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The current international debate on immigration has largely ignored one of its most important elements. This has to do with the effect of immigration on religion. In this instance, we are concerned with Christianity and immigration. From the perspective of the average Christian, some burning questions have not been adequately debated. What should be the attitude of the Christian to the immigrant? In what particular ways should local churches respond to the social challenges that immigrants bring to their communities? How should the Christian immigrant interpret his or her own experiences in a foreign environment? More pointedly, how does God view immigration? What does the Bible really say about the phenomenon?

It is admitted that we are living in an era that is far removed from the biblical times. The organization of nation states and their borders are far too sophisticated to demand a return to practices of a pre-scientific era. In addition, the major factors that are fuelling the modern trends of immigration are completely different from those of first century Palestine. These caveats notwithstanding, Christians have no choice but to allow God’s word to shape the way they answer contemporary questions. This means that practically, it is only as believers take the attitude of the Bible to immigration seriously that they can make God-honoring contributions to the debate.

This book is a biblical reflection on one of this decade’s most important social and international concerns. Its main objective is not to examine the sociological phenomenon or the political and economic implications of immigration. Inevitably, the conclusions from this study should inform how we approach immigration as a socio-economic subject. Given that I have no major competencies in this area of the topic, I have avoided in-depth analysis of the socio-political implications of immigration. What is lacking in that area is however made up for by attending to the Bible’s teaching on the subject.

This attitude of the Bible to immigration is not presented in a systematic and straightforward manner. It is largely presented through stories. Consequently, this study has not approached the Bible in an organized question and answers fashion. Rather, by examining the individual experiences of some of the giants of the Bible, we will discover insights that should shape our attitude to immigration. Such an approach has the added advantage of not prejudging the answers.

In approaching each story of immigration in the Bible, I have adopted a two-tier system of interpretation. Each of the stories is examined from the point of view of the phenomenon of immigration itself. In addition however, the story’s depiction of Christian discipleship that challenges all believers will also be emphasized. Such a method, I hope, will make this study valuable to both Christian immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Ultimately, all Christians are aliens of the kingdom of God and immigrants in this world.

The reflections may be studied by individual Christians for their own edification. However, throughout the book, the emphasis is on application within a communal setting. Accordingly, the chapters will also prove useful as bases for group bible studies. To help in these discussions, brief questions are provided at the end of each chapter. These may be improved and used as starting points for further reflections.

It remains for me, at this stage, to express my sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have inspired and encouraged me during the preparation. To start with, my deepest gratitude goes to Dr Raymond Akwayena for his constant challenge and encouragement. He has helpfully critiqued and corrected many parts of this book. Thanks also to Jacob Mensah whose comments on some of the draft chapters were extremely helpful. Dr Elijah Paintsil, with whom a brief conversation over a year ago inspired the basic idea of the book, deserves recognition. I am also grateful to my wife, Edna, whose capacity for endurance never fails to amaze me.