Christians at the Border

“The issue of immigration has been one of the most complex issues to navigate for Christians committed to truth, justice, and mercy. As an evangelical leader, I am profoundly appreciative that Danny Carroll has provided an insightful treatise grounded in biblical erudition and pastoral sensibilities. Christians at the Border is one of the most compelling and welcome contributions in the national dialogue concerning immigration.”—Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president, National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC)

“M. Daniel Carroll R.’s second edition of Christians at the Border could not be coming out at a more crucial time in our country’s history, when evangelicals of all political stripes are joining together to push for sensible immigration reform. This updated version reinforces the biblical call for Christians to ‘welcome the stranger’ and further lays out the case for viewing our country’s immigration policy through the lens of Scripture. As the son of an immigrant, as an academic, and as a theologian, Carroll deftly paints a picture of the struggles and merits of Hispanic immigration and why the American church benefits by embracing these brothers and sisters. This is a must-read for any Christian who is interested in immigration reform.”—Jim Wallis, president and founder, Sojourners; author of On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned about Serving the Common Good

“Immigration is one of the most urgent issues affecting the church in the United States today. Christians at the Border challenges Christ-followers to address the topic, first and foremost, as Christians committed to the authority of Scripture. Daniel Carroll combines thorough analysis of the biblical texts related to immigrants and immigration with a deep, personal understanding of the many ways that immigration affects people made in God’s image. Every Christian seeking an informed, biblical understanding of this complex topic should read this book.”—Matthew Soerens, US church training specialist, World Relief; coauthor of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and Truth in the Immigration Debate

“As Christians, our decisions for politics, ministry to the afflicted, and church engagement must begin with a thorough biblical study on the subject. This book sets the biblical foundation for understanding the issue of immigration, so that we start from the same point as together we explore difficult questions about this issue. The second edition also includes examples of how some evangelical communities are applying these biblical implications. Carroll’s book is a tool for communities who are seeking to first ask the right questions and then fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission with the immigrants among us. Thank you, hermanito!”—Alejandro (Alex) Mandes, executive director, Immigrant Hope, immigranthope.org

“As a Christian who cares about justice and the church’s ministry to immigrants living in our nation, I am so grateful for Danny Carroll’s book, Christians at the Border, which offers a biblical and compelling case for God’s concern for those on the margins of society. A must-read!”—Noel Castellanos, CEO, Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)

“Christians at the Border dialogues fairly with other views and offers a sensitive and balanced call to Christian ethics on immigration. The book both examines direct commands in Scripture and highlights biblical models and principles, the same way that nineteenth-century biblical abolitionists argued their case for justice.”—Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

“Danny Carroll’s lovely Christians at the Border 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 historical, legal, and (most importantly) biblical considerations relevant to Christian engagement with immigration—and immigrants. The book is enriched profoundly by the author’s own bicultural background and perspective, which makes it possible for him to speak to both Hispanic and Anglo readers with equal insight and grace. This is the book that needs to be in every Christian’s hands right now as our legislatures debate immigration—and in the days and years that follow.”—David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and director, Center for Theology and Public Life, Mercer University

“This book is a must-read for pastors and parishioners, and also for politicians and policy-makers. The cry for justice that echoes through the pages of the Bible resounds afresh through the scholarly care with which Danny Carroll makes his compelling case in Christians at the Border. Just and comprehensive immigration reform remains an urgent and pressing concern in the United States and beyond, and Carroll nourishes the debate with a clear and convincing analysis of the biblical imperatives that call for the church to be firm in its advocacy on behalf of our immigrant sisters and brothers.”—Jean-Pierre Ruiz, St. John’s University, New York

“In a crowded field of raised, often strident voices debating the ‘immigrant problem,’ M. Daniel Carroll R. wades in, joining other Christian Latina/o scholars, to remind us that the church has a responsibility to view important issues through interpretive lenses that differ from the world’s. The Bible, not political wrangling or economic benefits, must be the determining lens for the church. In his book, Carroll argues that when analyzed through scriptural texts, immigration is never about resolving a problem but about heeding God’s mandate for hospitality and care for the neighbor. Through careful exegetical work, Carroll reminds us that we all are sojourners, challenged to cross the borders of intolerance and xenophobia and ultimately subject to the divine mandate that we are each our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Evangelicals in particular and Christians in general will appreciate its timely argument.”—Loida I. Martell-Otero, professor of constructive theology, Palmer Theological Seminary, Eastern University

“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 polemical debates, he examines our current policies in light of biblical faith and the gift and challenges of the reign of God. As this book becomes more and more of a classic in studies in theology and migration, it calls us to see the God who migrated to us in the Incarnation and in turn invites us to a homeward journey marked by compassion and solidarity.”—Daniel G. Groody, CSC, associate professor of theology, University of Notre Dame