Even in the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, his signature message of inclusion and support for all people, especially those who are poor, oppressed, or Gentiles, resounds. This message, written at a time where those who were “unclean” were considered outcasts in accordance with the rules presented within the Pentateuchal book of Leviticus, demonstrates Jesus’s resurrection and the kingdom of God as a kingdom open to all people, outcasts included. Although modern society does not follow the rules of Leviticus to designate clean and unclean people, various groups of people still are not completely welcomed, facing discrimination as a result. Some of these groups include people of different races and sexualities, along with refugees and immigrants.…show more content… Although Leviticus states that “You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you” (Lev.19.34) and Luke describes how Jesus told his audience to “Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful” (Lk.6.36), many people, including many Christians, insist that the United States turn away refugees. Although these refugees come from places of devastation in the search of asylum and safety for themselves and for their families, many in America assume that terrorists or other criminals would be among those who enter this country. This kind of thinking harms not only those who try to enter this country, but also place those who are already living in the United States, since they become targets for hate crimes resulting from this type of ideology. While some refugees practice Islam, a different religion than Christianity, Luke’s message of compassion for all still applies. Therefore, the fact that there is still controversy regarding the acceptance of incoming refugees demonstrates the continued implications of the Lucan
