Yet Another New Testament Hijacking

Posted on | August 16, 2010 | 40 Comments

by Smitty

Frank Schaeffer, “a survivor of both polio and an evangelical/ fundamentalist childhood” in the PuffHo, in a post entitled At Last [A] Book That Asks: What Would Jesus Do About “Illegal” Immigrants? concerning the recent release: Neighbor: Christian Encounters With ‘Illegal’ Immigration by Ben Daniels. FS opines:

Using a blend of travel narrative, interviews and biblical scholarship, Daniel tackles the controversial issues that surround undocumented migration in the United States by taking the reader to the spiritual, legal, and geographical front lines of the immigration debate. The political becomes personal. The result of this journey is the best book (so far) that encourages actual Christians and anyone else with a heart, to meet undocumented migrants as neighbors and as friends. (Study questions are included.)

I care about America and (as a Christian) I also care about Jesus’ reputation. So I hope for all our sakes (both morally- and economically- speaking) that this book becomes a best seller.

Well, Jesus’ reputation is rather beyond the reach of any of us, but there are those of us who feel Jesus is the meaning of Life, and have a regard for the whole counsel of God. Not just the warm, fuzzy bits that feel real convenient in a certain, passing minute.
Consider, if you will, Philemon, which is brief enough to quote in its entirety, emphasis mine:

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

While I don’t think this constitutes an endorsement of ancient slavery as such, some crucial points are:

Christianity isn’t anarchy. As developed in other Epistles besides Philemon, we’re to work as individuals within the bounds of Earthly authority, not set ourselves against it as Christians. Certainly, as a blogger, I’m in a different mode, but I’d argue that I’m supporting the legitimate Constitution all the way, so even that is by no means anarchy.
Christianity is about the Good News, not political science. It is a gross misuse of the scope of the text to take it beyond individuals and into the realm of legislation. IE, separation of state and church.
Those who abuse the New Testament, and try to make it mean what it does not may gain the world in their capitalism, and lose their soul in their foolishness. Beware, gentlemen.

A critic might say that Paul’s sending home a servant who’d fled his master and, presumably, fled some distance is not much of an equivalence for illegal immigration. Sure, all similes are, like Keynesian Economics, something that doesn’t work. I’ll cheerfully quit pointing out Biblical arguments refuting these ‘Jesus the Sentimental Milquetoast’ arguments in favor of scuttling national sovereignty, just as soon as you quit trying to pervert the Good News to mean something it is not.

Category: Immigration, Religion

Comments

40 Responses to “Yet Another New Testament Hijacking”

Cindy
August 17th, 2010 @ 12:48 am

You think the open borders/amnesty people know that Jesus is in Mexico, too?
Cindy
August 16th, 2010 @ 8:48 pm

You think the open borders/amnesty people know that Jesus is in Mexico, too?
smitty
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:19 am

@Cindy,
In this case, they seem to be about using our good nature in a manner similar to the GZM people.
smitty
August 16th, 2010 @ 9:19 pm

@Cindy,
In this case, they seem to be about using our good nature in a manner similar to the GZM people.
jefferson101
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:37 am

While He was among us, it went like this:

Luke 22, Verse 35:
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

However, once he’s no longer among us in the flesh, we are counseled thus:

Luke 22, Verse 36:
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

My Lord did not tell us to roll over and die because evil attacks us. He told us to resist it with all our power.

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I don’t own a Sword. But I’ve got some rifles with Bayonets that will make a fairly good field expedient, if it comes down to needing one.
jefferson101
August 16th, 2010 @ 9:37 pm

While He was among us, it went like this:

Luke 22, Verse 35:
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

However, once he’s no longer among us in the flesh, we are counseled thus:

Luke 22, Verse 36:
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

My Lord did not tell us to roll over and die because evil attacks us. He told us to resist it with all our power.

