This was first written in the aftermath of the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Shooting, and published in a slightly different form in CCCNZ’s Rongopai magazine, and can be accessed here.
This article is not an opinion piece on immigration policy or ‘big picture’ settings. Instead, it addresses the more concrete topic of how immigrants are treated, person-to-person.
Cultural diversity is a fact of life in 21st century New Zealand. Cultural unity, is not.
For a number of New Zealanders, high immigration raises anxiety.
The 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch highlighted the worst side of this attitude toward immigrants. The “They Are Us” slogan countered this by asserting a common heritage to all who live in New Zealand that recognises that whether by waka, sailing ship or passenger jet, we are all immigrants to these islands.
“They are us” is a well-meaning claim.
But doesn’t change the fact that many people feel some level of unease about large numbers of new people moving into the country. Concerns about immigration are not unreasonable, and working through these concerns together is needed to build a diverse and unified nation.
“They Are Us” is a commendable plea but it appeals to a basis that is insufficient to unify.
True Power to Unify
The gospel message promoted by Christianity has sufficient power to unify a culturally diverse society.
Its message is of God become Man and dying to redeem for himself a people. God’s people have no rights to God’s grace, and no privilege granted by ethnic superiority. This message was presented as the reason for people of very different backgrounds to come together as fellow-citizens and family in communities of God’s gathered people: churches. This message was first given to Jewish followers of Jesus, who were instructed to take this message out into the wider world (see e.g. Matthew 8:11-12; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 15:7-9).
But Jesus’ message needs to conform attitudes into its image first. The gospel message should shape the values and perspectives of Christians on all things.
But too often Christians are shaped more by the values of our culture or motivated too strongly their own desires.
A Lesson from Ancient History
In the early 400s AD, the western half of the Roman Empire was crumbling.
Invasions and mass people movements were happening all over the Roman world.
A Christian thinker and historian weighed in on this, giving a distinctively Christian perspective on the matter.
His name was Paulus Orosius. “Immigration” was a very big issue of the time. It is evident that he valued his culture and he took no pleasure in his civilization’s decline.
But for him, that was not the most important thing. What mattered more was message and mission of Jesus Christ.
Here is what he wrote:
“If only for this reason have the barbarians been sent within Roman borders, that the church of Christ might be filled with Huns and Suevi, with Vandals and Burgundians, with diverse and innumerable peoples of believers, then let God’s mercy be praised—even if this has taken place through our own destruction.”
These words display an astounding attitude. Hearing the reports of unchecked invasions, he asks: Perhaps God is behind this?
He detects purpose may be in play—that people could come into the Christian faith who would never have heard of it otherwise.
He acknowledges the cost: life as his civilization knows it is coming to an end.
His response to this might be surprising to us. He does not complain angrily or fall into despair.
Instead, he celebrates—rejoicing that the mercy of God can extend where it had not before.
the Gospel CallS Christians To Go Further
Jesus summons his followers-even today-to serve him more radically than they might be prepared to.
He challenges them to change some of their most cherished assumptions about life.
I once shared this statement of Orosius with a young Christian and avid Trump supporter. It was around 2016. We had been discussing Trump’s contentious policies on immigration. He immediately understood the implications of Orosius’ words and confessed that his faith was not ready for this. Orosius’ attitude toward immigration was indeed molded and shaped deeply by the gospel.
Orosius’ words provide reason to look past the fear of difference, or of loss, or of change that can foster unkind attitudes toward immigrants.
In the events of his time Orosius saw possible providence and certain opportunity.
He was less concerned with what immigration might cost the “us” of his day, and more concerned with how immigration might benefit the “them”.
He recognized that in this there was the opportunity to fulfil the obligation of all of Christ’s people—to share the priceless spiritual treasure that is the gospel (Rom 1:14-15).
Even if it interfered with their rights and privileges.
An Attitude of Hospitality
This is one way the gospel fosters an attitude of hospitality and welcome rather than fear and exclusion.
It is, of course, an attitude that comes from Jesus himself, and it is one that all his people should seek to emulate.
A gospel-shaped attitude can build the kind of unity a culturally diverse society like New Zealand needs. With Jesus as our common center nations really can be united. That is how the vision of Revelation 7:9-10 comes about. That vision is not only a future or heavenly reality but one that is to be made present now, and is one that Paul worked to make happen in the churches he served and shepherded (Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; Colossians 3:11; Romans 10:12).
The best basis for unity a progressive secular culture can call upon is that of our common humanity. Christians can call upon a stronger basis for unity. A Christian basis for unity is deeper than the fact of our common creation: it is based on the offer and actuality of redemption—a common Saviour.
As redeemed people, Christians are called to imitate their Redeemer in generosity and self-sacrifice so that they can extend this welcome to others. Just as Jesus put his interests second, his followers are instructed to do likewise: if it is costly, they remember what it cost Jesus (see Matthew 16:24-26; John 12:24-26; Philippians 2:1-11).
Saved to Serve
The gospel is bigger than the salvation of souls and the lives of individuals. It is not less than that, but it is certainly more. The message of Jesus Christ first saves, and then creates a new way of life among those who are saved.
Christians will find that the boundaries that might naturally exist between them are erased since they share a common spiritual life grounded in and bestowed by the triune God-and open to others to receive as well.
Many immigrants to New Zealand already share in the Christian faith. These are brothers and sisters in Christ with Christians whose families have lived in New Zealand for many generations.
As for those immigrants who are not Christians and where the boundaries between people still exist, a gospel-shaped attitude will compel Christians to see these boundaries as frontiers that our gospel requires us to cross.
Is the gospel Christians believe strong enough to do this today?
Do the Christians you know believe this gospel wholeheartedly enough to let it move them to reach over the barrier of race to offer friendship and welcome in the name of Jesus? To welcome others to share in the benefits of living in a civilization like ours?
If it does, even despite misgivings they might have on immigration, then the mindset spoken of so splendidly by Paulus Orosius lives in them. It is the heart and mind of Christ.
I have known a man who does a lot of Christian ministry with immigrants to New Zealand. He has said that most of the people he works with have never been inside a New Zealander’s home, let alone been invited in to come share a meal with them. Many immigrants would like to connect with long-standing New Zealanders, and feel more strongly a part of their local community. If you have known the welcome of Jesus, perhaps you could extend that to others. After saying ‘hello’, perhaps such an invitation to a meal together might be a great place for you to start. That is how the gospel has the power to bring about cultural unity in a diverse nation like New Zealand.
“Take Another Look” is a West Auckland-based ministry that aims to commend Jesus to people’s hearts and minds, and promote the way of life that the good news of Jesus invites us into. If you would like to discover the widely-held beliefs and practices and aspirations for good-character among Christians, please visit and explore www.TakeAnotherLook.nz. Or, if you have questions you would like discussed, please get in touch through the contact page.
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