Memory is short. It definitely needs to get a little longer.
In a time of economic recession, it’s easy to get a little scared, a little angry. It’s human. We don’t know what’s coming around the corner, and we feel unsafe. And when we feel unsafe, we often lash out.
In the 1930s, Germany was in deep economic recession. After World War I, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles ground the German economy to a halt, and the cost of food and basic goods skyrocketed. It was in a time like this that Hitler could rise to power. And he found an easy scapegoat for all their problems: the Jews. The Third Reich made them wear yellow stars of David. If they forgot to wear them, they were often beaten and killed. If they wore them, then they were tormented and scorned. They could be punished if it was a couple centimeters to the left, or if it was safety-pinned instead of being sewed on. It was humiliating. When those yellow stars came on, it was a world separated by the Jewish and the non-Jewish. And they didn’t quench the anger: six million were decimated by the time the war was over.
In America, we’re also in a time of economic recession. It’s easy to be a little scared, a little angry. It’s easy to lash out. And right now, we’re on the doorstep of repeating a disastrous history — of persecuting an ethnic community. We won’t do it across the Atlantic. We’ll do it right in our front yard, in one of the hardest places hit by the collapse of the housing market — Arizona.
Arizona just passed the nation’s toughest immigration law, signed in by Gov. Brewer. By August, it will be a crime if you forget your immigration papers. If you forget them, you can be arrested. Even if the police merely suspect you’re in the country illegally, they can detain you. The police aren’t going to stop men of Irish ancestry or women of Swedish ancestry. They’re targeting a particular people. And forcing them not to leave their badges — I mean, their papers — at home. This is an open invitation to the widespread harassment of the Latino community — even if they are American citizens. This action won’t bring back the housing market, and — I assure you — it won’t quench the anger either.
We’ve done it before. We interned the Japanese during World War II. Hate crimes occurred against Middle Eastern Americans — and South Asians as well, just because they look similar — after 9/11. When we feel unsafe, we lash out at people groups less powerful than ourselves. That’s unjust, and thus, deeply sinful.
God warns us here repeatedly in the Christian Scriptures: “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner.” And, “You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.” Jesus himself said that the entire Jewish Scriptures could be summed up by two commands: love God, and love your neighbor. And for him, that neighbor wasn’t born on native soil.
The Arizona legislation is not the solution, but will only add to the problems. This isn’t an issue about political parties anymore. It doesn’t matter if you’re Right or Left, Red or Blue. It’s about people. The worth of human beings. And it’s also deeply spiritual: it’s about the soul of this country. And everyone’s in it.
Remember, we’ve done this before. Pray that it doesn’t happen again.
Hi James.
I like this article. I didn’t read all the posts, but I agree that this legislation legalizes racial profiling and is, therefore, a huge problem for civil rights – basically, for Latinos.
Thanks for taking the heat!
Bethanee
Hi James,
We’ve only met once briefly at Urbana 06, but that was before I actually knew who you were. We have many many mutual friends both in Boston (CCFC) and SoCal (LA & SD).
I came across your website while looking for resources for the big story training. I decided to read this post and all the comments, because this summer I participated in the Global Urban Trek to Mexico City.
During my time there, I lived with a host family who’s father was in the U.S. Also, the neighborhood we lived in was void of fathers, because many of them were also in the U.S. I haven’t entirely formulated my thoughts on this legislation, after really spending time with people who are directly affected by it.
But what I would like to draw attention to is how we have de-humanized immigrants by calling them “illegals”. These labels in themselves seem to take away their humanity. These “illegals” are fathers, brothers, mothers and children. Sure, they may not be entering into the country by the rules we have established. But they are still God’s people.
So if they are risking their lives, facing prejudice, and a difficult isolated life away from their loved ones, why are they still trying to come here repeatedly? I’d encourage people to explore that question.
I think many people are not looking broad enough and focusing only on the local implications of this legislation. There’s so much more complexity to it than any of us can really understand fully. But this is more than just a U.S.-border issue.
Regarding a previous comment by someone: “Why can’t we ride in the back of trucks in California, or talk on the phone while driving? just because a few people crashed while doing these things, it now means that no one can. Why can’t we take full sized bottles of shampoo on airplanes?”
It’s one thing to set rules that affect everyone as a result of a few. It’s another to make a law that is targeted towards a specific people. I know that the intention is to make Arizona a safer place, but like it has been stated several times before, I don’t believe that people understand the implications this may have in effectively legalizing discrimination towards a certain minority group.
