Robert W. Heimburger | Cardiff University (original) (raw)

Papers by Robert W. Heimburger

Research paper thumbnail of The Border, Brexit, and the Church: US Roman Catholic and Church of England Bishops’ Teaching on Migration, 2015–2019

Journal of Moral Theology, 2022

(Click DOI link for full article.) In this article, we analyze and assess the teaching of US Roma... more (Click DOI link for full article.) In this article, we analyze and assess the teaching of US Roman Catholic and Church of England bishops about refugees and asylum seekers, the undocumented, and other migrants in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign with its focus on the US-Mexico border and the Brexit referendum from 2015 to 2019. First, we draw on social scientific literature to indicate how the right-wing populism of the Trump and Brexit campaigns represents immigration as a threat in a world of scarcity, making it difficult to uphold the human dignity of migrants and refugees and to maintain the solidarity needed to sustain life together. Second, we present case studies on the teaching of Anglican Bishop Paul Butler and Catholic Bishop Mark Seitz to indicate where the churches’ bishops have confronted populist doctrines of scarcity with an affirmation of God-given abundance. Third, we assess our churches’ teaching, arguing that to respond adequately to xenophobia and racism, the churches ought to follow the examples of bishops Butler and Seitz whose teaching aims not only to shape just immigration policies but to form communities of faith, and does so by inhabiting the world of Scripture alongside migrants who “read” Scripture with their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Immigration law: a theological response

Theology, 2019

This article presents the fruits of a dialogue between Christian ethics and immigration law found... more This article presents the fruits of a dialogue between Christian ethics and immigration law found in the author's recent book God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018). That dialogue highlights the importance of the people of God as a migrant people and the destiny of the nations as coming together in the blood of Christ. The dialogue also highlights a church posture toward government that the control of immigration is to be undertaken only in a limited way that keeps in mind the purpose of migration controls to protect human life and no more. Finally, the dialogue highlights the importance of asking 'Who is my neighbour?', pointing Christians to recognise those foreigners who have shown them mercy. This dialogue began with US law, but a parallel dialogue with British law produces conclusions about living as a migrant church in the United Kingdom, about calling the Home Office to govern immigration humbly, and about recognizing love received from migrant neighbours.

This is the 31 Jan 2019 version accepted for publication in Theology in the September 2019 issue. It is not the published version.

Research paper thumbnail of Forgiveness and politics: reading Matthew 18:21-35 with survivors of armed conflict in Colombia

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2019

After decades of armed conflict in Colombia, how do those most affected by that conflict understa... more After decades of armed conflict in Colombia, how do those most affected by that conflict understand forgiveness? While others have researched Colombians’ views of forgiveness, this study is the first to do so through discussion of a narrative of forgiveness. Readings of the biblical narrative chosen for this study, the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor (Mt 18:21–35), can enable North Atlantic scholars to discover dimensions of the parable revealed by those who live lives that mirror the realities of the parable, unlike such scholars. The study aims to understand how conflict survivors, especially internally displaced persons (IDPs), understand forgiveness and its relation to politics. The study also aims to identify how these women and men read Matthew 18:21–35 differently from academics. Groups in eight locations around Colombia discussed Matthew 18:21–35. Researchers led lectura popular de la Biblia [people’s readings of the Bible], inviting participants to say how the parable related to their lives and to discuss the political consequences that would come from imitating characters in the parable. Conflict survivors said that forgiving was essential if their communities were going to be communities at all, especially communities at peace, offering freedom and economic opportunity. Unlike commentators, they read Matthew 18:21–35 as enjoining forgiveness towards those beyond their local church and for wrongs involving money and violence. As Colombian churches seek to counter resentment with forgiveness, they should be aware of the power of lectura popular, especially of this parable, to create a safe environment where conflict survivors can speak candidly.

