Americans use the Book of Revelation to talk about immigration – and always have

RNS, By Yii-Jan Lin, on October 24, 2024

https://religionnews.com/2024/10/24/americans-use-the-book-of-revelation-to-talk-about-immigration-and-always-have/

The discussion focuses on the historical and ongoing use of the Bible, particularly The Book of Revelation, to demonize marginalized groups, including immigrants. This practice leverages religious imagery and rhetoric to manipulate public perception, often painting outsiders as threats to societal order. The article under review highlights how Revelation, originally a cryptic critique of Roman oppression written by a persecuted group, has been weaponized over centuries to justify bigotry and fearmongering. Despite its messages of ultimate triumph for believers, its "us versus them" narrative has provided a convenient tool for exclusion and vilification.

The panel examines the broader implications of using Revelation and similar texts to influence policy and societal attitudes. Politicians often exploit these texts for psychological manipulation, instilling fear to galvanize support for restrictive policies. By framing issues like immigration as moral or religious battles, leaders manipulate voters, invoking apocalyptic imagery to make dissent feel complicit in divine punishment. This strategy simplifies complex socio-political issues into binary moral conflicts, eroding nuanced understanding and fostering division.

The conversation also addresses the broader patterns of tribalism and fear inherent in human psychology. Tribalism, coupled with humanity’s propensity for pattern recognition, fuels the tendency to “other” certain groups. This innate trait, present throughout history, is exacerbated during times of uncertainty, making societies more susceptible to scapegoating. The Bible, while not the origin of such tendencies, amplifies them by offering frameworks that justify exclusion and superiority under the guise of divine authority.

The discussion critiques how this pattern persists disproportionately in the U.S. compared to other developed nations. Militant Christianity, prevalent in America and certain parts of the Global South, often contradicts the supposed central message of love and understanding found in the teachings of Jesus. The irony is underscored by historical examples, such as anti-Irish sentiment in the 19th century, to demonstrate how bigotry morphs but remains rooted in similar fears and justifications.

Ultimately, the panel highlights the dangers of allowing such rhetoric to shape public discourse and policy. Education about the historical and cultural contexts of biblical texts is presented as a vital tool for countering misuse and encouraging critical thinking. While tribalism may be inherent, challenging its manifestations through awareness and inclusivity offers a way to combat the divisive narratives that continue to exploit religious texts for power and control.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.49.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley Laughlin, Aaron Jensen and Eli Slack

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