An Understanding of Christians' Roles in Human Migration through the Biblical Theme of Shamar
From Genesis to the Good Samaritan
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3551452 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Paul C Fong (Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton, CA 94301, USA, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 600 |
| Publication date | 2023-05-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religions (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/rel14050600 |
| OpenAlex | W4382618618 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 8 |
The complex and urgent migration crisis demands a proper framework to formulate and drive the appropriate solutions. In this study, the author attempts to present a theological framework on the roles of Christians to migrants grounded in the theme of "shamar" (שָׁמַר; keep), tracing it through the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New. We argue that welcoming (keeping) strangers originated from man's first mission by exegeting Genesis 2:15 and 4:9 (the primordial assignment in the creation narrative and the denial in the first murder). After the Fall, the task is passed to all descendants and is then explicitly included in the Law. In the New Testament, "shamar" and its meanings are further revealed through three characters: the Samaritan leper, the Samaritan woman, and the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans show us that one should see a migrant as not only a brother or sister but also as oneself and as a part of one's mission. One should see with an open heart and be ready to be converted. A Samaritan may not be just one who comes from Samaria; instead, one who practices "shamar"-welcomes strangers unconditionally
Art · Brother · Denial · Genealogy · Literature · Narrative · New Testament · Old Testament · Political science · Psychoanalysis · Sister · Sociology · Theology · Visual arts · Anthropology · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Christian Theology and Mission · Computer Science · History · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion, Society, and Development
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |