What happens when we think of immigration as an invasion

One of the most shocking responses to a video I shared on YouTube about learning to love our Muslim neighbours was the one that compared immigrants to the Martians in the War of the Worlds, coming to destroy us. 

We should be shocked by such dehumanizing language and we should be disturbed at where this is leading us. It is a short step from seeing people as threatening, alien monsters to legitimizing violent attacks on them.

I’ve recently read online posts l from professing Christians predicting blood on the streets. There is a real risk that this will become a self fulfilling prophecy. 

I don’t believe that this is what those who are promoting Christian Nationalism want.  However, this is the real danger with their rhetoric.

So, I’m making an appeal and repeating an offer. First the offer. I’ve repeatedly said that I’m more than willing to meet in person or virtually with Bibles open to talk through the things they are raising.  I’m also happy to engage in more public debate on the questions of Christian Nationalism, immigration and how we engage with Islam. The offer remains open.  I recognize that there are legitimate areas of debate and space for difference between believers on those matters. 

Here is the appeal.  I hope that you will hear it with soft hearts and recognize the heart behind it.  I’m worried, not just on a general level but worried for specific people, friends, neighbours, people I’ve shared the good news with over the years. I’m concerned both for their spiritual well being that stumbling blocks are not put up to them coming to Christ and that obstacles are not put in the way of those of us seeking to go to them. However, as I hear the rhetoric mount up, I’m also concerned for the real risks that the language of fear, the language that dehumanizes and calls them an invasion, a threat, likened to alien monsters creates for their physical safety.

So  asking that you dial down the rhetoric and that you also challenge those that comment on your own posts and videos.  Be clear that this kind of language and attitude is not acceptable and not the way of Christ.