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I don’t own a Sword. But I’ve got some rifles with Bayonets that will make a fairly good field expedient, if it comes down to needing one.
smitty
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:44 am

@jefferson101,
I can respect serious, consistent pacifists, i.e. the Amish.
Respect, but not agree.
Those who don’t live it seriously, for example, the bulk of the Left, merit the tough love.
smitty
August 16th, 2010 @ 9:44 pm

@jefferson101,
I can respect serious, consistent pacifists, i.e. the Amish.
Respect, but not agree.
Those who don’t live it seriously, for example, the bulk of the Left, merit the tough love.
republicanmother
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:47 am

I see Richard Land, known CFR tool, has written an op-ed in USA Today citing the fuzzy kindness verses as a proof-text for amnesty. It’s not amnesty, he shouts, it’s a guest worker program.

Apparently he hasn’t read what happened to Israel when they let their border security get lax, or doesn’t care.
republicanmother
August 16th, 2010 @ 9:47 pm

I see Richard Land, known CFR tool, has written an op-ed in USA Today citing the fuzzy kindness verses as a proof-text for amnesty. It’s not amnesty, he shouts, it’s a guest worker program.

Apparently he hasn’t read what happened to Israel when they let their border security get lax, or doesn’t care.
Nick Robbins
August 17th, 2010 @ 2:14 am

There is a huge distinction between what the politics of the church and those of the world. Paul encourages the Corinthian church to resolve disputes with church councils rather than secular courts, however this is untenable should a dispute involve a non-believer.

While kindness should be shown to all our “neighbors,” liberals seems to be blind to the concept of tough love. After saying “Let he without sin throw the first stone,” Jesus finished with “Go and sin no more.”
jefferson101
August 17th, 2010 @ 2:14 am

@Smitty

I respect true pacifists too. Even Joan Baez, although I think she’s seriously deluded, I respect her steadfast belief in her position.

Just don’t talk to me about Jane Fonda. I know the difference between a pacifist and someone who is just on the other side.

Those who beat their Swords into Plowshares will eventually wind up plowing for those who don’t.
Nick Robbins
August 16th, 2010 @ 10:14 pm

There is a huge distinction between what the politics of the church and those of the world. Paul encourages the Corinthian church to resolve disputes with church councils rather than secular courts, however this is untenable should a dispute involve a non-believer.

While kindness should be shown to all our “neighbors,” liberals seems to be blind to the concept of tough love. After saying “Let he without sin throw the first stone,” Jesus finished with “Go and sin no more.”
jefferson101
August 16th, 2010 @ 10:14 pm

@Smitty

I respect true pacifists too. Even Joan Baez, although I think she’s seriously deluded, I respect her steadfast belief in her position.

Just don’t talk to me about Jane Fonda. I know the difference between a pacifist and someone who is just on the other side.

Those who beat their Swords into Plowshares will eventually wind up plowing for those who don’t.
Neil
August 17th, 2010 @ 2:41 am

Good points in the post. Theological Liberals typically make up their own god (small “g”) so there is no telling what words they’ll put in Jesus’ mouth. They ignore most of what He said, so I’m not sure why they bother. Oh, wait, I do know why: It is part of their politics-disguised-as-religion bit.

Pure pacifism is a moral evil. Protecting the weak sometimes takes force.

I don’t think these theological Liberals think about Romans 13, for example, when deciding how Jesus feels about government.
Neil
August 16th, 2010 @ 10:41 pm

Good points in the post. Theological Liberals typically make up their own god (small “g”) so there is no telling what words they’ll put in Jesus’ mouth. They ignore most of what He said, so I’m not sure why they bother. Oh, wait, I do know why: It is part of their politics-disguised-as-religion bit.

Pure pacifism is a moral evil. Protecting the weak sometimes takes force.

I don’t think these theological Liberals think about Romans 13, for example, when deciding how Jesus feels about government.
Ben Daniel
August 17th, 2010 @ 3:21 am

Hi. I’m the guy who wrote the book Frank Schaeffer writes about in the review you reference in this study of Philemon. Couple of points: In the part you quote, Frank never mentions amnesty, open borders, or pacifism. And to tell you the truth I don’t even really advocate for them in the book either, though I suspect I’m far less opposed to amnesty, open borders, and pacifism than the other good folks who have responded to this blog post. In fact, I even write a bit about good work folks are doing to prevent northward migration. So go read the book (check it out of the library if you don’t want to put a nickle in the jeans of an admittedly liberal clergyman). Set aside knee jerk reactions and open your minds. You probably won’t be convinced by most of what I say but you may be surprised by some of what I say.

