David Klinghoffer recently wrote an article for National Review on the U.S. immigration debate called "Borders & the Bible." This article explores the politicization of the Bible and the exploitation of verses to support various political agendas. It has recently become in vogue to refer to the Bible to help politicians claim the moral ground on everything from immigration to foreign policy to environmental protection.
While the Bible does cover many moral issues and provide a historical understanding for how God has dealt with man, it can easily be taken out of context. This is exactly the point that Klinghoffer makes. People can get a partial picture of God and portray Him as soft and merciful. Others paint God as a strict judge. Any passage must be weighed against the totality of Scripture.
When it comes to the immigration debate, some have tried to co-opt the Good Samaritan story to support the amnesty position. While this may have some merit, others could easily point to other Scriptures that could be used to support more hard-line positions. For example, the wrath that God called the Israelites to pour out on foreign nations or the strict laws of the Torah could be used to show that God favors the heavy hand of the law over cheap grace and an easy road to citizenship.
Maybe we could learn from all of these passages and use them to support a moderate approach that is merciful yet legal at the same time?
You can read Mr. Klinghoffer's article at http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MWU0Y2Y0ZWNkZmE2OWI1Mzg4YmI1ZmMzY2QzMzA5ZTA
