GOP Reps. Cite The Bible To Support Harsh Crackdowns Against Undocumented Immigrants

[Joanne98]

Yesterday, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing titled “The Ethical Imperative for Reform of our Immigration System,” which made the case that reforming the country’s broken immigration system is a moral duty.

Several religious leaders testified before the committee, citing the Bible’s moral invocations for caring for the least among us and treating each other humanely. “Immigration is ultimately a humanitarian issue since it impacts the basic rights and dignity of millions of persons and their families,” said Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the vice president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops. “As such, it has moral implications, especially how it impacts the basic survival and decency of life experienced by human beings like us. … Our current immigration system fails to meet the moral test of protecting the basic rights and dignity of the human person.”

Yet several of the Republican members of the committee did not take kindly to the religious leaders’ words. Reps. Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Steve King (R-IA) both cited the Bible to attack the idea that it is a moral responsibility to treat undocumented immigrants humanely and give them the chance for a decent life. King even went as far as to cite the human rights-violating Israeli separation wall it has built deep into Palestinian territory as an example of how “the land of the Bible” deals with immigration:

Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, the Judiciary Committee’s top Republican, repeatedly cited passages from the Bible in support of a stronger crackdown on illegal immigration. “The Bible contains numerous passages that support the rule of law,” he asserted. “The scriptures clearly indicate that God charges civil authorities with preserving order, protecting citizens and punishing wrongdoers.” Smith cited, among other things, Romans 13: “Let every person be subject to governing authorities.” <...> “Americans need not repent for wanting to uphold the rule of law and provide jobs for legal workers,” he said. “A truly Christian moral approach would be not to acquiesce to illegal immigration, but to work to end it.” <...>

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/07/15/gop-bible-immigrants-crackdowns/

[wryter2000]

1. Suuuuure

They know more about Christianity than the guy in charge of the Council of Bishops. Jesus and His Dad have a few surprises for these morons.

[AspenRose]

2. They use passages in the OT to denounce homosexuality

(something Jesus never discussed) while conveniently ignoring OT passages about aliens (foreigners).

The OT is FULL of passages about justice for the strangers in the land.

Talk about picking and choosing to serve their means.

[Renew Deal]

3. What does the bible say about hypocrites?

[Renew Deal]

4. I wonder if Lamar Smith has read the entire passage

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

:evilgrin:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13&version=NKJV

[mercuryblues]

5. You

are under the impression there is only one Bible. What people like King believe is that they are the chosen ones to lead this country and the world to 100% Christianity; as they view it. They believe they are in the position of power to achieve this, because of God. If they fail, they have let God down.

They also believe, that no matter what they do, it is ordained by God, because they are the "chosen ones" They are part of God's elite therefore can do no wrong. The rest of us are infidels for believing differently. They protect the wealthy, because they too, are chosen. Their God also permits them to kill, rape, start wars, have extramarital affairs, trying to pick up men in airport restrooms, taking bribes, ruining the environment, torture, etc. The "little" people are here for them to use as they see fit. That is how God wants it.

They are not in power or have their wealth to be good stewards of Earth and mankind. That is for the week. They have it to be closer to God. The less money and power the common people have, the closer they are to their God.

The phrases they quote from the bible are meant only for them, the rest of it is meant for the "little" people.

edited for spelling

[mac56]

6. as my grandma used to say:

any fool can find a Bible verse to back him up.

[treestar]

7. They missed parts of the Bible, as usual:

You shall love also the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. - Deuteronomy 10:17-19

One law shall there be, the same for him that is home-born and for the sojourner among you. - Exodus 12:49

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:2

The Lord protects strangers. Psalm 146

"When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 19:33-34