Best,

Ben Daniel
Ben Daniel
August 16th, 2010 @ 11:21 pm

Hi. I’m the guy who wrote the book Frank Schaeffer writes about in the review you reference in this study of Philemon. Couple of points: In the part you quote, Frank never mentions amnesty, open borders, or pacifism. And to tell you the truth I don’t even really advocate for them in the book either, though I suspect I’m far less opposed to amnesty, open borders, and pacifism than the other good folks who have responded to this blog post. In fact, I even write a bit about good work folks are doing to prevent northward migration. So go read the book (check it out of the library if you don’t want to put a nickle in the jeans of an admittedly liberal clergyman). Set aside knee jerk reactions and open your minds. You probably won’t be convinced by most of what I say but you may be surprised by some of what I say.

Best,

Ben Daniel
BLBeamer
August 17th, 2010 @ 3:24 am

Frank Schaeffer is a talented polemicist, but not the most consistent of thinkers – or doers.

There’s an interesting discussion regarding a review of his book “Crazy for God” on Amazon. The review was written by Prof. Douglas Groothuis.
BLBeamer
August 16th, 2010 @ 11:24 pm

Frank Schaeffer is a talented polemicist, but not the most consistent of thinkers – or doers.

There’s an interesting discussion regarding a review of his book “Crazy for God” on Amazon. The review was written by Prof. Douglas Groothuis.
Dave C
August 17th, 2010 @ 3:48 am

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/maybe-god-rejects-the-bib_b_666896.html

He beclowns himself here..
Dave C
August 16th, 2010 @ 11:48 pm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/maybe-god-rejects-the-bib_b_666896.html

He beclowns himself here..
Live Free Or Die
August 17th, 2010 @ 4:45 am

See Romans 13:1-7, and 1Peter 2:13-16
Live Free Or Die
August 17th, 2010 @ 12:45 am

See Romans 13:1-7, and 1Peter 2:13-16
GS
August 17th, 2010 @ 5:22 am

I know it’s a simple answer, but I think it was intended to be. Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, render unto God that which is God’s. Immigration policy, I think, is Caesar’s.
GS
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:22 am

I know it’s a simple answer, but I think it was intended to be. Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, render unto God that which is God’s. Immigration policy, I think, is Caesar’s.
Estragon
August 17th, 2010 @ 5:50 am

Why does it seem that liberals only think about Jesus Christ in the sense of, “How can I use him against conservatives?”

Of course they are certain we are all evil, self-righteous hypocrites (like them) and that the only good use for Christianity is to show us up.

It hurts when people mock your religious beliefs, or try to take them out of context, assign them meanings no scholar would consider rational, and use them against you. But it is also a direct affront to God to distort his words, his record, or his promises.

Concerning the supposed teaching on illegals, Christians indeed must consider them brothers and love them. Those who see in that a requirement or justification to engage in criminal conspiracies to violate valid laws are engaged in great leaps of fanciful extrapolation.
Estragon
August 17th, 2010 @ 1:50 am

Why does it seem that liberals only think about Jesus Christ in the sense of, “How can I use him against conservatives?”

Of course they are certain we are all evil, self-righteous hypocrites (like them) and that the only good use for Christianity is to show us up.

It hurts when people mock your religious beliefs, or try to take them out of context, assign them meanings no scholar would consider rational, and use them against you. But it is also a direct affront to God to distort his words, his record, or his promises.

Concerning the supposed teaching on illegals, Christians indeed must consider them brothers and love them. Those who see in that a requirement or justification to engage in criminal conspiracies to violate valid laws are engaged in great leaps of fanciful extrapolation.
Mary Rose
August 17th, 2010 @ 9:37 am

Good post and good comments.

Somewhere along the line, liberals closed their minds to the Truth, who does not preach rebellion and disobedience. Jesus Christ told His disciples that He came to fulfill the Law, and to give to Caesar what belonged to him. @Live Free or Die has it exactly right.

I believe we are called to show mercy and compassion to those in need, but to also encourage them to obey the laws of government. What I find hypocritical is how the left is known for protests to bring about change but yet never seem to support the rightful protest of Mexicans toward the corruption of their own government.

