What Does the Bible Say about Strangers, Migrants and Refugees - by Vanthanh Nguyen Svd (Paperback)

About the Book

In times like these, when anti-immigrant sentiments and racial tensions rear their ugly head, how should Christians respond? This book shows the way-with mercy and charity.

Book Synopsis

Migration is a global phenomenon that is growing in scope and complexity, affecting almost every aspect of human life. What does the Bible say about this pressing issue and unrelenting crisis of our time? The Bible is basically a tapestry woven together from the stories of one gigantic migrant family. Since it was written by, for, and about strangers, migrants, and refugees, the Bible is essentially pro-immigrant. The Scriptures have a lot to say about many issues related to migration, for example, human trafficking, refugees and asylum seekers, victims of war and violence, women and children, climate change and natural disasters, walls and borders, legal and illegal immigrants, and mission. In times like these, when anti-immigrant sentiments and racial tensions rear their ugly head, how should Christians respond? This book shows the way--with mercy and charity.

From the Back Cover

This book is compelling, informative, and challenging. Nguyễn addresses several of the tragic examples of rootlessness in today's world and thoughtfully describes the plight of the victims of such evils. He draws parallels with comparable situations found within the biblical story and then underscores how that same religious tradition called God's people in the past and us in the present to remedy such evils. This informative book lends itself to serious personal reflection as well as challenging group discussion. Dianne Bergant, CSA, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Old Testament Studies, Catholic Theological Union

Review Quotes

There is no topic more urgent for our time, especially in the current political climate of the U.S., than migration. And there is no one more qualified to write on it than Dr. Nguyen, himself a refugee from Vietnam and a New Testament scholar. His passion for justice and his love for migrants and refugees make the teaching of the Bible on strangers, migrants, and refugees come alive. I most enthusiastically recommend this book not only to those responsible for public policies for immigration but also to the migrants themselves.

--Peter C. Phan, The Ignacio Ellacuria Chair of Catholic Social Thought, Georgetown University

About the Author

vănThanh Nguyễn, SVD (STD, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome) is Professor of New Testament Studies and holder of the Francis X. Ford, M.M., Chair of Catholic Missiology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. He has authored several books and numerous articles, including Stories of Early Christianity and Acts in the Jerome Biblical Commentary for the 21st Century.