(405) 425-5070

Editorial: A church of resident aliens


(Leer este editorial en español)

This is not the Promised Land. This is Egypt.


As we launch a new series, “One Nación Under God,” we pray for wisdom and input from you, faithful readers. We want to explore the varied faces of Hispanic ministry in the U.S. — in a way that honors God.

Where do we draw the line between compassion and respect for the laws of the land? How can we bridge the cultural divide in the midst of such contentious issues?
Dan Rodriguez, a minister and professor of Hispanic studies, gave us a starting place for understanding when he spoke at a multilingual Sunday service in Nashville, Tenn. 
Latin Americans who come to the U.S. don’t seek the Promised Land, he said. Their situation is similar to that of the sons of Jacob in Genesis 42 — who leave the land of Canaan during a famine, hoping to find food in Egypt. 
There they find the brother they sold into slavery, Joseph, and a new place to live. 
But they long for the land they left behind.
Many Latin American immigrants feel the same way, Rodriguez said. To know Christian unity, we must realize — all of us — that this world is not our home. 
Rather than defining ourselves by our nationality (American Christian, Hispanic Christian), we should strive to be good resident aliens as we wait, together, for our Father to call us home.
“I’m proud to be an American,” Rodriguez said. “I have an American passport. But after I die, it is not going to help me.”
As we pursue Christian unity in our increasingly diverse nation, may we all remember where our true citizenship lies.

Filed under: Editorial One Nación Under God Series

View Comments

Don’t miss out on more stories like this.

Subscribe today to receive more inspiring articles like this one delivered straight to your inbox twice a month.

Did you enjoy this article?

Your donation helps us not only keep our quality of journalism high, but helps us continue to reach more people in the Churches of Christ community.

$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

In Honor/Memory of Details

Card Notification Details

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $3 One Time