Syrian Refugees

@esfes025 (432)
Elkhart, Indiana
November 20, 2015 10:02am CST
Thought I would enter a discussion that probably will get some controversy. I will ask before posting this that if you engage it is a discussion and no bashing of opinions and views. Here are some of mine: I am disappointed that many states are denying entry for them. I know a lot of people throw homeless veterans and such as why we should not but my response to this is that we have the resources due to corporate welfare, the salaries of congress, and of course the money we spend on the wars... we just are not using our resources wisely and therefore if we would redistribute our money we could easily afford to house all the veterans and help many of the refugees. And we would have money to burn. Did you know that there were events in WW2 where the USA denied entry to Jews and many of them were later killed in Nazi Germany. One of which you may have read a book of: Anne Frank. Since I try to think as a Christian (as I am one) here are some Biblical reasons why I think we should allow them in: Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22 – When the alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Oh and if you want one from the New Testament in facet I will give you a ton from the NT: Matthew 25:31-46 – “…I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Luke 4:16-21 – “…Bring good news to the poor…release to the captives…sight to the blind...let the oppressed go free.” Romans 12:13 – “Mark of the true Christian: “…Extend hospitality to strangers…” Hebrews 13:1-2 – “…show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels…” Taking in the oppressed was what the church was about for the first 300 years and I am saddened that many Christians are worried about the persecution (possible). Did you know that Jesus was a refugee right after he was born all males under two were to be killed and his parents fled to Egypt? Oh and I find it ironic that this is all happening around Thanksgiving when a bunch of European refugees came to this land and were helped by the true Americans (the Indians or Native Americans). What are your thoughts
6 people like this
7 responses
• India
20 Nov 15
I think those who accommodate refugees should be merciful enough to accept them -- with the wisdom to identify the terrorists.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160611)
• United States
20 Nov 15
This is hard for me, but you know, I would probably welcome them. It is my nature. On the other hand we do need to be careful, or as Matthew 10:16 says, be as meek as lambs but as wise as serpents. So, if we welcome them in, we still need to be cautious and not expose ourselves to danger. That does NOT mean concentration camps like we did to the American born Japanese either. That just means common sense. I agree, we should take care of veterans, and the homeless, and if we did things right we could care for many. Or, again with the scripture, remember the starving widow and her son who took care of the prophet Elijah in the famine? She shared and was blessed.
2 people like this
@suzzy3 (8341)
20 Nov 15
I think most people agree with you in principle. Me being one of them. There is one thing you have to ask yourself how can you tell if they are terrorists pretending to be refugees. It is a hard one and not a very nice world anymore.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
26 Nov 15
I'm truly sorry on behalf of my unrepentant, heartless, murderous, Christian Country. Not only do we block them & tow the boats back, but we herd any that "make it" into Concentration Camps in other countries where they are tortured, abused & killed, either slowly or quickly... and any information is being kept from Australian Residents.
• Austin, Texas
20 Nov 15
Well if you say you are a Christian and you're going to apply scriptures, I can think of many and no doubt, somebody else can come up with scriptures to refute my application. As I am not a leader or decision-maker with any authority, I can only offer my opinions and suggestions regarding this matter. (1) "To whom much is given, much is required." - Have you been blessed with a bounty? You are obligated, required to return the blessing. (2) "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." - Do you have the power to offer assistance or aid? Then do not withhold it. (3) "If a man's ways pleases the Lord, He can make His enemies be at peace with him." - Nonbelievers would likely write this off as flowery language, an unrealistic philosophy, and/or wishful thinking. So let's leave off the last scripture and apply the first two. I THINK … believers and nonbelievers can apply both of them not only to the present distress, but to any distress because the application is timeless. A believer or a nonbeliever has a conscience and can judge for themselves whether or not they have an abundance that is more than enough for them and can be shared with others less fortunate. A believer or a nonbeliever has a conscience and can judge for themselves if they have the ability to lend a helping hand to someone who needs their help. Even if or though political leaders decide to open or close the doors, individuals who have the power might still be compelled and moved by their own conscience to find a way to provide refuge for refugees. "Charity never fails." As for the sneaky enemies? Do they really think they won't get caught? Something for them to think about. In case, they're reading this. They do have Internet access, don't they?
@Gr8bit (86)
• Alpaugh, California
7 Dec 15
Did you also know America locked up and stole the wealth of Japanese people living in America during ww2, not that my country has a better past
@esfes025 (432)
• Elkhart, Indiana
8 Dec 15
yes I did know this.
@yalul070 (1713)
• Manila, Philippines
20 Nov 15
i really don't know what to say about this. my heart goes out to the Syrian refugees, but it is also unfortunate that among those who sow terror in Paris pretended to be refugees. Evil knows no boundaries, indeed. I only feel bad for those who were just trying to live by escaping a war-torn country.