I started this blog with the intent of expressing my frustration of being a misfit within the Christian community. This week, it crossed a line.
This is not meant as a judgment on anyone but myself. This is about my personal walk, and if your beliefs are different, I respect that.
But if you are attempting to change my mind, I insist that you use Scripture, and not your personal opinion, to prove me wrong. Anything less is inadequate.
My breaking point is over the Syrian refugees. I have seen so much hate, so much anger towards these people, and blame directed towards the refugees for the actions of ISIS.
At first I shared the concern about the safety of aiding the refugees. But then, on closer examination of Scripture (that will come in just a moment), I considered that my only proper response was towards the refugees. My belief was bolstered when an immigration lawyer discussed the refugee process at length. It is far lengthier and more extensive than most people believe (you can find the details here).
But more to the point, failing to aid the refugees contradicts Scripture, as far as my understanding takes me.
I'll start with Ezekial 16:49: "For this was the sin of your sister Sodom: pride and excess of food, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door". Remember, Sodom was destroyed completely for this sin.
In Matthew 22, Jesus is asked which is the greatest commandment. He replies that there are two: Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. In Luke 10:29, Jesus is asked "who is my neighbor".
He replies with the story of the Good Samaritan, a man who was detested by the Jews, yet who became a comfort to a hurt and lost traveler when the righteous and the religious leaders had passed him by.. That man, Jesus implies, was the one who acted as a neighbor.
And in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus speaks of the separating of the sheep and the goats. He states "whatever you have done to the least of these, this you have done unto Me." He further states that what you have NOT done to the least of these, this you have done NOT unto him.
And so at times like this we are called not to give in to our fear, but to transcend it. To be a light in the darkness, to be the salt of the earth. Not to cower and revoke the very promise on which our country was founded.
And so I fully take leave of the evangelical church. If the sojourner is not welcome there, neither am I. If the undocumented immigrant cannot find fellowship there, I must find fellowship elsewhere as well. If the church will not be a hospital for sinners, then I must take my leave and find one that will.
This is not a statement I take lightly; it is only after much painful self examination that I have determined it is the only option. I know where I am headed going forward, but will keep that under wraps. But if your church will not be a sanctuary to those in the greatest need, it is not a sanctuary for me or my family.
God bless each and every one of you and have a very merry Christmas!
