"Am I my Brother's keeper?"

[steve53]

Illegal immigration is a huge problem all over the first world.

Should these countries let in everyone who is seeking a better life?

The Genesis story of Cain and Abel is a liberal linchpin, with Cain’s query to God the most famous line. The conclusion is that yes, you should be your brother’s keeper.

In Eastern religion, the golden rule is paramount- treat others as you would like to be treated. Does that mean letting them come into your country and bringing their culture with them?

How does the Cain-Abel story play out in the modern political world?

I would like to find quotes in the Old Testament, preferably Genesis, that suggest that it is better that people mind their own business and stay in their own country.

Am I being cruel? The reality is that Germany could be facing rebellion over this issue.

What about the Ten Commandments- how would that apply to sovereign nations taking in immigrants?

 

[RCIAGraduate]

I guess this is a case where one needs to use prudence and common sense while balancing them with compassion and mercy.

On one hand, it is charitable to care for neighbors and strangers but there’s a point where you need to be care about not being eaten out of house or home **(though like the widows in last Sunday’s reading, there’s a point in which we need to take risks in reaching out and helping others). **

In the instance of a country, I think all nations especially the first world should have a compassionate refugee policy (especially for the disadvantaged such as children, women and the persecuted), but there a point in which one can only take so many.

And if you overload a country with too many refugees and immigrants, you’re not making life any easier for the poor as well as the refugees and immigrants already there.

That being said, those legitimately fleeing from violence and strife, desperately need our prayers and support.

 

[tskrobacz]

Illegal immigration is a huge problem all over the first world.

Should these countries let in everyone who is seeking a better life?

The Genesis story of Cain and Abel is a liberal linchpin, with Cain’s query to God the most famous line. The conclusion is that yes, you should be your brother’s keeper.

In Eastern religion, the golden rule is paramount- treat others as you would like to be treated. Does that mean letting them come into your country and bringing their culture with them?

How does the Cain-Abel story play out in the modern political world?

I would like to find quotes in the Old Testament, preferably Genesis, that suggest that it is better that people mind their own business and stay in their own country.

Am I being cruel? The reality is that Germany could be facing rebellion over this issue.

What about the Ten Commandments- how would that apply to sovereign nations taking in immigrants?

I think you have to separate what we should do as individuals vs what Government’s should do in the interest of justice, peace, etc. As individuals there are no “foreigners” - everyone is my brother and my sister and deserving of my love - willing the good of the other, as other. Our Government is tasked with providing safety and is charged with making laws to maintain an orderly society. This should clearly include proper avenues to citizenship for foreigners that wish to participate in our nation and be subject to its laws.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Yes, we are our brothers’ keepers. At least to a sustainable point. Europe is coming to an unsustainable point and we are a little top heavy. There must be a balance somewhere. Can one NOT feed one’s child, but feed the child next door and let one’s own child go hungry? Where is the answer. Peace.

 

[Bradski]

I would like to find quotes in the Old Testament, preferably Genesis, that suggest that it is better that people mind their own business and stay in their own country.

I’m not sure you are going about this in the right way. Notwithstanding that ‘minding their own business’ and staying where they are quite often means hanging around to be blown up, raped or shot, I don’t think it’s a good idea to quote mine the Old Testament to back up your rather dubious political views.

Some might even consider them racist, but I don’t know you well enough to make that call.