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The misuse of Romans 13 by Christians to justify
Posted on: June 28, 2025 at 23:40:13 CT
TigerMatt STL
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deportation of fellow Christians.
While Romans 13 calls for submission to governing authorities, applying it directly to justify the deportation of “illegal” immigrants presents a problematic and incomplete understanding of Christian ethics and biblical teaching.
Firstly, many biblical scholars argue that Romans 13 primarily addresses the legitimacy of government and the Christian's general duty to be a good citizen, not an unqualified endorsement of every government policy. Figures like N.T. Wright emphasize that Paul's concern was likely to counter potential anarchy among early Christians and affirm that civil authority, even pagan, served a God-ordained purpose in maintaining order. It doesn't, however, absolve Christians of their moral responsibility to critique unjust laws or policies that contradict higher biblical principles.
Secondly, a selective focus on Romans 13 ignores the vast body of scripture that emphasizes compassion, hospitality, and justice for the vulnerable and marginalized, including the "sojourner" or "foreigner." Old Testament passages repeatedly command Israel to love and welcome the alien among them (e.g., Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Jesus' teachings, particularly the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:31-46, strongly prioritize caring for "the least of these," which can certainly include those seeking refuge or a better life.
Richard B. Hays, in his work on the moral vision of the New Testament, highlights how the comprehensive ethical framework of the Bible consistently calls believers to radical love and solidarity with the oppressed, often placing these values above strict adherence to governmental decrees when those decrees inflict harm or injustice.
Therefore, while acknowledging the role of government, a Christian response to immigration must be holistically informed by the overwhelming biblical mandate to show love, mercy, and hospitality to all, especially those in precarious situations. To use Romans 13 to justify harsh immigration policies without wrestling with these deeper ethical imperatives risks misrepresenting the heart of the Gospel and reducing the Christian faith to mere civil obedience, rather than a transformative force for justice and compassion.
While Romans 13 calls for submission to governing authorities, applying it directly to justify the deportation of “illegal” immigrants presents a problematic and incomplete understanding of Christian ethics and biblical teaching.
Firstly, many biblical scholars argue that Romans 13 primarily addresses the legitimacy of government and the Christian's general duty to be a good citizen, not an unqualified endorsement of every government policy. Figures like N.T. Wright emphasize that Paul's concern was likely to counter potential anarchy among early Christians and affirm that civil authority, even pagan, served a God-ordained purpose in maintaining order. It doesn't, however, absolve Christians of their moral responsibility to critique unjust laws or policies that contradict higher biblical principles.
Secondly, a selective focus on Romans 13 ignores the vast body of scripture that emphasizes compassion, hospitality, and justice for the vulnerable and marginalized, including the "sojourner" or "foreigner." Old Testament passages repeatedly command Israel to love and welcome the alien among them (e.g., Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Jesus' teachings, particularly the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:31-46, strongly prioritize caring for "the least of these," which can certainly include those seeking refuge or a better life.
Richard B. Hays, in his work on the moral vision of the New Testament, highlights how the comprehensive ethical framework of the Bible consistently calls believers to radical love and solidarity with the oppressed, often placing these values above strict adherence to governmental decrees when those decrees inflict harm or injustice.
Therefore, while acknowledging the role of government, a Christian response to immigration must be holistically informed by the overwhelming biblical mandate to show love, mercy, and hospitality to all, especially those in precarious situations. To use Romans 13 to justify harsh immigration policies without wrestling with these deeper ethical imperatives risks misrepresenting the heart of the Gospel and reducing the Christian faith to mere civil obedience, rather than a transformative force for justice and compassion.
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The misuse of Romans 13 by Christians to justify - TigerMatt STL - 6/28 23:40:13
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