by Derek

​I've always identified myself as a conservative Christian. But as I figure out more and more what that identification signifies, I find myself backing further away from it. I could use a plethora of issues and examples to explain why I feel this way, but I think the Syrian refugee crisis hits home the most. 

As I've been thinking about whether or not Syrian refugees should be allowed to enter the country, I've been slightly torn. While I overwhelmingly feel as though it is our moral duty to help our fellow image bearing kin, I understand that issues are often far more complex than simply helping on the surface (see the posts on "When Helping Hurts"). And while I believe it is the Christian's moral duty to help others, like the Syrian refugees, I think it is very clear that the government's role is largely to protect and bear the sword. Living in a democratic republic kind of muddies these waters, as we aren't just ruled by a government who completely makes their own decisions - we influence those decisions through our votes and our voices. So if my job as a Christian is to love and help and serve, and the government's job is to protect and maintain law, what does that mean for the Christian as we influence our government?