In parts 1 and 2 of this series, I discussed the flawed thinking among Christians when it comes to refugees. But this social-gospel problem actually goes beyond people of faith. It stems from what Christian philosopher Jay W. Richards calls the piety myth: “focusing on our good intentions rather than the unintended consequences of our actions.” And …
Whatever is your take on the Good Samaritan (as discussed in part 1), it’s important to remember that the Samaritan doesn’t use a government agency in his aiding of the traveler. He doesn’t use universal healthcare to doctor the wounds. He doesn’t thieve from the innkeeper or compel through legal force that his fellow Samaritans provide continued care for the injured man. The Samaritan …
The past few Sundays, in many Protestant and Catholic churches alike, congregants no doubt have heard their pastor’s or priest’s emotional retelling of the Good Samaritan as it relates to Syrian refugees. So what is this parable about? And what should be the Christian response to Trump’s executive order banning “entry into the U.S. by anyone from seven majority-Muslim countries for …