Sure, Nazi Germany is a far stretch… but I don’t think the Germans thought they would ever be capable of genocide either.
I pray that God would break our hearts for the people affected on both sides and not just fixate ourselves on the issue at hand.
Thank you so much for speaking on this.
Let’s start with the “Yellow Star.” So you compare seizing property from German Jewish citizens and raiding their homes; raping their women; ruthlessly torturing them; and putting them to death with deporting people who violated federal law and who are here illegally.
The USA has the right and the responsibility to control who enters our country. We have a process called immigration.
Comparing the Holocaust to deporting criminal aliens is not logical nor fair.
Secondly, the Arizona law specifically says that it applies to someone who is stopped or detained for some other reason.
Third, the law is a federal law that says that people who have entered the USA without permission are not allowed to live here nor work here. Federal law should be enforced by federal immigration officials who are under the authority of elected representatives. When those people who swore under oath to defend the Constitution and enforce its laws violate that oath they should not only be removed but could be subject to criminal charges. The people who are criminals who do not have rights as citizens are being defended by people who swear to uphold our laws. Now Christians who are supposed to submit to the governing authorities are arguing that it is “UN-Christian.” the Constitution and the laws on our books are the authority NOT politicians nor bureaucrats who do not fear loss of their job or prison.
Finally, the sentimental illogical rhetoric of “love” that permeates Christianity is a perversion of the holy love God requires. Sentencing American children to inferior education due to the constant lowering of standards to support illegal immigrants is wrong. Forcing hard-working Americans to work longer hours: stay away from their families to pay for free healthcare, education, and even prison for illegal immigrants is wrong.
The Christian church and Christian leaders had better get back to the business of teaching “God’s Word” in its entirety and call America back to godly moral life before there is NO America as we once new it.
I am Jewish. I helped people get their papers to be LEGAL USA CITIZENS. I am not a bigot and I serve a HOLY GOD!
@Albert — thanks for the thoughtful comments!
@kpg — Thanks for your comment, and I understand that particularly for someone of Jewish descent, the comparison may feel like a stretch. And granted, it is. But the comparison still holds if you look at the underlying principle of singling out an ethnic minority — just ask Abdon, a U.S. born truck driver who was detained because he didn’t have his birth certificate with him.
But, actually, I think you missed the point of my post. Have you had a chance to read this discussion thread? The post wasn’t about immigration, but about an Arizona law that gives license to harass U.S. citizens of a particular ethnic group. So, I’m not making the comparison that you think I’ve made. (Though, I would take issue with a few conclusions you’ve made: illegal immigration lowers educational standards, forces hard-working Americans to work longer hours, etc. But that’s a longer discussion.)
Also, the second point you’ve made isn’t true. A law enforcement official must act on suspicion — so an officer doesn’t need another reason to stop or detain that person.
In the end, it wasn’t a post about immigration, but actually about the racial profiling of American citizens of Latino descent. But given the climate of our nation, I understand how those two are easily confused.
@kpg — here’s an excerpt from a previous comment I made:
“As for Nazi Germany, I realized after the post that many other pundits have been making these kinds of comparisons — and thus, the comparison has been abused today. I do, however, think there is a legitimate parallel, and a friend told me that his rabbi friend said, after hearing of the law, “Should I just start wearing my yellow star?†But yes, America hasn’t killed six million. So that’s where people will feel the stretch. The comparison wasn’t made merely for shock value, though. The underlying dynamics are similar — the marginalizing of a particular ethnic community — and small injustices, if unchecked, often lead to bigger ones.”
You’ve got to be kidding comparing illegals in Arizona with what the Nazi’s did to the Jews! The American tax payer is not responsible for taking care of Mexico’s problem. Maybe that’s where the problem really is? Maybe blog to them? The Church certainly does their part of serving the poor and needy but we are a land of laws and when is enough enough. What a waste of time!!!
Tom, thanks for taking the time to write a response. It’s funny, because I just wrote this on a comment yesterday, but I think you’ve missed the point of my post. It was not particularly about immigration issues, but about racial profiling of U.S. citizens of Latino descent. It’s disheartening that our current cultural climate makes it hard to separate the two issues.
Okay everyone. I’ve added an update to the beginning of this post, because I was starting to repeat myself in the comments section. Hope this helps!
Updated the post on Arizona http://is.gd/eHtp1
Hey James,
I just got reading through most of the post and comments and thought to say something myself. As a fellow Christian, I thought about encouraging you. I had the pleasure of seeing you preach at Mariners Church this last Sunday. I left inspired and hopeful about spreading the Good News and glad to hear other Christians with the right mind set.
