No, I do not have scientific evidence. Perhaps it exists or perhaps it doesn’t. Right now, doing the necessary investigation to determine whether it does or not does not fall into my priority uses of my time for the near future.

Also, that I can remember, I have never made the claim that the majority, either of US citizens in general, or within the Church in the US, is xenophobic. I have made an observation that, according to my subjective impression, the degree of xenophobia, both in the US population in general, and within the Church in the US, is higher than it ought to be.

Again, the crux of the burden of proof is upon you. Do you base your beliefs upon personal perceptions and anecdotal experiences, or upon sociological evidence?

Rob

shalom,

russell

Rob

Somehow, after reading the original comment, I forgot, in the midst of everything else, you had said that, and then, scrolling through later, somehow passed over it.

You really do have some good testimonies to what I am talking about. And an excellent answer to Rob’s questions in the last paragraph of his comment #36.

Another example: a good Baptist brother from the US was visiting our house church that has people from all over the world who happen to be living in Thailand. Out of nowhere he launced into a speech about US immigration. His voice got louder, his face got flush and we were all extremely uncomfortable before we even got to consider his message.

I like hearing Christians engaged in important issues. It is just hard to hear them when I keep picturing angry media superstars speaking through them. Most of you are probably not like that (i hope). But can you see that it really is infecting some in our community?
Russell

Yes, I knew about NAFTA. Also, I am aware that the issues we are discussing do not have simplistic answers. And, yes, you have given me some things to think about. But, I still maintain what I have said here, especially in the original post.

Blessings,

David

Sanctions rarely limit corrupt politicians – but they do impact the people one is hoping to help in the first place. And there are always some other nation-state who is willing to treat with any government as long as their pockets are filled, often in defiance of long standing economic sanctions. See Iraq and Saddam Hussein.

Economic aid has been following freely to our southern neighbor to the tune of multiple millions of dollars yearly – yet the flow of illegal immigrants has not been mitigated. How much should we give? 10 million – 100 million – 1 billion? – and again I remind you that this money is not coming from a free will offering given in charity by good hearted people. It is given from a treasury that taxpayers under penalty of law grudgingly give for the purpose of good government.

I understand the original purpose of this post was for us to consider our attitude toward those with whom we should minister. I hope that I have eliminated your fears that at least for me I have no negative outlook to people with whom I as a believer am to minister to. I also hope that as part of the banter of this discussion that you have come away with many things to consider as well.

Rob

I think I agree with your two main contributions. I might add in dangerous situations, and bad environment for raising children and giving them an opportunity to make something out of their life, as well.

As far as your questions are concerned:

1) For general purposes, I agree with you that the American government is not responsible. There may be some questions as to what extent certain multinational corporations contribute towards the inequalities in certain places, and what the American government could do to regulate this. But, I grant that, for general purposes, the American government is not responsible.

2) Once again, for general purposes, probably not. I am not totally sure that the US government has never propped up some corrupt regimes in other places. But, once again, I will concede that, for general purposes, the American government is not responsible.

3) I am definitely not an expert on these questions. But a few things that come to mind are: a) enacting fair trade agreements that favor equal opportunities for all; b) putting pressure (economic sanctions) on corrupt governments; c) contributing in foreign aid for healthy and equitable development in underdeveloped countries.

And yes, I think good decisions on the part of the US government in their dealings with underdeveloped countries could have some positive effect in discouraging illegal immigration. The vast majority of immigrants I have known do not leave their home country just because they like another country better. It is because they don’t have opportunities. Many hope to make enough money to get their lives in order, and then return to their home countries. Others, not foreseeing a good future in their home countries, seek to bring over their families with hopes of starting a new life, and pursuing the American Dream, or the European Dream, as the case may be.

Also, although the issue of immigration is definitely in the air politically, my purpose in writing is not so much political. It is more about encouraging believers to show the love of Christ in their personal attitudes and dealings with “the least of these.”