Welcoming wayfarers, wanderers, waifs and strays (or waving them bye-bye). Some Biblical paradigms

Abstract

The paper delves into the great current issue facing the countries of the European Union with regard to waves of migrants who cross the Mediterranean or who use alternative routes (to gain a foothold in the EU) and the response of traditionally Christian nations concerning hospitality or its outright rejection. The author proposes a number of biblical paradigms based on two Old Testament and two New Testament texts. In light of these texts, these attitudes are highlighted: (a) Commitment; (b) Discernment; (c) Welcoming wayfarers; and (d) Philoxenia. The four paradigms transcend divisions between Churches.