As to the actual issue, I agree that this will in fact lead to problems with racial profiling and other race-based judgments towards a particular group. After taking several classes in college, my eyes have been opened to America’s problem with people, specifically race and minorities in general. Even though I understand Arizona needs to do something to address this issue of illegal immigration, it seems to not be the best choice. I may not know of something better, but I am aware of the racial problems that will ensue because of this law. I hope that even though it has passed, God will allow for minimum damage in terms of how people will be mistreated and for a better solution to reach the law makers of Arizona.
Furthermore, I am sorry that sometimes Christians with a heart as big as yours have to suffer undeserved criticism. I commend you for trying to reason with Benjamin, as unreasonable and judgmental as he was being. Christians should not accuse or misunderstand and then embellish what other people are trying to say when no harm is meant. There was so much wrong that Benjamin said that its hard to dissect all of it in one comment. However, I am glad for you and your wife, because as Jinhee said, Christians should display the fruit of the spirit and show love to one another, instead of attacking and wrongly assuming the worst in people. Most of his comments turned into a one sided bashing, that I am glad you did not partake in. May God take care of you and bless you with peace and wisdom to withstand the attacks of those who are misguided by any hint of evil. As the Bible says, in James about controlling the tongue; James 3:10-11, “Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen!” This short passage summarizes half of James 3 in saying to not allow evil to come from the same place good comes out. I am glad that you, James followed the comments James says in James 3 (it sounds confusing, but I like it) instead of joining in on the attacks someone threw at you.
I hope you get to read this, because even though I mention a lot about Benjamin who seems to like attacking you and therefore I cannot see the fruit of the spirit in him. I want you to know that I am glad people like you exist. People of character that resembles Jesus, who says to love enemy and friend alike. As I go to sleep, I will keep you in my prayers and wish you the best with your family and your walk with Christ.
Keep inspiring Christians and non-Christians alike in their walk with Christ and to be transformed for the better.
@Benjamin-I hope you don’t take offense to my comment, as it is meant to commend and encourage James and to show your error in the way your healthy argument developed into a one-sided, conceit-filled, accusatory, UNCHRISTIAN (not yelling, just wanted to make this the most important) rant. I may be noticing a small speck in your eye, and I only hope that God allows you to remove it. Benjamin before forming any thoughts about what I wrote to you, please go and reread what you have written. If how your comments progressed do not seem wrong in your eyes, then by all means think of me how you will. However, I hope you have eyes to see and a heart to understand. Ultimately though, I hope God takes care of you and blesses you as much as anyone else. Everyone makes mistakes, it’s what we learn that allows room for growth; and growth occurs when we choose to accept it.
Well well well… It has been 6 months since the original post and I must say after re-reading every single comment thoroughly, as well as the original post, I am thrilled that not one of James’ “Biblical” predictions for Nazi Germany being born into an Arizonian Latino Holocaust has come to pass. Truly, the fact that SB1070 passed and is being enforced without a hitch despite James’ “Biblical” predicts is joy-inspiring! We should all be thrilled.
I am also over-joyed that you, James, edited the original post with a preface that contradicted and undermined the meaning/content of your original post. I am happy to see you defend your opinion in the comments, which as such you finally admitted were actual “opinions”, even though you are a seminary professor and National Director of InterVarsity Asian-American Ministry. Humility, despite strong passion, racial/cultural bias, and ideological belief is incredibly joy-inspiring in any context. I’m not being sarcastic, I am truly thrilled.
In almost each and every response, you (James) lowered yourself to almost humane levels, describing “I almost agree, but…”s and “Not everything you said, except…”s and “You misunderstood me, but true…”s. That is awesome. Truly, it was nearly an apology. You must feel almost vindicated, which I hope and pray you do.
There is nothing else to say really, besides the fact that the comments that criticize me and praise James for his patience are misplaced attempts at peacemaking. Truly, the Lord spoke when he said “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. [Matt 11:12]” Clearly, while violence is necessary at first, cooler heads prevail.
Back to the issue: I’m glad you read, quoted, linked, and referred to the SB1070 Fact Sheet I posted in response to others. You finally read the bill, awesome! I’m also happy to hear that nothing has crossed your ear worth posting for the past six months, despite your Biblical prophesy of a Third Reich in Arizona. Who knew? Well done James.