Research paper thumbnail of La migration à travers les yeux de la foi : le peuple de Dieu, les territoires nationaux et les universités

Research paper thumbnail of La migración vista a través de la fe: el pueblo de Dios, las tierras nacionales y las universidades

ifesworld.org Únase a la conversación en: fb.com/groups/ifeswordandworld LA MIGRACIÓN VISTA A TRA... more ifesworld.org Únase a la conversación en: fb.com/groups/ifeswordandworld LA MIGRACIÓN VISTA A TRAVÉS DE LA FE . EDICIÓN 1 . MAYO DE 2016 foto: DFID -UK Department for International Development John Stott, pastor, maestro y amigo de muchos en IFES, recomienda "escuchar por duplicado, escuchar la Palabra de Dios y escuchar las palabras del mundo moderno, su clamor de ira, dolor y desesperación." Inspirándose en ello, Palabra y Mundo ha servido de título de las sesiones de la Asamblea Mundial de IFES desde 2003.

Research paper thumbnail of Migration through the eyes of faith: God’s people, national lands, and universities

pastor, teacher, and friend to many in IFES, recommends "double listening, listening to the word ... more pastor, teacher, and friend to many in IFES, recommends "double listening, listening to the word of God and listening to the voices of the modern world, its cries of anger, pain, and despair." Inspired by this, Word & World has served as the title for sessions at IFES World Assembly since 2003.

Books by Robert W. Heimburger

Research paper thumbnail of God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics

Cambridge University Press, 2018

Illegal alien: this is what millions of men, women, and children are called under federal United ... more Illegal alien: this is what millions of men, women, and children are called under federal United States immigration law. How should Christian ethics respond to illegal immigration? This book tracks the emergence of the concept of the illegal alien in federal United States law, responding with resources from the Christian tradition.

As the alien emerges in medieval English law, where do migrants stand within God’s world? As U.S. Supreme Court Cases responding to Chinese migration make it possible to be an illegal alien, how can authorities govern immigration under God? As legislation enables nationals of neighboring Mexico to be called illegal aliens from the 1960s onward, how can neighbors practice justice and mercy?

A theology of politics points toward answers through readings of biblical passages from Genesis, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Luke, and 1 Corinthians, read in conversation with Luther, Grotius, Barth, O’Donovan, and more.

Research paper thumbnail of Editor, The Modern State and the Kingdom of God

‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ Lik... more ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ Like a messenger rushing into a city square to proclaim victory in battle, Jesus in his opening words in Mark’s Gospel announces the coming of God’s kingdom. And in his final words in Matthew’s account, Jesus names himself as God’s appointed king: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’

In every age, the Christian tradition has affirmed that Jesus’ claim humbles and qualifies temporal government, confronting every human authority that sets itself up as ultimate judge of right and wrong and as final protector of a people’s wellbeing. Just as the good news of the kingdom of God has challenged empires and monarchies, it challenges the modern state. What defines the state, and at what points might the kingdom of God stand against the state and resist its pretence to power? Could there be a gospel for the state, some good news about the role the state might serve under the authority of Jesus Christ?

These questions prompted our conference on ‘The Modern State and the Kingdom of God’. We focused on two features of the state among many we could have chosen: the rule of law and the participation and representation of the people. We gathered lawyers, politicians and theologians to help us understand the state and interpret it theologically. A successful and scintillating day of discussion followed, and four of the papers offered that day are included in this booklet.

In the first paper, Julian Rivers calls us to conceive of the rule of law not as a quality of political institutions but as a virtue, the virtue of those who live lawfully. In the next paper, Christopher McCrudden points out significant areas of overlap between legal and Roman Catholic notions of human rights, just as he details opposing tendencies within these two ways of framing human rights. In the third paper, Joan Lockwood O’Donovan describes a dynamic of divine law and human freedom, disrupted so that coercive political judgment is needed, with a view towards our future redemption. In the final paper, Jonathan Chaplin offers a Christian case for the election of rulers in a constitutional democracy so that citizens cooperate with government in promoting the common good.

