2025/01/22 by Michael O. Emerson · 1 voice
Social Sciences · #Religion, Society, and Development
paper · doi:10.1093/sf/soaf010
openalex publication_date 2025/01/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
With a U.S. Presidential candidate promising to deport “illegals” by the millions if elected, and then winning handily, this book is not only timely but urgently needed. God’s Resistance, written by a skilled and diverse team of scholars and practitioners, each a leading figure in their own field, is an inspired writing. Readers are brought inside the work of faith-based activists over several decades as these organizations advocate for migrants. Always there seems to be the reality of deportation, of family separation, and of gross mistreatment. Always these faith-based activists and organizations are there, fighting for the immigrants, and working with them for better lives. It is sacrificial, often frustrating work, but it also comes with many victories. And thus, we come to see, amidst the complexity and uniqueness of each case, that a general blueprint for success emerges. As the authors state on the first page of the Preface, they are not attempting in this book to be “objective” outside analysts. Rather, they are clear in their advocacy for immigrants, whether or not they have official papers to be in the country. And they are clear that people of faith can and do play a significant and vital role in advocating for immigrants. They are also clear about what can be the frustrating limits of faith in such movements as well. Indeed, it is not uncommon that faith groups supporting immigrants are working to resist other faith groups advocating for their deportation and limited access to resources. The book takes this reality seriously and explores it in detail. Kudos to the authors for addressing head on this seemingly confusing reality.