Instead, rampant escapism and entitlement is encouraged at the expense of another country. If illegal immigrants want to “demand” their rights, let them start in their own backyard. And let the liberals go to their countries and teach them how to do it if they “care” so much.
Mary Rose
August 17th, 2010 @ 5:37 am

Good post and good comments.

Somewhere along the line, liberals closed their minds to the Truth, who does not preach rebellion and disobedience. Jesus Christ told His disciples that He came to fulfill the Law, and to give to Caesar what belonged to him. @Live Free or Die has it exactly right.

I believe we are called to show mercy and compassion to those in need, but to also encourage them to obey the laws of government. What I find hypocritical is how the left is known for protests to bring about change but yet never seem to support the rightful protest of Mexicans toward the corruption of their own government.

Instead, rampant escapism and entitlement is encouraged at the expense of another country. If illegal immigrants want to “demand” their rights, let them start in their own backyard. And let the liberals go to their countries and teach them how to do it if they “care” so much.
Mary Rose
August 17th, 2010 @ 9:58 am

Reading Schaeffer’s review, and this:

The anti-immigrant folks aren’t just wrong morally, they are wrong factually: we NEED young workers to offset our aging population. We are so very lucky so many people want to come here to better their lives!

caused me to ask these questions:

Is the obedience of law morally wrong? If the disobedience of laws are justified because of “need,” then the law needs to be examined and adjusted. However, if laws are always subject to the whims of a few, then there won’t be much order in society. Laws are enacted to maintain consistency and avoid total anarchy, but then again, the left doesn’t seem to mind that as long as it serves their purpose of destroying the United States.

And someone should tell Schaeffer that we have this little thing going on called a recession, where aging Boomers are having trouble not just keeping their jobs — but finding new ones. Life isn’t over at age 65. Those are the facts, Franky.
Mary Rose
August 17th, 2010 @ 5:58 am

Reading Schaeffer’s review, and this:

The anti-immigrant folks aren’t just wrong morally, they are wrong factually: we NEED young workers to offset our aging population. We are so very lucky so many people want to come here to better their lives!

caused me to ask these questions:

Is the obedience of law morally wrong? If the disobedience of laws are justified because of “need,” then the law needs to be examined and adjusted. However, if laws are always subject to the whims of a few, then there won’t be much order in society. Laws are enacted to maintain consistency and avoid total anarchy, but then again, the left doesn’t seem to mind that as long as it serves their purpose of destroying the United States.

And someone should tell Schaeffer that we have this little thing going on called a recession, where aging Boomers are having trouble not just keeping their jobs — but finding new ones. Life isn’t over at age 65. Those are the facts, Franky.
Ron K
August 17th, 2010 @ 10:52 am

not just liberals that pick and choose, the Catholic cardinal from LA is the same way, he kinda forgot the 10th commandment.
Ron K
August 17th, 2010 @ 6:52 am

not just liberals that pick and choose, the Catholic cardinal from LA is the same way, he kinda forgot the 10th commandment.
Kojocaro
August 17th, 2010 @ 11:44 am

hey youngforeskin are we waaaaaaacists?
smitty
August 17th, 2010 @ 11:44 am

@Ben,
Given that I was reacting to the review and not your book, I’ve ordered a copy and will set about giving it an open-minded read and offer a sincere review.
Best wishes,
Chris
Kojocaro
August 17th, 2010 @ 7:44 am

hey youngforeskin are we waaaaaaacists?
smitty
August 17th, 2010 @ 7:44 am

@Ben,
Given that I was reacting to the review and not your book, I’ve ordered a copy and will set about giving it an open-minded read and offer a sincere review.
Best wishes,
Chris
Polichinello
August 17th, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

Ben Smith,

Liberal clergyman? Geez, every time I see one, I can’t help but mutter, “Thank God I’m an atheist.”

The best way to stop “northward migration” is to build the damned fence and fine the living $#!+ out of any employer hiring an illegal.
Polichinello
August 17th, 2010 @ 10:04 am

Ben Smith,

Liberal clergyman? Geez, every time I see one, I can’t help but mutter, “Thank God I’m an atheist.”

The best way to stop “northward migration” is to build the damned fence and fine the living $#!+ out of any employer hiring an illegal.