Some Christians are fond of demanding that we take the Bible “literally.” They claim the writings in the book need no interpretation. These Christians are fond of claiming their position is the only correct position and that any other ideas are wrong. In my experience, though, I have discovered the position of such Christians to be selective at best.
Immigration is at the forefront of the news, as government entities and industries are trying to find ways to fill labor needs crucial to the Korean economy. These labor needs go so far as to include household help, such as maids and nannies. The argument in some quarters that certain immigrant workers should be exempted from the minimum wage and other labor laws has been raised recently by some economists, including the Bank of Korea. Many countries are grappling with the policy issues surrounding migration.
When increasing numbers of workers from other nations stream into Korea at the government’s invitation, the society and culture of Korea will be indelibly changed. I suspect most people do not want this to happen more than it already has. Some of my Korean friends are in favor of limiting wages for these immigrants so they cannot compete economically. My friends expressed alarm at the many women in my neighborhood who wear certain clothing styles.
If, as some say, the Bible must be taken literally, it must be all or nothing. No “cherry-picking” of issues can be allowed. Isn’t that what “literally” means? So, to those literalists, I must ask, “How will you deal with immigrants?”
For those of the Jewish and Christian faiths, escaping oppression and migrating to another land is a foundational event. The book of Exodus tells how the Hebrew people escaped Egypt and went to what they called the “promised land.” There, they hoped to live freely, have food for their families and shelter from the storm. There was no “ancestral” homeland for the Hebrews — they had always been nomadic. They moved into the lands at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Their ethical foundation ordered them to treat well all foreigners — read, immigrants — because they, too, had been foreigners in a new land. The words “stranger,” “alien” and “foreigner” are synonymous with “immigrant.” The ancient Hebrews acknowledged the divine grace that attended them during their flight from Egypt.
In the Hebrew Bible, or the “Old” Testament, there is a clear mandate that those with allegiance to the “One” God of the Bible welcome and help immigrants. In Leviticus 19:33–34, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.” This mandate is repeated many times. Equality in human relationships is not a foreign concept. Human rights are about protecting smaller groups. Yet, the tyranny of the majority seems to be the rule of the 21st century in many countries.
Extending hospitality to immigrants is one of the Bible’s paramount ethical standards. Refusing hospitality is among the most major of sins. So important is this that the book of Malachi includes abuse of immigrants in its list of the sins God hates. Malachi uses strong language in this matter. Deuteronomy 10:17–19 tells God’s people that God loves immigrants, and the people must also love them and provide food and clothing. There is more in Ezekiel 47:22–23, Leviticus 19:10, Exodus 23:12–13, Deuteronomy 26:12 and 14:28–29. In fact, “tithing,” a staple of Christian church financing, is supposed to help immigrants, among other beneficiaries.
There should be only one law for the resident and the immigrant, not a separate set of rules for each group. Such themes are also repeated throughout the Christian Scriptures.
We read such ideas, especially in Matthew 25:44–46. The mandate of Jesus in Matthew 25 is perhaps one of the key sections of the Bible that is routinely ignored by the literalists. There is more in 1 Peter, Hebrews and many places in the Gospels.
Forgive those who sin against us. Love our enemies. Feed people experiencing poverty. Care for the immigrant. Walk the extra mile. Turn the other cheek. Pray for those who hurt you.
Are we ready to take the words of the Bible literally?
Rev. Steven L. Shields (slshields@gmail.com) has lived in Korea for many years, beginning in the 1970s. A lifelong member of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea, he has served as a director and president. He was copy editor of The Korea Times in 1977. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect The Korea Times’ editorial stance.
Biblical mandate on immigrants
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22.04.2024
Some Christians are fond of demanding that we take the Bible “literally.” They claim the writings in the book need no interpretation. These Christians are fond of claiming their position is the only correct position and that any other ideas are wrong. In my experience, though, I have discovered the position of such Christians to be selective at best.
Immigration is at the forefront of the news, as government entities and industries are trying to find ways to fill labor needs crucial to the Korean economy. These labor needs go so far as to include household help, such as maids and nannies. The argument in some quarters that certain immigrant workers should be exempted from the minimum wage and other labor laws has been raised recently by some economists, including the Bank of Korea. Many countries are grappling with the policy issues surrounding migration.
When increasing numbers of workers from other nations stream into Korea at the government’s invitation, the society and culture of Korea will be indelibly changed. I suspect most people do not want this to happen more than it already has. Some of my Korean friends are in favor of limiting wages for........
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