The conference also featured two papers which are not included here. As a former Member of Parliament involved in local politics in Leeds, the Rt Hon. John Battle spoke on ‘Service and the Local State: Compromise and the Virtuous Citizen’. Finally, theologian and Revd Prof. Bernd Wannenwetsch spoke on ‘Loving the Law?’, asking how we might love divine law and love human law.

Chapters by Robert W. Heimburger

Research paper thumbnail of How Nationals of Neighboring Countries Became "Illegal Aliens"

Ch. 5, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics, Cambridge University Press, 2018

How did it come about that so many millions today could be considered illegal aliens under United... more How did it come about that so many millions today could be considered illegal aliens under United States law? This chapter argues that although the 1965 change in immigration law to end discrimination based on national origins made great forward strides, it proved unneighborly. In it, the United States Congress chose an abstract, universal ethic without recognizing U.S. debts to neighboring Mexico. The chapter explores the context of the 1965 Act and the moral arguments that brought it about, and it surveys the longstanding ties between Mexico and the United States. An internal critique of the 1965 statute indicates that in jettisoning discrimination, the federal government failed to recognize near neighbors and left them open to an oppressive sort of discrimination. The account circles around the wordings of legislation and the speeches and letters of political actors. Contemporary American and Mexican historians and social scientists assist in rounding out the account. This leaves an opportunity for the next chapter to review this history and propose a better way forward, drawing on philosophy and theology.

Research paper thumbnail of Justice and Mercy Among Neighbors

Ch. 6, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics, Cambridge University Press, 2018

This chapter deals with two elements of the discussions surrounding immigration law in the twenti... more This chapter deals with two elements of the discussions surrounding immigration law in the twentieth century. The first section interrogates the talk of discrimination, using Aristotle and Grotius’ twofold patterns of justice to analyze the history of U.S. immigration admissions and point toward a more appropriate kind of justice. This justice recognizes that legal status is owed to immigrants who are already enmeshed in life in their new country. This justice also attributes visas to the fitting, among them to nearby neighbors. Justice in immigration admissions might go so far as to defer to international society between countries sharing a land border. In the second section, talk of a Good Neighbor Policy on the part of the U.S. raises the question of what it means to be a neighbor. Jesus creates the notion of the neighbor in the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Luke’s Gospel. The chapter interprets this parable in response to laws that give Americans an excuse to neglect their neighbors and make the United States a bad neighbor to Mexico. This reading points toward a special consideration of neighboring Mexico that makes way for neighborly assistance in everyday life.

Research paper thumbnail of Abbreviations, Works Cited, Index

God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), 2018

Reviews of Heimburger, God and the Illegal Alien by Robert W. Heimburger

Research paper thumbnail of M. Daniel Carroll. R., Review of Robert W. Heimburger, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics

Journal of Latin American Theology, 2018

Due in large part to the global migration crisis, the last few years have witnessed a veritable e... more Due in large part to the global migration crisis, the last few years have witnessed a veritable explosion in the publication of works on relevant legal matters, the various streams within migration and diaspora research, and reflections from the Bible and theology. An informed contribution that draws from across the spectrum of these fields, however, is rare. God and the Illegal Alien is one of those uncommon exceptions.

Book Reviews by Robert W. Heimburger

Research paper thumbnail of Fear and Faith in the Kin-dom: New Explorations in the Theology of Migration

Modern Theology, 2015

This is a review essay on: Susanna Snyder, Asylum-Seeking, Migration, and Church (Farnham, Surrey... more This is a review essay on:
Susanna Snyder, Asylum-Seeking, Migration, and Church (Farnham, Surrey, and Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2012), xvi+293 pp.
Kristin E. Heyer, Kinship Across Borders: A Christian Ethic of Immigration (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2012), x+198 pp.

