We received some unsolicited, but "learned feedback" on our post regarding Franklin Graham's position on the refugee crisis. It raised a related issue that we would like to address in this follow-up post. Here is a link to the original post. Read it if you haven't already.
Here is the learned feedback we got through social media, presented unedited and uncut, in all its original glory:
“If you want to make it a bible issue, Fine by me. Just missed the part in the bible where it reads "take in enemies that wish to kill you and your way of life" btw, we do take in refugees from all over the world and its a fact that we are the most generous nation EVER!."
Okay. Allow us to respond.
We make things a "Bible issue" because it is an issue addressed in the Bible.
In some cases (many cases, most cases) we show and prove that something is a "Bible issue" simply by quoting the Bible. We don't even have to delve into deep hermeneutical exploration, because the plain meaning of the text, the literal and factual meaning of a passage, is obvious to anyone able to read.
This plain, text-level reading is what the rabbis call the peshat. What medieval clerics called the sensus literalis. What people who aren't Bible nerds (but who are at least literate at a third grade reading level) call "it means what it says, duh!" More complex readings are foolish if not warranted by the context. In other words, on many/most topics you can present the wide breadth of Scripture and say, "it means what it says." Let's return to the learned response we received.
Taken as a legitimate question (which may be folly, but hell, we made this game), "Just missed the part in the bible where it reads 'take in enemies that wish to kill you and your way of life,' could be slowly, painfully translated into a coherant and honest question worthy of serious consideration: "what does the Bible say about how to treat our enemies?"
This is a question we will (again) allow the plain text of the Bible to answer.
What does the Bible say about how to treat our enemies?
If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat;
and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink ~ Proverbs 25:21
Oh wait, these are Muslims feeding refugees in Germany. . .
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. - Jesus, Luke 6:27-36
Hold on: these are Muslim women protecting a Jewish Synagogue from hate crimes . . .
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~ Paul, Romans 12:20
Now those pesky Muslims are raising money to restore Jewish cemeteries destroyed by white nationalist in the land of freedom of religious expression and liberty.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ~ Peter, 1 Peter 3:9
Muslims donating blood after terrorist attack on Coptic churches in Egypt.
Why are all these Muslims acting like Jesus would want any sane human being to act?
The Bible seems pretty clear on how we should treat our enemies. But, as we suggest in this post's title, false narratives can lead to biblical truth.
To be clear: putting the unedited, syntactically and grammatically challenged, dodging the SUBSTANTIVE point with unsupported assertion, inanity of the learned response aside, we completely reject the underlying equation of "refugee" with "enemy."
That, put simply, is stupid.
It's fake news, alternative facts (or alternative faith), only worthy of discussion because it's something good people (and good Christians) should shoot down whenever it raises its ugly, bigoted, and was probably potty-trained too early, head. But to each his or her own.
And we know some say we're going to Hell, but at least we're able to find references to it in the bible.