The Point: Immigration and the Word

01/16/18

John Stonestreet

Immigration affects our economy, our national security, and the lives of millions. The issue ought to be treated with the utmost seriousness. And that includes the words we use when we debate it.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with the President’s posture and policies on immigration, we cannot say that the words he was said to have used don’t matter. Or even worse, that even if he said what’s been reported it can somehow be justified.

No, if he did say what’s been reported—or anything close to it—he demeaned the entire debate.

Words have creative power. Christians of all people should hold speech and even words themselves in the highest regard. We believe God spoke the entire cosmos into being. Our savior, Jesus Christ, is the Word made flesh. We revere the words of sacred Scripture. And we should guard our own.

Finally, it is never okay to speak about people in ways that deny their dignity as bearers of God’s image. Never, even if we do have strong convictions on policy.