@Antonio
No worries, I’ll think of you as I will, which I don’t. Your opinion is yours, and good at that. Be outspoken of it, and don’t hesitate to share it. But don’t take offense if I don’t take it personally.
How awesome is this!?!?! It has been 8 full months since James posted this prediction, and yet none of it has come to pass! The following are James’ Biblical and historical predictions/prophecies that have not yet been:
1. Economic recession in America has not resulted in fascism in Arizona.
2. Latinos have not been made to wear the “star of David” or any other humiliating identification.
3. Arizona law enforcement has enforced this law on both those of Irish and Swedish decent.
4. Not one Latino has been beaten or killed as a result of this law being enforced by Arizona law enforcement.
5. Popular political opinion in America DOES NOT blame or scapegoat illegal immigrants “for all of their problems.”
6. No persecution of a particular ethnic community has occurred.
7. James’ historical and Biblical prediction that “This is an open invitation to the widespread harassment of the Latino community” has not yet come to pass and, if current enforcement methods continue, will never come to pass.
8. James’ historical and Biblical prediction that the Arizona bill “will only add to the problems” once it passed has been proven absolutely false.
9. The U.S. Senate is right now considering the “Dream Act”, granting green cards for all illegal immigrants, despite James’ historical prediction that Japanese internment camps will probably be replicated with Latinos as a result of this bill.
10. No “Hitler” or similar leading figure has risen up in Arizona OR in the entire U.S. as a result of the bill.
11. There has been no populist or popular political/sociological movement that creates a “Latino vs non-Latino” dichotomy in Arizona or elsewhere in the U.S.
12. There has been NO INSTANCE OF INJUSTICE in Arizona or elsewhere in the U.S. resulting from SB1070.
These facts are worthy of praise, of rejoicing, of restoring faith and hope in people both Christian and non-Christian alike. The fact that James’ historical and Biblical reinterpretation of truth has been proven utter and complete bullshit is a testimony to God’s love and given gifts.
I am not here to attack you personally James, just your opinions that are false and willfully misleading. What remains to be reconciled is this:
How do you, James, reconcile your re-historical accounts and your twisting/reinterpretation of Scripture that you wrote of 8 months ago with the current practical situation in Arizona and the U.S. that proves your “Biblical” predictions/opinions false and purposefully/historically misleading? The emotions were temporary, but the false dogma/theology you stated remains. What do you say? Do you continue to teach this?
“Memory is short. It definitely needs to get a little longer.” – James Choung, April 23, 2010
Attempted assassination of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, an outspoken critic of the state’s tough immigration law. 18 shot. 6 died, including the chief judge of the United States District Court for Arizona.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09giffords.html?_r=1&hp
Please pray for peace, reconciliation and justice in Arizona.
A Mexican-American studies program is outlawed in Arizona. It was deemed illegal based on four provisions, one of them being, “Programs that are primarily for one race or that advocate ethnic solidarity instead of individuality are also outlawed,” according to the New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/us/08ethnic.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB
James,
Your last two comments on this story have absolutely nothing to do with the immigration law that was passed in Arizona last year, yet you posted them here like they do. Why are you trying to falsely and purposefully persuade people of racist fascism in Arizona when it doesn’t exist? Why? What the hell are you doing? You have written popularly published Christian books, so you have much influence of many people, but you are using it to convince anyone who reads this blog of complete and utter crap. What is your motivation? What is your goal? Why do you insist on spreading falsehood despite obvious factual (and now, historical) proof?
First story: A judge and congresswoman in Arizona, along with 18 others (apparently insignificant people? since they weren’t “an outspoken critic of the state’s tough immigration law”), were shot by a man who claimed he did so because of “a series of topics like the gold standard and mind control.” [citation: James’ link to news story] James, why are you posting this as a comment on your “Arizona = Nazi Germany” story blog? Do you actually believe this news story has anything to do with SB1070? Why are you still trying, and why do you continue to try, to influence people to support antagonistic racism of Arizonians?
Second story: It was a high school literature class. ONE teacher in Tuscon decided to devote the entirety of the study of literature to Mexican-American students only, thereby eliminating all other cultures/ethnicities/races/citizens/peoples on purpose as “nearly all of those attending Curtis Acosta’s Latino literature class on a recent morning were Mexican-American.” [citation: James’ link to the news story] Again, this has absolutely nothing to do with SB1070, Hitler, Nazis, Nazi Germany, The Third Reich, Stars of David, showing ‘papers’ to law enforcement, law enforcement discrimination, Samaritans, Jews, economic troubles leading to oppression/injustice, James’ seminary professorship, personal attacks/offense, etc. And yet, James you’re continuing your efforts to convince people, using your positional influence of those who read this blog and your books, to make an outrageous connection. You even have the audacity to argue said connection on Biblical and “true Christian” grounds! What are you doing? Why are you doing this?