Research paper thumbnail of Ched Myers and Matthew Colwell, Our God is Undocumented: Biblical Faith and Immigrant Justice

Research paper thumbnail of Raymond Cohen and Raymond Westbrook, eds., Isaiah’s Vision of Peace in Biblical and Modern International Relations

Research paper thumbnail of The Border, Brexit, and the Church: US Roman Catholic and Church of England Bishops’ Teaching on Migration, 2015–2019

Journal of Moral Theology, 2022

(Click DOI link for full article.) In this article, we analyze and assess the teaching of US Roma... more (Click DOI link for full article.) In this article, we analyze and assess the teaching of US Roman Catholic and Church of England bishops about refugees and asylum seekers, the undocumented, and other migrants in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign with its focus on the US-Mexico border and the Brexit referendum from 2015 to 2019. First, we draw on social scientific literature to indicate how the right-wing populism of the Trump and Brexit campaigns represents immigration as a threat in a world of scarcity, making it difficult to uphold the human dignity of migrants and refugees and to maintain the solidarity needed to sustain life together. Second, we present case studies on the teaching of Anglican Bishop Paul Butler and Catholic Bishop Mark Seitz to indicate where the churches’ bishops have confronted populist doctrines of scarcity with an affirmation of God-given abundance. Third, we assess our churches’ teaching, arguing that to respond adequately to xenophobia and racism, the churches ought to follow the examples of bishops Butler and Seitz whose teaching aims not only to shape just immigration policies but to form communities of faith, and does so by inhabiting the world of Scripture alongside migrants who “read” Scripture with their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Immigration law: a theological response

Theology, 2019

This article presents the fruits of a dialogue between Christian ethics and immigration law found... more This article presents the fruits of a dialogue between Christian ethics and immigration law found in the author's recent book God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018). That dialogue highlights the importance of the people of God as a migrant people and the destiny of the nations as coming together in the blood of Christ. The dialogue also highlights a church posture toward government that the control of immigration is to be undertaken only in a limited way that keeps in mind the purpose of migration controls to protect human life and no more. Finally, the dialogue highlights the importance of asking 'Who is my neighbour?', pointing Christians to recognise those foreigners who have shown them mercy. This dialogue began with US law, but a parallel dialogue with British law produces conclusions about living as a migrant church in the United Kingdom, about calling the Home Office to govern immigration humbly, and about recognizing love received from migrant neighbours.

This is the 31 Jan 2019 version accepted for publication in Theology in the September 2019 issue. It is not the published version.

Research paper thumbnail of Forgiveness and politics: reading Matthew 18:21-35 with survivors of armed conflict in Colombia

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2019

After decades of armed conflict in Colombia, how do those most affected by that conflict understa... more After decades of armed conflict in Colombia, how do those most affected by that conflict understand forgiveness? While others have researched Colombians’ views of forgiveness, this study is the first to do so through discussion of a narrative of forgiveness. Readings of the biblical narrative chosen for this study, the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor (Mt 18:21–35), can enable North Atlantic scholars to discover dimensions of the parable revealed by those who live lives that mirror the realities of the parable, unlike such scholars. The study aims to understand how conflict survivors, especially internally displaced persons (IDPs), understand forgiveness and its relation to politics. The study also aims to identify how these women and men read Matthew 18:21–35 differently from academics. Groups in eight locations around Colombia discussed Matthew 18:21–35. Researchers led lectura popular de la Biblia [people’s readings of the Bible], inviting participants to say how the parable related to their lives and to discuss the political consequences that would come from imitating characters in the parable. Conflict survivors said that forgiving was essential if their communities were going to be communities at all, especially communities at peace, offering freedom and economic opportunity. Unlike commentators, they read Matthew 18:21–35 as enjoining forgiveness towards those beyond their local church and for wrongs involving money and violence. As Colombian churches seek to counter resentment with forgiveness, they should be aware of the power of lectura popular, especially of this parable, to create a safe environment where conflict survivors can speak candidly.

