Why Should Christians Care for Immigrants? with Bri Stensrud

Bri Stensrud is an established author, human dignity advocate, and director of Women of Welcome. With a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, she is dedicated to equipping churches to actively and consistently engage in comprehensive human dignity issues. Bri serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Evangelicals and has penned two insightful books: "Start with the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation" and the children's book "The Biggest, Best Shining God's Light in the World Around You."

Episode Summary:
The conversation centers around the complexities of being pro-life in a broader context. Bri shares her transformative journey from traditional pro-life advocacy into a holistic pursuit that sees immigration and refugee care as extensions of the same intrinsic Christian value of life and dignity. She elaborates on the misconceptions that surround the pro-life movement and the importance of engaging with human dignity issues beyond political boundaries. She also touches on the hurdles Christians face in balancing political and scriptural obligations.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing Proximity: Bri emphasizes the influence of building relationships with people who hold different perspectives to align more closely with biblical teachings on human dignity.
• Holistic Pro-life Ethic: Embracing a consistent pro-life ethic means advocating not only for the unborn but also for vulnerable groups, such as immigrants and refugees, as equally deserving of care and compassion.
• Beyond Politics: True compassion rooted in Christianity should transcend political labels, emphasizing a Kingdom mindset that values all individuals as God's image bearers.
• Community Engagement: Practical involvement in local and global human dignity efforts, like adoption and refugee support, can allow Christians to live out their beliefs more fully and tangibly.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your compassion is not meant to be political."
• "It's our job as Christians, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to bring the Kingdom of heaven to earth."
• "People will not always understand what the love of Christ compels you to do, but you should do it anyway."

Resources:

• Bri's Books: Start with Welcome and The Biggest, Best Light
• Women of Welcome: Website

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• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

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