Welcoming the Stranger: A Christian Response to Xenophobia and Fear
Welcoming the Stranger: A Christian Response to Xenophobia and Fear
Church of Deets
Welcoming the Stranger:
A Christian Response to Xenophobia and Fear
Brothers and sisters, today we gather to explore the heart of Christian values in light of contemporary challenges, particularly xenophobia and the dangerous ideology known as The Great Replacement Theory. These issues are not merely political; they touch on the core of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are called to love, to welcome the stranger, and to uphold the dignity of every human being. Yet, many in society fall prey to fear, misunderstanding, and hate—turning away from the very teachings that Christ embodied.
We will unpack why xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory are antithetical to Christian beliefs. Furthermore, we will delve into the Biblical mandate for hospitality, compassion, and justice, which calls us to expand legal immigration and create pathways to citizenship for those seeking refuge, safety, and a new life.
The Roots of Xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory
Xenophobia, at its core, is the fear of the "other." It is the rejection of people who are different in culture, ethnicity, language, or religion. This fear manifests in many ways—from unjust policies and rhetoric to acts of violence. Xenophobia breeds division, causing people to see one another as threats rather than neighbors.
The Great Replacement Theory is an insidious manifestation of this fear. It posits that there is a deliberate effort to "replace" the majority (often referring to white people in Western countries) with immigrants, people of color, or religious minorities. This theory stokes fear by suggesting that welcoming immigrants and allowing cultural diversity will lead to the erosion of national identity or even genocide of a particular group. It has fueled white supremacist movements and been linked to violent attacks across the world.
But friends, as Christians, we are not called to a spirit of fear or division. We are called to love our neighbors, to serve the vulnerable, and to live in a way that reflects the kingdom of God—a kingdom where all people, regardless of background, are welcomed.
The Anti-Christian Nature of Xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory
Let us be clear: xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory are incompatible with the teachings of Christ. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible consistently calls us to love, welcome, and care for the stranger.
In Leviticus 19:33-34, the Lord commands: "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
Here, God reminds His people that they were once strangers, foreigners in Egypt. He instructs them to treat others with the same compassion and dignity they would want for themselves. The Israelites are not to mistreat or exclude the foreigner but rather to extend love and equality. Xenophobia contradicts this directive, fostering hostility rather than hospitality.
Jesus Christ Himself was no stranger to displacement. Shortly after His birth, He and His family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's deadly decree. Jesus, the Son of God, experienced life as a refugee, as one forced to seek safety in a foreign land. How, then, can we, as followers of Christ, turn away from those seeking refuge?
In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
The way we treat the stranger is directly tied to how we treat Christ. When we reject the immigrant, the refugee, or the marginalized, we reject Jesus Himself. This profound teaching leaves no room for xenophobia or conspiracy theories that dehumanize others. Instead, Christ's words compel us to embrace the stranger with open arms and hearts.
The Great Replacement Theory is fundamentally based on a lie—that there is a scarcity of belonging, dignity, and worth in the eyes of God. It plays on the fear that someone must lose for someone else to gain, that welcoming others diminishes the native-born population. This contradicts the gospel of Jesus Christ, who came to break down the walls of division and unite humanity under one God. Ephesians 2:14 declares: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
In Christ, all dividing walls are torn down. Whether they be walls of race, nationality, or status, the gospel is clear: God's kingdom is for all people, not just a select few. The idea of a "replacement" diminishes the infinite love of God, which knows no limits and offers belonging to every individual.
Biblical Foundations for Expanding Legal Immigration
The Bible is filled with stories of migration, exile, and the movement of people. God’s people are often depicted as sojourners—Abraham left his homeland, Joseph was sold into slavery in a foreign land, and Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. These narratives remind us that migration is not only a part of human history but a part of God's plan for His people.
In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, the Lord shows His heart for the foreigner: "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."
God repeatedly calls His people to show love and compassion to the foreigner. This command is not conditional upon the foreigner's status, language, or culture—it is rooted in the recognition that all human beings bear the image of God and deserve dignity and justice.
In today's context, expanding legal immigration and creating pathways to citizenship align with these Biblical values. Legal immigration policies that are just and compassionate provide individuals with the opportunity to contribute to society, to live in safety, and to pursue their God-given potential. They reflect God's heart for the vulnerable and the stranger, creating systems that honor human dignity rather than exclude or marginalize.
Moreover, as followers of Christ, we must be aware of the injustices in immigration systems that perpetuate suffering. Many individuals flee their home countries due to violence, persecution, and poverty—seeking safety and the possibility of a better life. The Bible commands us to respond with empathy and action.
In Isaiah 1:17, we are told: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
To seek justice means to advocate for policies that defend the oppressed, including immigrants and refugees. This includes supporting laws that provide humane pathways to citizenship, protect asylum seekers, and ensure that families are not separated by unjust policies. Our response to immigration should reflect the justice and mercy that God requires of us.
The Biblical Call for Pathways to Citizenship
One of the key aspects of a just immigration system is the provision of pathways to citizenship. Citizenship is more than just a legal status; it is the recognition of an individual’s full humanity and their right to participate in society. The Bible offers profound insights into this concept of belonging and citizenship.
In Ephesians 2:19, Paul writes: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household."
Here, Paul is speaking about the spiritual citizenship we have in God's kingdom. Once, we were outsiders, but through Christ, we have been brought near and made part of the household of God. This idea of being "fellow citizens" echoes the deeper truth that in God's kingdom, there is no "us" and "them." All are welcome to become citizens of this kingdom.
While this passage speaks to spiritual citizenship, it offers a principle that can be applied to earthly citizenship. Just as we are welcomed into God's family, so too should we welcome others into our national family. Providing pathways to citizenship for immigrants is a way of affirming their dignity, recognizing their contributions, and allowing them to fully participate in the life of the nation. It is an expression of the Biblical command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Furthermore, throughout the Old Testament, God’s law made provisions for foreigners to fully integrate into the community of Israel. In Numbers 15:15-16, God says: "The community is to have the same rules for you and for the foreigner residing among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the Lord: The same laws and regulations will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing among you."
God’s law did not exclude the foreigner but sought to integrate them fully into the community. There were no second-class citizens in God's economy. In the same way, our modern societies should create pathways to citizenship that allow immigrants to fully integrate, participate, and flourish. It is a reflection of the inclusive and just nature of God's kingdom.
The Biblical Case for Expedited Citizenship for DACA Recipients
As we discuss the moral imperative to create just pathways to citizenship, it is crucial to address one of the most pressing immigration issues in our society today: the situation facing recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). These individuals, often called "Dreamers," were brought to the United States as children. For many, this is the only country they have ever known. They have been raised, educated, and contributed to society as students, workers, and members of their communities. Yet, despite their deep roots in this nation, they remain in a state of legal limbo, vulnerable to deportation due to the uncertainty surrounding their immigration status.
As Christians, we must ask ourselves: What would Jesus say about Dreamers? What does the Bible teach us about how we should treat those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in vulnerable and precarious positions?
Dreamers as Modern-Day Sojourners
Throughout the Bible, God expresses a deep concern for the sojourner—the foreigner or immigrant who lives among the people of Israel. The experience of the Israelites as foreigners in Egypt was meant to shape their understanding of justice and compassion for others in similar circumstances. In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, God says: "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."
The DACA recipients are modern-day sojourners—people living in the land without permanent legal status, yet deeply integrated into their communities. They are not strangers in the sense of being unknown or unfamiliar. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our coworkers, and, in many cases, our fellow Christians. They contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and in many cases, serve in critical roles such as healthcare, education, and essential services. And yet, they live under the constant threat of deportation to countries they may not even remember.
Just as God commanded the Israelites to treat the sojourner with love, respect, and fairness, so too must we advocate for policies that ensure justice for Dreamers. Expedited pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients are not merely a matter of legal pragmatism; they are a reflection of our Biblical call to defend the vulnerable and extend hospitality to the foreigner.
Justice, Not Punishment, for the Innocent
One of the core tenets of Christian teaching is the belief in justice for the innocent. In Ezekiel 18:20, the Lord declares: "The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them."
DACA recipients did not choose to come to the United States illegally; they were brought here as children. To punish them for decisions made by others is unjust and goes against the Biblical principle that individuals should not bear the consequences of the actions of others, especially when they had no control over those actions.
Dreamers have shown their dedication to this country through their education, work, and service. Many of them have lived exemplary lives, contributing positively to society in ways that reflect the values of hard work, community, and family. Denying them the opportunity to attain citizenship is not only a legal failure but a moral failure.
As Christians, we should advocate for justice and mercy, and that includes calling for an expedited citizenship process for Dreamers. It is the just and compassionate response to their situation.
The Moral and Economic Case for Expedited Citizenship
From a practical standpoint, providing a clear, expedited pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients is beneficial not only for them but for society as a whole. Dreamers are part of the fabric of this nation. They are business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders. Their contributions to the economy are significant, and creating a legal pathway to citizenship would allow them to more fully participate in society without fear of deportation.
But beyond economic considerations, we must also consider the moral weight of the issue. As Christians, we are called to do more than just consider what is economically viable; we are called to do what is right. In Proverbs 31:8-9, we are urged: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Dreamers find themselves in a position where they have no voice in the political process. They are unable to vote, to advocate for themselves within the legal framework, or to fully engage as citizens. As followers of Christ, we must speak up for them. We must advocate for a fair and expedited process that leads to full citizenship. Anything less falls short of the Biblical mandate to defend the rights of those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
A Call to Reflect Christ’s Compassion
When Jesus walked the earth, He constantly crossed boundaries—ethnic, social, and religious—to reach those who were marginalized and excluded. In John 4, we see Jesus intentionally engaging with a Samaritan woman, breaking down the barriers that separated Jews and Samaritans. In this encounter, Jesus models how we are to treat those who are "othered" in society, extending love, compassion, and inclusion.
