Posted on 01/14/2007 2:51:42 AM PST by Aussie Dasher
Evangelical Christians say the issue of illegal aliens in the United States often creates a conflict between their allegiance to the Gospels and their loyalty to the government.
"On one hand, they really want to minister to people, but on the other hand, [illegal aliens] have broken the law -- and that's a problem for people," said John Clifford Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
Several conservative Christian groups sent a letter Monday to President Bush asking that his plan to resolve the immigration crisis include strong border security, amnesty for illegals who are related to U.S. citizens and already are in the country and an end to birthright citizenship.
"Whether this will attract majority support among evangelicals remains to be seen," Mr. Green said.
Most evangelicals agree that something needs to be done.
"There's a general acknowledgment that the current system is broken and needs fixing," said the Rev. Richard Cizik, vice president for governmental affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals, an umbrella organization of about 45,000 conservative churches representing about 30 million people. "Our population is growing by leaps and bounds -- often by illegal immigration -- at the expense of those who want to legally enter the country, and that's not right."
The Wheaton, Ill.-based association issued a resolution last October citing the need for secure borders but calling for "immigration reform that reflects human dignity, compassion and justice."
The resolution also cites passages from Scripture admonishing Christians to minister to all people.
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
The solution is clear: go to Mexico and administer down there.
Go to Mexico then.
Been there, done that. Won't be doing it again; it's someone else's turn.
my comment would be, tell those who want to minister to illegals to go to where the illegals came from, because they wouldn't be illegal in their own homes
Why not ask the people who minister to the illegals to give you their Social Security Numbers?
How many illegals have stolen other people's idendity by using some one else's Social Security Number. These people have ruined other peoples' lives with their identity theft.
Why doesn't Cardinal Mahony and his priest give the illegal aliens their social security numbers?
"On one hand, they really want to minister to people, but on the other hand, [illegal aliens] have broken the law
Simple it's called Missionary work. Minister in Mexico. We have laws their breaking them.
Of course, the answer is "yes". The illegals are stealing with every act they take while here, starting with fake Social Security numbers and innumerable other acts of fraud (mostly felonies if the laws were to actually be enforced).
But more important, they are stealing the livelihood of the poorer American citizens who want to work. And PLEASE don't bring up that tired old tripe about "jobs Americans won't do".
I used nearly identical words in another forum last week.
They are dooing jobs Americans USED to do, but for less pay........
I agree with you that the drive-by media may be using the title "evangelical Christians" as a catch phrase. They have twisted it into something ugly. We are never surprised when this happens as that is what Satan is all about. But I can assure you that we evangelicals know exactly what the word means.
It means that we consider the Bible the infallible word of God. If the liberals want to say that this means we are biased, bigoted, zealots we have to understand that this is how they refer to anyone who disagrees with their liberal convoluted point of view.
Simple said, it is easier for them to call us stupid than to figure out how to argue rationally the points we make.
That said, let’s get to your point…….. I am sorry that I fail to see how this particular article is all that defamatory towards evangelicals. The article is correct in saying that, "Most evangelicals are caught in between wanting to have responsible border policy with compassion for the alien." Correct me if I am wrong, but the article does point out that evangelicals declare illegal aliens as criminal law breakers, it says that although several conservative Christian groups sent a letter Monday to President Bush (showing way too much passion for illegals in my opinion), it goes on to say, "Whether this will attract majority support among evangelicals remains to be seen." I doubt seriously if the majority of true evangelicals will be supporting giving away our country to a Mexican Invasion of illegals.
I am not sure if the article was bashing evangelicals or perhaps just trying to point out that while we struggle in out hearts over the compassion issue, we still have a great problem with this “invasion”.
As for myself…… yes I have compassion, but I also have the good sense to know that being compassionate to the illegals will mean a “death sentence” to a stable way of life for my Grandkids. I can give away the shirt off my back to help a poor illegal…. but I have no right to give away the “shirts” of my Grandkids.
Evangelical Christians say the issue of illegal aliens in the United States often creates a conflict between their allegiance to the Gospels and their loyalty to the government.
There is no 'conflict'. It's in the Bible:
Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s[Jesus’ more general point was, “Give to worldly authorities the things that belong to them, and to God what belongs to God.”]
See, no 'conflict'.
I'm what would normally be called an "evangelical". I know 300-400+ "evangelicals" here in Texas and not one of them supports illegal aliens.
Point again is by accepting the socialist's label of "evangelical" or "conservative" in front of "Christian," points out to non-believers that Jesus is Confused about what He taught; therefore, Christianity is just one more cult that "intelligent" Americans needs protection from.
Its real simple.Welcome them if they are legal and deport them if they are not.
Evangelical Christians = Big Bucks $$$$$$$$
Recruit them as they come over. The more that come...the more pay tithes.
I'm a Christian and I don't see any conflict.
Jesus taught us: "Be subject to those in authority."
This seems to indicate to me that Jesus did not believe in BREAKING THE LAW - therefore, people who come here illegally are breaking the law and there's no other way to look at it.
While I might understand WHY these people risk coming here - feeding and housing your family is important when the country you live in does not provide the jobs necessary for you to do that - BUT .. THAT'S NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY .. I'm not at fault for the policies of another country.
If people had a sponsor, they could be lined up with a job and all the help they would need to enter legally. I know for a fact, in New Zealand you cannot just migrate there, or park on the doorstep and demand benefits - or migrate there and have your baby and gain citizenship for them. You are required to have a sponsor. I have never understood why we don't have this kind of immigration policy.
A sponsor would benefit everyone, and this way we could stop the criminal element in the Hispanic community from finding it's way to our major cities.
This guy also buys into the global warming propaganda. He is like Bill Hybels, who loves Bill Clinton. There are lots of evangelicals who like Dems and their policies. I can not understand them at all, but that's the way they are.
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