Research paper thumbnail of La migration à travers les yeux de la foi : le peuple de Dieu, les territoires nationaux et les universités

Research paper thumbnail of La migración vista a través de la fe: el pueblo de Dios, las tierras nacionales y las universidades

ifesworld.org Únase a la conversación en: fb.com/groups/ifeswordandworld LA MIGRACIÓN VISTA A TRA... more ifesworld.org Únase a la conversación en: fb.com/groups/ifeswordandworld LA MIGRACIÓN VISTA A TRAVÉS DE LA FE . EDICIÓN 1 . MAYO DE 2016 foto: DFID -UK Department for International Development John Stott, pastor, maestro y amigo de muchos en IFES, recomienda "escuchar por duplicado, escuchar la Palabra de Dios y escuchar las palabras del mundo moderno, su clamor de ira, dolor y desesperación." Inspirándose en ello, Palabra y Mundo ha servido de título de las sesiones de la Asamblea Mundial de IFES desde 2003.

Research paper thumbnail of Migration through the eyes of faith: God’s people, national lands, and universities

pastor, teacher, and friend to many in IFES, recommends "double listening, listening to the word ... more pastor, teacher, and friend to many in IFES, recommends "double listening, listening to the word of God and listening to the voices of the modern world, its cries of anger, pain, and despair." Inspired by this, Word & World has served as the title for sessions at IFES World Assembly since 2003.

Research paper thumbnail of God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics

Cambridge University Press, 2018

Illegal alien: this is what millions of men, women, and children are called under federal United ... more Illegal alien: this is what millions of men, women, and children are called under federal United States immigration law. How should Christian ethics respond to illegal immigration? This book tracks the emergence of the concept of the illegal alien in federal United States law, responding with resources from the Christian tradition.

As the alien emerges in medieval English law, where do migrants stand within God’s world? As U.S. Supreme Court Cases responding to Chinese migration make it possible to be an illegal alien, how can authorities govern immigration under God? As legislation enables nationals of neighboring Mexico to be called illegal aliens from the 1960s onward, how can neighbors practice justice and mercy?

A theology of politics points toward answers through readings of biblical passages from Genesis, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Luke, and 1 Corinthians, read in conversation with Luther, Grotius, Barth, O’Donovan, and more.

Research paper thumbnail of Editor, The Modern State and the Kingdom of God

‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ Lik... more ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ Like a messenger rushing into a city square to proclaim victory in battle, Jesus in his opening words in Mark’s Gospel announces the coming of God’s kingdom. And in his final words in Matthew’s account, Jesus names himself as God’s appointed king: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’

In every age, the Christian tradition has affirmed that Jesus’ claim humbles and qualifies temporal government, confronting every human authority that sets itself up as ultimate judge of right and wrong and as final protector of a people’s wellbeing. Just as the good news of the kingdom of God has challenged empires and monarchies, it challenges the modern state. What defines the state, and at what points might the kingdom of God stand against the state and resist its pretence to power? Could there be a gospel for the state, some good news about the role the state might serve under the authority of Jesus Christ?

These questions prompted our conference on ‘The Modern State and the Kingdom of God’. We focused on two features of the state among many we could have chosen: the rule of law and the participation and representation of the people. We gathered lawyers, politicians and theologians to help us understand the state and interpret it theologically. A successful and scintillating day of discussion followed, and four of the papers offered that day are included in this booklet.

In the first paper, Julian Rivers calls us to conceive of the rule of law not as a quality of political institutions but as a virtue, the virtue of those who live lawfully. In the next paper, Christopher McCrudden points out significant areas of overlap between legal and Roman Catholic notions of human rights, just as he details opposing tendencies within these two ways of framing human rights. In the third paper, Joan Lockwood O’Donovan describes a dynamic of divine law and human freedom, disrupted so that coercive political judgment is needed, with a view towards our future redemption. In the final paper, Jonathan Chaplin offers a Christian case for the election of rulers in a constitutional democracy so that citizens cooperate with government in promoting the common good.

