Does the Bible Speak to Trump's Immigration Policies? Yes, and Not in the Way Many Christian Leaders Claim

Using Scripture, sincerely or otherwise, is not the same as taking the full counsel.

by Rod D. Martin
February 22, 2017

As Donald Trump – keeping his most central campaign promise – has forced immigration and refugee resettlement to the center of debate, Christians have had a lot to say. Most support the President’s plans, particularly his temporary order regarding entry from just seven countries (out of 50 countries with a Muslim majority) legally designated by Barack Obama as terror states, an order designed to allow the government time to reassess current vetting practices and improve security.

Some Christian leaders, however, have been quite vocal in their opposition, scolding their brethren with passages about loving our enemies, welcoming strangers and showing mercy to those in need (all good things aside from the scolding). Many have asked “What Would Jesus Do?” as though Jesus had somewhere expressly commanded “thou shalt never give thought to your family’s physical safety.” One gentleman I spoke with cited the Good Samaritan in “mic drop” fashion, without any fu…