Historically, then, US immigration policy has reflected the nation’s social and economic concerns, justified or not, in response to specific demographic circumstances. Meanwhile, I have argued that many of the issues that proponents of increasing restrictions on immigration raise today do not correspond, in fact, to current realities. Furthermore, a set Continue reading Immigration Policy: Legality and Morality (Part III)
Immigration Policy: Legality and Morality (Part II)
If one accepts the argument made in the most recent entry in this blog, an immigration policy that fulfills the needs of society should reflect real conditions. Unfortunately, a series of misrepresentations and false assumptions drive much of today’s discussion about immigration. The list of these inaccuracies includes, but is not limited to the following: Continue reading Immigration Policy: Legality and Morality (Part II)
Immigration Policy: Legality and Morality
“A Migrant Syrian was my Father” (Deut 26:5)
Broadly speaking, advocates engaged in the contemporary debate surrounding US immigration and border control issues represent two camps divided over whether the determinative factors shaping policy involve protecting the interests of US citizens or meeting the needs of refugees fleeing poverty and violence. Proponents of the former Continue reading Immigration Policy: Legality and Morality
Concerning Violence in the Old Testament
“…you must utterly destroy them…” (Deut 7:2)
Many people, non-believer and believer alike, regard the Old Testament as particularly bellicose. For many, in fact, this perception justifies a devaluation of the Old Testament generally or especially in comparison to the New Testament. This entry will examine whether the Old Testament deserves its reputation for ruthless violence, especially with Continue reading Concerning Violence in the Old Testament
“Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matt 5:4; cf. Luke 6:21)
Last week, our Chihuahua/Pug mix Lello passed. We got him from a rescue shelter several years ago, in February after my mother died in January. My wife had decided that our family needed some new life to help us work through our loss. I was against the idea, but she had found Lello online and showed me his picture. He reminded me very much of my Continue reading “Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matt 5:4; cf. Luke 6:21)
A Time for Bold Witness
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 RSV)
“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)
The world needs a church with Peter’s boldness. Recently, I have commented on this blog about the lamentable divisiveness that characterizes contemporary culture and reaches even into the church (see “Civility: Reconciliation Lite”). While I stand by the observations made in that piece, I also want to make it clear that I do not advocate any form of Continue reading A Time for Bold Witness
Easter Faith
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29 RSV)
I identify with the disciple Thomas. Believing has never been particularly easy for me.Every Easter prompts me to reconsider and reaffirm that my faith centers on the confidence that God was in Christ reconciling the world to God’s self and that God raised Jesus from the dead. I envy the earliest believers, those to whom Jesus appeared in the days following Continue reading Easter Faith
Invitation for Central Virginians
Dr. Melissa Jackson and I will be leading in a special series of Eastertide noon services at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church in Richmond in the last week of April and the first week of May. All are welcome. For details see my speaking schedule page on this blogsite and/or “www.regardingeaster.com”.
In Praise of Music
Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
(Psa 33:2-3 RSV)
A few mornings ago, my wife and I were sitting on the front porch. It promised to become a beautiful early spring day. The air was still a little crisp with the cool of the past night, but the warmth of the sun just above the tree line compensated wonderfully. We could see hints of green on the limbs of a few trees. Hostas were peeking up through the soil. The Continue reading In Praise of Music
Civility: Reconciliation ‘Lite’
“God…gave us the ministry of reconciliation…committing to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18-19)
In a moment characterized by unusually bitter and deeply-rooted strife, enmity, distrust, and mistrust, we hear frequent calls for a return to “civility” (cf. https://www.christianpost.com/voice/return-to-civility-american-life.html) when, in fact, only something much more profound – reconciliation – can produce the harmony needed. Continue reading Civility: Reconciliation ‘Lite’