Christians Use The Bible To Fight Over Trump’s Immigration Policy

By C Barnett --
15 Jun 2018 --

Jeff Sessions and Franklin Graham Have Radically Different Explanations Of What The Bible Justifies

Franklin Graham, the well-known evangelist and Trump supporter, shocked many by publicly denouncing the harsh policy adopted by the Trump administration. The most controversial part of the policy forcibly takes away children from immigrant parents at the United States border. Franklin, who is the son of Billy Graham, the creator of American evangelicalism, told the media that this policy is disgraceful. He criticized the plan of ripping up families and wanted the program ended immediately.

Christians Use The Bible To Fight Over Trump’s Immigration Policy[/tweetthis]

Pastor Graham is not alone to hold such a view. About 300 Catholic bishops from all over the United States came together on June 13 in Fort Lauderdale to make a political statement against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The condemnation expanded to include Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to deny asylum seekers at the border. The bishops pointed out that this decision violated both national and international law. The statement concluded that Sessions was forcing asylum seekers to become victims of violence and domestic abuse without any escape.

Religious leaders did not exclusively make the attacks on the immigration policy. The Freedom From Religion Foundation created an official statement on the website denouncing the decision to use the bible to justify any policy decisions. They were further offended that White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders supported the idea when she answered a question about Session’s quote by saying “I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law.”

In answer to criticism by religious leaders, Sessions quoted a verse from the Bible, “I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13 to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order.” He said although lawful and orderly processes are excellent by themselves, it makes good morals to have a fair and consistent application of the law. If this is done, then the law will protect those who follow the rule and the weak.

The Trump administration’s immigration policy has been labeled “zero-tolerance.” The Trump administration will prosecute anyone who illegally crosses over to the US soil in the country’s southwest border. Children are detained while their parents are prosecuted.