Immigrants today, whatever their manner of entry, come primarily for the same reasons that immigrants have always come to our country. Though immigration policies have changed quite drastically over the last two centuries, immigrants themselves are still pushed out of their countries of origin by poverty, war, and persecution, and are still drawn to the United States by promises of jobs and economic advancement, freedom, and family reunification. These push and pull factors explain most, if not all, of immigration to … [Read more...] about A Nation of Immigrants. Part 5 of Welcoming the Stranger Series
justice
Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ESN Staff prays for the ongoing grace to seek justice and practice mercy, to stand with the vulnerable, and to celebrate the vast diversity of people represented in God's Kingdom. Here are a few resources the ESN blog has shared over the past few years related to the work of Martin Luther King Jr. 1. "God Was the First to Cry," a 2-part blog post by Lauri Swann as part of our Lent 2015 Justice series. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 2. Book review of Birmingham Revolution … [Read more...] about Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Unroll the Scroll (Scholar’s Compass)
Scripture “Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 37:14, NIV). … [Read more...] about Unroll the Scroll (Scholar’s Compass)
Book Review: Faith-Rooted Organizing, by Rev. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel
Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World, Rev. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014. Summary: Most advocacy and activism efforts have been organized around secular principles. The authors explore what organizing and advocacy work that is deeply and thoroughly rooted in Christian principles would look like and illustrate this from their years of experience. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Faith-Rooted Organizing, by Rev. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel
Book Review: God and Race in American Politics, by Mark A. Noll
God and Race in American Politics: A Short History, Mark A. Noll. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2008. Summary: This text explores the interwoven story of religion, race, and politics in American history, with a concluding theological reflection. … [Read more...] about Book Review: God and Race in American Politics, by Mark A. Noll