The future of global evangelicalism depends largely upon the individual and institutional relationships of evangelicals across national boundaries and political divides. While we may assume a certain level of Christian solidarity, the reality is that the appropriate Christian response to the other—particularly foreigners, immigrants, and strangers—is a complex, perennial, and often heated debate.
American evangelical scholars often enlist Old Testament commands and ethics in support of widely divergent conclusions. For instance, James Hoffmeier and Markus Zehnder represent those who argue that Scripture provides a basis for essentially conservative responses and policies. Meanwhile, scholars such as Alexia Salvatierra and M. Daniel Carroll R (Rodas) insist that Scripture supports more generally liberal responses and policies. These two approaches present vastly different treatments of OT texts and their implications for Christian responses today—individually, ecclesiologically, and socio-politically.
Meanwhile, William Webb has employed a Redemptive Movement Hermeneutic to interpret and apply what he refers to as “soul-crushing” OT texts through the dual lenses of cultural and canonical contexts. His methodology has provided a consistent theological hermeneutic for interpretation and application of texts regarding controversial topics including the role of women, slavery, homosexuality, war/genocide, and corporal punishment. I propose that Webb’s Redemptive Movement Hermeneutic is a particularly useful tool for interpreting and applying OT legal codes regarding foreigners, immigrants, and strangers. Utilizing Webb’s methodology, I will demonstrate that OT legal codes represent a cultural and canonical trajectory that moves Christians toward a radically compassionate, generous, and hospitable response to the socio-cultural-national other.
In support of this thesis, I will demonstrate that OT legal codes represented a far more liberal and compassionate approach to these issues than other contemporary Ancient Near Eastern legal codes. I will then demonstrate that the canonical depiction of the relationship between God, his chosen people, and the nations further encourages a movement toward love and acceptance of those from other nations, cultures, and societies.
In light of this hermeneutic, I conclude that Scripture calls contemporary Christians to a response of radical love, mercy, compassion, and support of others, particularly refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants pursuing a safer or socio-economically advantageous situation. While my focus is on the US American context, my arguments represent universal biblical principles and commands with implications for followers of Christ in every nation.