Ask a Pastor Column

Q: This may be a long shot, but does the Bible have anything to say about the immigrants crossing our southern border or the best way to handle the situation?

A:  While the basic understanding of Christian morality, such as the golden rule (Matthew 7:12), the ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), and virtues like humility, diligence and honesty serve to answer problems of personal life, issues like a government’s response to immigration are more far-reaching and complex. In order to find the best solution to such an issue the Bible would point us to three essential elements.

       The first is multiple perspectives (Proverbs 11:14; 13:10; etc.). While it might be possible for me to offer Biblical principles that bear on this issue, another person can take the same Bible and draw out different principles which would lead to a different conclusion. This would happen because we have neither a complete perspective of the situation nor perfect wisdom to discern the best answer. However, examining different perspectives can help us see parts of the situation that we missed. As a result, we each come away with a better understanding of the issue (Proverbs 27:17). The more wisdom and perspectives you put together the better your solution will be, so long as we include the other two necessary elements.

       But multiple perspectives are useless if those involved lack moral understanding (Psalm 37:30). As C.S. Lewis says, “Good people know about both good and evil: bad people do not know about either.” Thus, the perspective of those who lack moral understanding contributes nothing to the conversation. When a group of people lacks a consensus on the most basic issues then progress is impossible.

       The third element we need is for decision makers to possess personal character. Without it, decision makers will make choices that favor themselves rather than the whole. Knowing the best solution to a situation doesn’t help you if you would rather make the decision that favors you and your friends. Such perspectives are self-defeating in the end, but without personal character, the individuals involved never realize the fact.

       This Biblical approach to resolving complex issues of government was the original purpose for the American legislative system. It can work very well, but its function depends completely upon the morality and understanding of the representatives involved.

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