The conference also featured two papers which are not included here. As a former Member of Parliament involved in local politics in Leeds, the Rt Hon. John Battle spoke on ‘Service and the Local State: Compromise and the Virtuous Citizen’. Finally, theologian and Revd Prof. Bernd Wannenwetsch spoke on ‘Loving the Law?’, asking how we might love divine law and love human law.

Research paper thumbnail of How Nationals of Neighboring Countries Became "Illegal Aliens"

Ch. 5, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics, Cambridge University Press, 2018

How did it come about that so many millions today could be considered illegal aliens under United... more How did it come about that so many millions today could be considered illegal aliens under United States law? This chapter argues that although the 1965 change in immigration law to end discrimination based on national origins made great forward strides, it proved unneighborly. In it, the United States Congress chose an abstract, universal ethic without recognizing U.S. debts to neighboring Mexico. The chapter explores the context of the 1965 Act and the moral arguments that brought it about, and it surveys the longstanding ties between Mexico and the United States. An internal critique of the 1965 statute indicates that in jettisoning discrimination, the federal government failed to recognize near neighbors and left them open to an oppressive sort of discrimination. The account circles around the wordings of legislation and the speeches and letters of political actors. Contemporary American and Mexican historians and social scientists assist in rounding out the account. This leaves an opportunity for the next chapter to review this history and propose a better way forward, drawing on philosophy and theology.

Research paper thumbnail of Justice and Mercy Among Neighbors

Ch. 6, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics, Cambridge University Press, 2018

This chapter deals with two elements of the discussions surrounding immigration law in the twenti... more This chapter deals with two elements of the discussions surrounding immigration law in the twentieth century. The first section interrogates the talk of discrimination, using Aristotle and Grotius’ twofold patterns of justice to analyze the history of U.S. immigration admissions and point toward a more appropriate kind of justice. This justice recognizes that legal status is owed to immigrants who are already enmeshed in life in their new country. This justice also attributes visas to the fitting, among them to nearby neighbors. Justice in immigration admissions might go so far as to defer to international society between countries sharing a land border. In the second section, talk of a Good Neighbor Policy on the part of the U.S. raises the question of what it means to be a neighbor. Jesus creates the notion of the neighbor in the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Luke’s Gospel. The chapter interprets this parable in response to laws that give Americans an excuse to neglect their neighbors and make the United States a bad neighbor to Mexico. This reading points toward a special consideration of neighboring Mexico that makes way for neighborly assistance in everyday life.

Research paper thumbnail of Abbreviations, Works Cited, Index

God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), 2018

Research paper thumbnail of M. Daniel Carroll. R., Review of Robert W. Heimburger, God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics

Journal of Latin American Theology, 2018

Due in large part to the global migration crisis, the last few years have witnessed a veritable e... more Due in large part to the global migration crisis, the last few years have witnessed a veritable explosion in the publication of works on relevant legal matters, the various streams within migration and diaspora research, and reflections from the Bible and theology. An informed contribution that draws from across the spectrum of these fields, however, is rare. God and the Illegal Alien is one of those uncommon exceptions.

Research paper thumbnail of Fear and Faith in the Kin-dom: New Explorations in the Theology of Migration

Modern Theology, 2015

This is a review essay on: Susanna Snyder, Asylum-Seeking, Migration, and Church (Farnham, Surrey... more This is a review essay on:
Susanna Snyder, Asylum-Seeking, Migration, and Church (Farnham, Surrey, and Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2012), xvi+293 pp.
Kristin E. Heyer, Kinship Across Borders: A Christian Ethic of Immigration (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2012), x+198 pp.

Research paper thumbnail of Ched Myers and Matthew Colwell, Our God is Undocumented: Biblical Faith and Immigrant Justice

Research paper thumbnail of Raymond Cohen and Raymond Westbrook, eds., Isaiah’s Vision of Peace in Biblical and Modern International Relations