One of the most commonly misused and harmful terms I see in conversations around immigration is the word “illegal.” It gets applied to people as a label: “illegal immigrant,” “illegal alien,” or even just “illegals.” But here's the truth—both legally and theologically—people are not illegal.
Thank you Ben. Really appreciate your posts. I am a "lapsed" Catholic who is piecing together a spiritual practice with bits of Buddhism and Richard Rohr. It makes me happy to see spiritual leaders like yourself who preach and embody what I believe religion should be about - love and compassion.
I am saddened by the fact that many Christian Nationalsts and MAGA don't act more like Jesus. Its written in the Bible how we are to be. How are they justifying their words and actions?
As a lawyer, I am constantly trying to explain this to people (it is not criminal to be undocumented) and your first 4 paragraphs are very succinct and helpful.
Thank you, Rev. Cremer, for reminding us that no one made in the image of God comes with an asterisk.
Calling someone “illegal” is just spiritual slander dressed up as patriotism. It shrinks a sacred story down to a soundbite made for fear and votes.
Jesus never said, “Blessed are the border agents.” He said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” And let's be honest—half the Bible would be illegal under modern immigration law.
If Christ is King, then cruelty is not policy. It's heresy.
When you baptize your borders but not your conscience, you've missed the point of the Gospel entirely.
Thank you, Rev. Cremer, for reminding us that Jesus was a brown-skinned refugee, not a border patrol agent. “Illegal” is a term for actions, not for souls carved in the image of the Divine. May our theology stop bowing to nationalism and start reflecting the God who breaks bread with the displaced.
I love what you write, it speaks the truth. The deacon at my church gave a homily on the term “illegal” after volunteering at a soup kitchen. Like you, he said they use this term to dehumanize. Where we are born is an accident of birth, but we are called to use the gifts we are given to give to others, to love. “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Matt 11:15.
Mr Cremer, I love reading your publications and share them. I'm not a Christian per se; I am a Bahá'í, which means I am a believer in all the Manifestations of God as commanded by Bahá'u'lláh (the name is Persian for the Glory of God). Our main social principle is the Oneness of the Creator, of religion, of mankind. Any division is contrary to all the Divine Texts; indeed, it could be regarded as a touchstone to guide the seeker. Keep the Faith, sir, and never falter.
Thank you, Pastor Ben. You were my pastor at Amity and I continue to appreciate your intelligent and articulate teachings. I admire your mind and your words! And your compassion.
Thank you Ben. Really appreciate your posts. I am a "lapsed" Catholic who is piecing together a spiritual practice with bits of Buddhism and Richard Rohr. It makes me happy to see spiritual leaders like yourself who preach and embody what I believe religion should be about - love and compassion.
I am saddened by the fact that many Christian Nationalsts and MAGA don't act more like Jesus. Its written in the Bible how we are to be. How are they justifying their words and actions?
As a lawyer, I am constantly trying to explain this to people (it is not criminal to be undocumented) and your first 4 paragraphs are very succinct and helpful.
Add Queen Esther to the list
Thank you, Rev. Cremer, for reminding us that no one made in the image of God comes with an asterisk.
Calling someone “illegal” is just spiritual slander dressed up as patriotism. It shrinks a sacred story down to a soundbite made for fear and votes.
Jesus never said, “Blessed are the border agents.” He said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” And let's be honest—half the Bible would be illegal under modern immigration law.
If Christ is King, then cruelty is not policy. It's heresy.
Thank you for this...
When you baptize your borders but not your conscience, you've missed the point of the Gospel entirely.
Thank you, Rev. Cremer, for reminding us that Jesus was a brown-skinned refugee, not a border patrol agent. “Illegal” is a term for actions, not for souls carved in the image of the Divine. May our theology stop bowing to nationalism and start reflecting the God who breaks bread with the displaced.
I agree with every word, stated more eloquently than I can. Thank you.
I love what you write, it speaks the truth. The deacon at my church gave a homily on the term “illegal” after volunteering at a soup kitchen. Like you, he said they use this term to dehumanize. Where we are born is an accident of birth, but we are called to use the gifts we are given to give to others, to love. “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Matt 11:15.
Mr Cremer, I love reading your publications and share them. I'm not a Christian per se; I am a Bahá'í, which means I am a believer in all the Manifestations of God as commanded by Bahá'u'lláh (the name is Persian for the Glory of God). Our main social principle is the Oneness of the Creator, of religion, of mankind. Any division is contrary to all the Divine Texts; indeed, it could be regarded as a touchstone to guide the seeker. Keep the Faith, sir, and never falter.
Thank you! It is so important to not label people "illegal".
So true! I copied some of this to send to my senators with credit going to you.
Thank you, Pastor Ben. You were my pastor at Amity and I continue to appreciate your intelligent and articulate teachings. I admire your mind and your words! And your compassion.