Expediting citizenship for Dreamers reflects this Christlike compassion. It demonstrates that we, as a nation and as people of faith, are willing to break down barriers of exclusion and fear in favor of justice, mercy, and love.
The Gospel calls us to a higher standard than the world’s systems of exclusion and punishment. It calls us to remember that we, too, are sojourners—spiritual foreigners—who have been granted citizenship in God’s kingdom through the grace of Jesus Christ. We did nothing to earn this citizenship; it was freely given by a loving God who desires that all be included in His family. Similarly, we should strive to create systems of inclusion and justice that reflect God's love for all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Expediting Citizenship as a Christian Imperative
In light of these Biblical principles, the Church has a clear moral responsibility to advocate for expedited citizenship for DACA recipients. These individuals, who have lived their lives in the United States and contributed to its flourishing, deserve the opportunity to fully belong in the country they call home.
Expediting citizenship for Dreamers is not only the right thing to do legally and economically, but it is also a reflection of the love, justice, and mercy of God. As followers of Christ, let us stand together in defense of those who cannot speak for themselves, advocating for policies that reflect the heart of the Gospel and ensure justice for all, including the most vulnerable in our society.
By doing so, we live out the words of Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Building a More Just Society
Brothers and sisters, xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory have no place in the heart of a Christian. They are grounded in fear, division, and a misunderstanding of God’s abundant love. The Bible consistently calls us to a different path—a path of love, justice, and inclusion.
We are called to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to seek justice for the vulnerable. This includes advocating for legal immigration systems that are compassionate and fair, and creating pathways to citizenship that honor the dignity of every individual.
As followers of Christ, we must stand against the forces of fear and hatred that seek to divide us. Instead, we must build bridges of understanding, compassion, and justice—knowing that in doing so, we are reflecting the very heart of God. Let us remember the words of Jesus: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).
When we act with compassion toward the immigrant, the refugee, the marginalized, we are, in fact, serving Christ. Every act of kindness, every policy of inclusion, every step toward justice is an act of worship to our God who loves all people without exception.
A Call to Action for the Church
As we close, it is essential that we reflect on how we, as a body of believers, can embody these Biblical principles in our personal lives, in our churches, and in our communities. Here are some concrete steps we can take to align our lives with the Scriptural mandates to love the foreigner and reject xenophobia:
Pray for Compassion and Understanding: Let us ask God to soften our hearts where fear or misunderstanding may linger. May we pray for those who are fleeing violence, persecution, and poverty, and seek God's guidance on how we can be part of the solution.
Educate Ourselves and Others: Understanding the realities of immigration, refugee crises, and unjust policies can help dispel the myths that fuel xenophobia. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue truth and reject false narratives like The Great Replacement Theory.
Advocate for Just Policies: Our voices matter in the public sphere. We are called to be advocates for justice, including advocating for immigration reforms that reflect Biblical values of compassion, fairness, and hospitality. This might mean supporting pathways to citizenship, opposing family separations, or welcoming refugees with open arms.
Engage Locally: There are countless opportunities to serve immigrants and refugees within our own communities. Whether through local churches, nonprofits, or advocacy groups, we can provide tangible support—whether it’s through mentorship, English language classes, or simply offering a welcoming community for those who feel isolated or marginalized.
Challenge Xenophobia in Our Own Circles: It’s easy to ignore or remain silent when we hear xenophobic comments or ideas in our communities or families. But as followers of Christ, we must be bold in standing for truth and justice, challenging the lies of fear and division with the love and truth of the gospel.
Model Hospitality: Hospitality is one of the greatest expressions of God’s love. By inviting immigrants and refugees into our homes, churches, and lives, we can break down walls of division and build relationships that reflect the kingdom of God. Hospitality is not just an act of kindness; it’s a tangible demonstration of God's love.
The Kingdom of God Is for All
Finally, let us never lose sight of the larger truth: The kingdom of God is for all people. Revelation 7:9 gives us a beautiful image of what this kingdom looks like: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
This image of heaven is one of diversity, unity, and worship. People from every nation, tribe, and language—gathered together to worship the Lamb of God. There is no place for division, for fear, or for exclusion in this kingdom. Instead, it is a kingdom of love, justice, and peace, where all are welcomed as equals.
If this is the vision of God's kingdom, then it must also be our vision for the world today. Let us commit ourselves to building a society that reflects this kingdom, where immigrants and refugees are not seen as threats but as brothers and sisters. Where xenophobia and The Great Replacement Theory are rejected, and where love, justice, and compassion reign.
May we, as the Church, be a shining light in a world of division and fear. May we be the hands and feet of Christ to the immigrant, the refugee, and the marginalized. And may we always remember that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Christ Himself.
Amen.
Resources:
United States Immigration Timeline
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