A Christian Considers the "Muslim Ban"

While some are speaking out loudly on President Trump's Executive Order regarding immigrants and refugees, I haven't said much. This was mainly because I didn't really understand it.

I would venture to guess that few do.

There are countless news stories and social media posts, but not a lot of facts. I attempted to read the executive order but oddly, whitehouse.gov does not list the January 27th action.

(Screenshot from whitehouse.gov on 1/29/17)

It does list a separate action from January 28th, revealing this is not a lack of website updating. After hunting more, I did find the full text here in an article from CNN. I strongly encourage you to take the time to read it.

After reading the entire Executive Order, I was surprised to find three components missing:

1. The word "Muslim"
Though the seven nations listed are Muslim majority nations, to call it a Muslim ban is not legally correct.

2. A Plan. 
Section 4a of the Executive Order calls on several cabinet picks and agencies to "implement a program" for preventing entrance of foreign nationals who seek to do us harm. While the current system is not perfect, it seems proposed adjustments to the current system would have been less disruptive than no system at all.

3. Compassion

As a parent, I want my kids to be safe from the plague of terrorism. And that's the same dream for many parents trying to escape war-torn areas like Syria (one of the seven nations). While vetting is important, shutting these families out for even 90 days could be their death sentence. Meanwhile, there remains little reason to believe that even after 3 months, a firm plan will be in place to allow screened, legal immigrants and refugees entry into America. 

America has spent the greater part of the 21st century, attempting to spread opportunities for liberty to people who have never known it. Combating radical Islamic terrorism can happen as we responsibly and safely allow for the entrance of immigrants and refugees. The generations to follow would be able to remember how America welcomed them in and said, "You're now one of us."

Christians are called to be equally welcoming. The Bible is clear that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11). God is willing to accept people from all nations, languages, and backgrounds. So how can we turn away an opportunity for those in need of the gospel to come to an America where they can freely hear it? As Christians, we have been shown the greatest compassion possible from the God of the universe. This is our opportunity to model compassion in order that many would move from the darkness of terrorism and lostness, into the liberty of America and the gospel of Christ.