It has been 10 months since James predicted the rise of racist Nazi Germany-style fascism in Arizona based on incorrect history and citing Bible partial-verse prophecy. But it has not happened!! How awesome is that?!?! This is amazingly good! Thank God for permitting misguided people to be proven wrong! God loves people!
Am I the only one who is celebrating this?
@Benjamin
Proverbs 26:4-5
Don’t give fools a foolish answer, or you will be just like them. But answer fools as they should be answered, or they will think they are really wise.
Yes, you are the only one celebrating this. You are the only one celebrating the pettiness of your comments. Yes, thank God for permitting fools to keep commenting after they were told they would be ignored. How awesome is that?!?! This is amazingly good!
@James
Keep up the good work.
James 3:13-18
Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom.14 But if you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not brag. Your bragging is a lie that hides the truth.15 That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God but from the world. It is not spiritual; it is from the devil.16 Where jealousy and selfishness are, there will be confusion and every kind of evil.17 But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest.18 People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living.
Bravo Benjamin, Bravo.
Latest from Arizona, and the part of possibly altering the citizenship of those born in the U.S. from non-citizens is really scary:
“The bills before the Senate Appropriations Committee would alter citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizens, prevent undocumented children from attending school, prohibit illegal immigrants from driving or purchasing a vehicle and force hospitals to ask about citizenship before providing medical care.”
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/02/23/20110223arizona-immigration-bills-controversy.html#ixzz1EtuAPhmB
@James
You’re still lying. Are you aware of this? Perhaps you’re not aware of the falsehood of your statements? In your last comment, you claim that the current bill(s) in Arizona alter “the citizenship of those born in the U.S. from non-citizens”, which is completely and utterly false. It’s untrue. It doesn’t represent any fact. It’s fiction, that you’re selling as non-fiction. Why are you doing this?
U.S. citizenship cannot be altered by any law, federal or state. The 14th Amendment in the Constitution guarantees citizenship, without repeal. It cannot be repealed. It can never be repealed (unless we first repeal the entire federal government). The Constitution is the foundation for all U.S. legislation, all judiciary proceedings, all Presidential appointments. Why are telling people that one state’s legislature is overruling the federal U.S. Constitution? It’s not happening. It will never happen. No U.S. citizen, of any age, race, or creed will ever lose their citizenship, neither by federal nor especially state law. Why are you telling people this is happening in Arizona?
Fact: an Arizona “Senate Appropriation Committee” approved “a set of bills” by a margin of 8-5 and 7-6. This was a committee, of “appropriation” (finance, or “can we afford it?” only questions), which consisted of only 13 people. Votes of 8-5 and 7-6, do the math. Thirteen people whose job was to consider financial impact of these bills only. In specific Arizona budget context. Yet, you publicly argue this “is scary”. You publish the falsehood that “the citizenship of those born in the U.S. from non-citizens” would be altered. Not true. Not one single lawmaker in Arizona has even seen these bills, nor even further discussed them, not even close. Is this really “scary”? Should people reading this blog be afraid on these bills? Or are you just trying to falsely convince everyone that Arizona children born in the U.S. will lose their citizenship?
@Antonio
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
Am I doing it right? Does quoting a set of Bible verses rebuke you as “doing wrong” or being a “fool”?
I’m just kidding, really. I don’t want to rebuke you or condemn you nor even commend you to anything, especially by me quoting a Bible verse. That would be ridiculously silly!!!
@ Benjamin
Yes, continuing to post my explicitly ignored comments to a person who told me I would be ignored is ridiculously silly!!!!!!!
Proverbs 26:7
A wise saying spoken by a fool
is as useless as the legs of a crippled person.
Being able to say wise things means nothing when the person is in the wrong. Yet, some people enjoy and take pleasure foolishly speaking wisdom.
Don’t worry this is not to rebuke, condemn, or commend you. This is just truth. Truth that applies regardless of who heeds it.
Proverbs 26:11
A fool who repeats his foolishness
is like a dog that goes back to what it has thrown up.
Benjamin on April 26, 2010 at 3:03 pm
James,
I have done some (admittedly while bored) research. I’m going to address your Bible verse quotes individually.
