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A New Voice for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Religious Conservatives

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Biblically, they may be oblivious to the Holy Bible's teaching related to the issues of law and fairness.
For example, in the New Testament, Romans 13:1-7 states: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Meanwhile, 1 Peter 2:13-14 states: "We are to cooperate with those authority figures and obey the local and federal laws of the land, within the boundaries of God’s laws. "
It is sad to see these men of God throwing in with politicians and activists, who regularly oppose God and his people at every turn. The politicians and activists do not want to give illegal aliens a better life; they want their votes to consolidate their power over Americans.

call me roy of SD 4:14PM May 12, 2010

i believe in reform people should come out the shadow but make no mistake if you are giving a green card you have to make sure that you have( medical insurance car insurance pay taxes )if you don't have this documents you are not doint what the american people want.green card for 10 years if you have this in order for does ten years and have not broken any laws you should be able to start a 5 year provation to become a u.s citizen.hope fully some one has a better idea lets have a vote don't be negative we are hummans this is a wonderful place the america the most wonderful land and we can all make it better respecting each other we all have good quality in each of us good night.

nelson pena of GA 8:43PM January 08, 2010

Apparently Joe picks and chooses what he wants out of the Bible so he can play the 'judge' card - I guess he hasn't heard of pulling the plank out of your own eye before attempting to take a splinter out of someone else's.
Anyone who actually knows the Bible and the life of Christ knows that Jesus' reply to people concerning the law was to follow the law. When the Bible - Old and New Testaments - refer to foreigners, sojourners, and strangers, it refers to those who are either passing through/traveling or those who are not yet citizens living AS citizens - NOT illegals!
I am 100% in favor of LEGAL immigration. Anyone who has a problem interpreting that differently may call me a bigot, but only to prove how ignorant and openly stupid s/he really is.
Render to Ceasar that which is Ceasar's and to God, that which is God's. Explain how that concept of following the law applies to giving illegal anybody anything.
Don't speak for me, 'cause you don't!

Randy in NY of NY 7:13PM October 31, 2009

It is sad to see how ultra right bigots try to cover their intellectual poverty with the Bible. I would love to hear Jesus' perspective on immigration. It is obvious that many US evangelicals stopped being Christian a long time ago--I mean really Christian, true followers of Christ, the father of Social Justice.

Joe Smith of IL 9:07PM October 30, 2009

The comments here are overwhelmingly against amnesty aka "Comprehensive Immigration Reform." When will the MSM ever learn? The rank and file American people, including evangelicals, do not want "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" in any way, shape or form, no matter how many lies you print, no matter how many pro-illegal-alien sob stories you try to shove down our throats. We want:
--enforcement of our immigration laws
--timely deportation of foreign criminals
--the end of tax theft to support foreign lawbreakers
--the end of anchor baby citizenship
--a moratorium on all legal immigration until the economic crisis is over
Any politicians who promises the above and can deliver on them will sweep the electorate.

MaryJ of CA 10:37AM October 28, 2009

Please note that those well-funded special interest groups that favor "comprehensive immigration reform" mass amnesty are on the fringe. The VAST majority of Americans oppose amnesty and want our immigration laws finally enforced (as was promised way back in 1986). See these:
1) A new national CNN poll indicates that nearly three-quarters of all Americans would like to see a decrease in the number of illegal immigrants in the country.
2) A new Rasmussen Reports survey showed 64% of Americans believe that local law enforcement should conduct raids in places where illegal aliens gather to find work. Only 19% opposed the raids.

Joe of PA 11:14AM October 27, 2009

There are wolves in sheep's clothing purporting to represent millions of "religious conservatives" by promoting the idea that conservative Christians favor amnesty. This is a big lie and one the media has happily latched on to because it suits their own political beliefs. The NAE is such an organization. It is NOT a conservative evangelical entity. It was hijacked by liberals just like the World Council of Churches was hijacked by liberals many years ago. So, Dan, by promulgating this misinformation, you are doing your own credibility a great disservice. Conservatives, whether religious or not, agree on the "rule of law" which amnesty-seekers do not believe in.

Carole of TX 8:43AM October 27, 2009

cause you're misreading the tea leaves..either intentionally or on purpose. I'm a Christian, I'm a Conservative..and I know many others like myself. We may support immigration reform..but not what you are speaking of. Try enforcement, try revoking automatic citizenship when born here but your parents are illegal..shall I go on??

bitterweed of MO 7:51AM October 27, 2009

> "But that's a biblical concept—you don't punish the child for what his parents did."
That is an extremely stupid statement and a gross misapplication of a Biblican principal. Who is "punishing" the child? I would suggest it is the parents, who have caused the child to participate in an illegal act.
The state isn't punishing the children for anything.
And being returned to their country of origin isn't "punishment". It is "justice" (i.e. righting a wrong) -- a solidly Biblical principal that Staver should understand, given he is the "Dean of the law school" at a claimed Christian University.
This is one of many reasons why true conservative ("Biblical") Evangelicals didn't support Huckabee, and have no respect for nominal cultural "christians" such as Staver.

StephenDvd of GA 7:44AM October 27, 2009