Author and pastor Brian Zahnd posted a really interesting thought experiment on Twitter that looks at the cross section of theology and American immigration policy.
The tweet appears to be in response to a recent announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that said U.S. officials will take children away from their parents if they are found illegally crossing the border. Previously, children would be allowed to stay with their parents while their cases, many of which are pleas for legal asylum, are processed.
Many Christian leaders have criticized Sessions’ announcement, including World Relief, which issued a statement saying, “World Relief urges our decision makers to continue to allow those fleeing violence and persecution to claim asylum in the United States. The way we treat asylum-seekers is proof that we can be a nation of laws and a nation of grace. The US government should do everything in its power to keep arriving families together, not separate them.”
Zahnd recently tweeted: “Thought experiment: At the judgment seat of Christ which would you most fear being guilty of? A. Unlawfully crossing an international border with your children. B. Taking children from their parents in order to punish the parents. (I know my answer.)”
Thought experiment:
At the judgment seat of Christ which would you most fear being guilty of?
A. Unlawfully crossing an international border with your children.
B. Taking children from their parents in order to punish the parents.
(I know my answer.)
— Brian Zahnd (@BrianZahnd) May 14, 2018
It’s a powerful test, and one many Christians should honestly consider when thinking about what kind of policies they advocate for.
