoring those that condemn their hate inspired behavior. Andrew Sullivan correctly calls it a case of Christianism v. Christianity. Andrew even throws out a Bible passage that shows the hypocrisy of the anti-immigrant Christianists:*
Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV) - When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.
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The glaring disconnect between alleged Christian beliefs by members of the far right and true Christian behavior seems to be ever expanding and likely is a cause for the increasingly negative view that many have of Christianity. A column in the Washington Post presents the true Christian approach to immigration reform. Here are some highlights:
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In recent days much of the nation's attention concerning immigration has focused on the signing of the SB1070 legislation in Arizona. Among other things this law requires local law enforcement to inquire about a person's legal immigration status if they think there is any suspicion or question regarding the person's status. This law navigates dangerously close to an enforcement-only policy and lends itself to the very perilous and undemocratic practice of racial profiling.
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What criteria would law enforcement use to determine if one is to be suspected of being an illegal or undocumented immigrant? Is there a certain phenotype or look that determines suspicion? Perhaps overhearing the speaking of Spanish might be relevant? There are very good reasons why the passing of this law in Arizona has sent a shudder of fear through the entire Latino community in the United States.
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This is disastrous. It is not in keeping with Christian principles or, for that matter, with basic American values. Think about other provisions of the law. Clergy and people of good will could be arrested for keeping Christ's commandment to love our neighbor by, for example, offering someone a ride to church, school, or work. As Evangelical Christians we cannot refuse to serve and love the immigrant, legal or not. We will not begin screening immigrant status on Sunday morning in our churches. The Gospel will not allow it. We answer to a higher authority. This odious law threatens to divide children from their parents. It emphasizes enforcement without offering any common-sense or workable solutions to immigration challenges.
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White Evangelicals must do more. They must stand up for Christian principle in a more costly way. They must act to make immigration reform a reality right now. They must decry the Arizona legislation as inconsistent with our Christian faith. . . . Immigration reform is a spiritual and moral issue that requires Christians to live up to the meaning of our creed. If Christ welcomed me unconditionally should I do any less with others? Silence is not an option.
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