M. Daniel Carroll R. - The Bible and Borders: Hearing Gods Word on Immigration

With scholarly depth and pastoral sensitivity, Carroll helps us understand not only the complex dimensions of migration but also how it brings us face-to-face with the crucified and risen Lord in our midst. Taking us beyond polarizing debates, he examines our current policies in light of biblical faith and the gifts and challenges of the reign of God. As one of the most astute and articulate scholars on the Bible and migration, Carroll calls us to contemplate the God who migrated to us in the incarnation and who calls us to move into a new way of thinking and a new relationship with all those we define as the other.

Daniel G. Groody , CSC, University of Notre Dame

Carroll asks, In a world where over 270 million people are on the move, what does it mean to be the church? To address that urgent question, he invites us to turn to the pages of the Bible, pages that are full of stories of migrants, refugees, and exiles. Carroll expertly guides us through these rich and complex narratives and carefully explains Old Testament legislation about how people on the move are to be treated. In these difficult times of ours, when so many have turned to the Bible to support unjust laws, policies, and practices that oppress and discriminate against people on the move, this vitally important book belongs in the hands of everyone who wants to understand what the Bible really says about migration and how Christians are called by our faith to respond with compassion to these brothers and sisters of ours.

Jean- Pierre M. Ruiz , St. Johns University, New York

Carrolls The Bible and Borders is the best available treatment of how Christians should feel, think, and act concerning the issue of immigration. In a remarkably concise way, Carroll offers key biblical considerations relevant to Christian engagement with immigrationand immigrants. This is the book that needs to be in every Christians hands right now.

David P. Gushee , Center for Theology and Public Life, Mercer University

In this deeply personal yet intellectually rigorous book, Carroll argues that the entire tenor of the Bible calls for a generous approach to human immigration. This book does not shy away from the challenges facing nation-states or their citizens, nor does it seek simple answers. Yet its meticulous analysis of the biblical witness underscores Scriptures clear call to regard all humans as made in Gods image, subject to Gods mercy, and therefore of concern to Christians of every stripe. This volume is a must-read for everyone paying attention to one of the greatest human phenomena of our times. Carroll appeals to our humanity and our faith, inviting a similarly hospitable response.

Mark W. Hamilton , Abilene Christian University

Immigration, and even the question of how we describe immigrants, is an issue that Christians cannot ignore. In this clear and passionate study, Carroll addresses this theme, showing how important it is across the whole Bible. Anyone interested in how we deal with this important issue will be challenged to think, and to pray, about this vital topic.

David G. Firth , Trinity College Bristol and University of the Free State

Carroll is the rare scholar who not only interprets biblical texts in their ancient cultural contexts with profound exegetical insight but also applies them with prophetic vision to todays world. I was already using his Christians at the Border in the classroom. It remains a pioneering book that explores the ethical terrain concerning what the Bible teaches us about welcoming the immigrant as a Christian imperative and integral part of the churchs ministry. This sequel builds stronger roads for the church to sojourn together. It makes the connections between the biblical texts and a theology of Gods concern for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the immigrant clearer, and with that clarity he issues a powerful challenge to practice hospitality and justice that only the most hardened soul could ignore. Read this book, but only if you are willing for God to change you. It can only be read as a prophetic call to action!

Max Lee , North Park Theological Seminary