Summary
Allows the DMV to issue driver cards to illegal immigrants.
Biblical Reasoning
One of the most repeated commands of God is to love the stranger, having particular regard for those from other cultures (see for instance Lev. 19:34). Their vulnerability of not knowing the language or culture makes them special objects of compassion and care from us, particularly since we were once “strangers in the land of Egypt.” In the New Testament, this is specifically alluded to by the exhortation to be hospitable. Literally, the Greek word translated “hospitable” is “love of strangers.”
But to take these principles and apply them piece-meal to our current crisis, involving illegal immigrants, is wrong-headed, ignoring other biblical teaching. For instance, the stranger described in the Bible are those who are living in obedience to God’s law, which was also the law of the land (Ex. 12:49). Biblical texts to love the stranger should not be taken out of their context to support what is precisely condemned in the Bible – law-breaking.
Additionally, the use of tax-payer sponsored benefits by these illegals is analogous to theft, since this is paid for not with voluntary giving but rather coercion of the taxpayer. It is not love of someone to condone or even encourage them in lawlessness. Our duty of love to the stranger should include exhorting them to be faithful to try to attain legal status and only then enter into the privileges of citizens.
Election Results
Voters rejected alternative driver licenses for undocumented residents (66% No).
Full PEAPAC Analysis
PEAPAC Explanation: Measure 88 Requires DMV to Issue Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Aliens
One of the most repeated commands of God is to love the stranger, having particular regard for those from other cultures (see for instance Lev. 19:34). Their vulnerability of not knowing the language or culture makes them special objects of compassion and care from us, particularly since we were once “strangers in the land of Egypt.” In the New Testament, this is specifically alluded to by the exhortation to be hospitable. Literally, the Greek word translated “hospitable” is “love of strangers.” The word “hospitality” in the Bible is not about being kind and welcoming to your friends, but rather towards those who are strangers to you. This instinct is reflected in some supporters of this Measure, and we commend that. Biblical policies on immigration may well result in more open borders than our current system.
But to take these principles and apply them piece-meal to our current crisis, involving illegal immigrants, is wrong-headed, ignoring other biblical teaching. For instance, the stranger described in the Bible are those who are living in obedience to God’s law, which was also the law of the land (Ex. 12:49). Biblical texts to love the stranger should not be taken out of their context to support what is precisely condemned in the Bible – law-breaking. This is Scripture-twisting in the pulpit, which this Measure would move into the voter’s box.
Additionally, the use of tax-payer sponsored benefits by these illegals is analogous to theft, since this is paid for not with voluntary giving but rather coercion of the taxpayer. It is not love of someone to condone or even encourage them in lawlessness. Our duty of love to the stranger should include exhorting them to be faithful to try to attain legal status and only then enter into the privileges of citizens. We urge a No vote on Measure 88 precisely because we do indeed love the stranger, and seek his joyful obedience to the Savior, and not the callousing over of his conscience.
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