1) You say Exodus 22:21 says “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner.†You use this to support your argument against the recent Arizona state law.
However, Exodus 22:21 actually states [your quoted translation] “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.†This command specifically refers to those enslaved in Egypt. This partially quoted sentence in the Bible does not apply to America’s governmental law.
If you believe it does, then you must also believe that “If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed†(Exodus 22:2) and “Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft.†(Exodus 22:3) and “If anyone borrows an animal from a neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, restitution must be made.†(Exodus 22:14) and “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife†(Exodus 22:16) and “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death†(Exodus 22:19).
All of the above Biblical references are NOT ILLEGAL under American federal law. How do you explain using one part of one sentence of the Old Testament of the Bible to justify opposition to Arizona’s governmental policy towards illegal immigrants in America? Also, what gives you the right/authority to impose Old Testament Christian morals on non-Christians and all Americans?
…………just for giggles, let’s say you don’t want to pay attention to what Jesus was calling attention to in your quoted verse. So, let’s look at the context in Luke 10.
Yes, reading your comments is incredible!!!!!
I love seeing the just for giggles. People trying to explain how others are using the Bible wrong, when Arizona is making racists laws that attack a group, which use to live there before they were murdered,pushed down south, made laws to keep them there – sound so so wise!!!!!
You started off good trying to have a reasonable conversation which turned into foolishness. I will join your foolishness, so let us keep the ball rolling.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Benjamin on March 2, 2011 at 1:00 pm:
Am I doing it right? Does quoting a set of Bible verses rebuke you as “doing wrong†or being a “fool�
No you are not doing it right, but you are almost there. And yes, quoting a set of Bible verses rebukes and corrects.
@Antonio,
I think you misunderstood my point. The point I was trying to make is that quoting a single or set of Bible verses without context, in response to anyone, will frame that person in the quoter’s opinion (not the Bible’s).
For example, instead of explaining MY opinion above, I could just quote Bible verses as a representation of my opinion (like James), but to the reader the argument would be clear: that “the Bible says this, not me” about you/your blog comment.
Here are two Biblical interpretations of you as a person that I could quote (both are entirely bullshit, as I don’t know you, it’s just an exercise):
Antonio, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10-11) Are you not also guilty of violating “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17) As well as failing to obey “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) and “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.” (1 Peter 3:9)?
Do you see how I’m making you look now? What I, me, myself, am saying ABOUT YOU through “the Bible”? It’s an inference to be sure, but I’m using Bible verses to say WHAT I WANT TO ABOUT YOU, as a Biblical commission. Now I could also say, consider this:
Antonio, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) which you’ve done “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26) and you’ve also completed the “these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) which is apparent in your words and actions.
Do you see how I’m making you look now? What I, me, myself, am saying ABOUT YOU through “the Bible”? It’s an inference to be sure, but I’m using Bible verses to say WHAT I WANT TO ABOUT YOU, as a Biblical commission.
Get it?
Believe it or not, you summarized (in your last two comments) every point I’ve made concerning James’ posts/comments! I hope James reads these comments, as what you just said succinctly summarizes my personal objections to James’ statements more than I ever could/did. It’s pretty awesome.
In response to your continuous objection:
You think I should no longer comment on this blog due to the fact that I was told I would be ignored, which you stated is Biblical by quoting “Don’t give fools a foolish answer, or you will be just like them. But answer fools as they should be answered, or they will think they are really wise.” (Proverbs 26:4-5)[your citation]
So, why would I continue to comment when I was told I would be ignored on this blog?
I hope the answer is clear already. If not, would you no longer post on James’ public internet forum if I told you that I think you’re a British loyalist leftover from the 18th century set upon creating dissent that is opposed to the Bible? Shouldn’t you shut the fuck up, even though I’m a racist “American colonist” crying foul, since I already told you I and everyone else would be ignoring you? Doesn’t the Bible tell me to not respond to fools such as you?
(Again, example. I don’t know you.)
Some other questions for you to consider:
Am I a Christian? Or a Jew?
Do I believe the Bible is God’s word?
Do I believe Jesus was the Christ?
Do the answers to those questions change your Biblical interpretation of me?
Finally, some good news out of Arizona: Senate rejects two-tiered state birthright citizenship http://is.gd/9WVGCG
@Antonio and @Benjamin — I humbly ask for peace, brothers, peace. If we disagree, we must disagree as members of the same family (Philippians 2:1-11).