In Depth:  Neil Robbie

migration & the Bible

Neil Robbie

The mass, inward, multinational migration experienced in the UK today is not a novel phenomenon.

Four hundred years ago, the Reformation caused large-scale, trans-European migration. The Calvinist Dutch Republic became an ark for refugees from all over the continent.

migration & the Bible

Neil Robbie

In my last article of this series (which you can read here), I considered how migration and exile are experienced by Christians in the UK in a variety of ways.

Whilst exile is usually associated with geographical displacement, exile can be experienced in various ways without ever leaving home. Cultural, economic, political and/or ecclesiastical exile can occur to any group of Christians, migrant or not. British evangelicals may be experiencing all kinds of exile, whether or not we have moved. When we find ourselves living in exile, how should we live?

Neil Robbie

Iranian people have lived in fear for many years under a regime which has mismanaged the country and brutalised its people. It’s obvious that Iran needs freedom from such evil oppression.

The democratically elected leaders of the US and Israel have decided to go to war with Iran.

migration & the Bible

Neil Robbie

"By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion."

The words of Psalm 137 are familiar to most Christians around the world. The sentiment, however, was largely unfamiliar to conservative evangelical Christians in Britain - mostly, though not exclusively, white - who until recently felt at home both in the church and in the nation.

migration & the Bible

Neil Robbie

Migration to and from the UK is never far from today’s headlines.

Unprecedented levels of net inward migration have created a wide range of social and political responses. The novelty and excitement around multicultural festivities have faded. Social weariness and wariness have taken root. Protests have arisen. UK residents - mostly under 35 years old - are leaving the country to find greener, safer pastures; many are returning to family homelands.

Neil Robbie

The untidiness of life - the mess, chaos, accident or whatever label we choose to describe the lack of order which leads to pain - naturally inclines some to conclude that the universe is cold, heartless and random.

Christians believe in the God who is a maximally alive Person, full of goodness, love and power. But suffering gives rise to various questions for believers... Can I really trust God? Is God angry with me? Does God love me? Is God really good? Is God able to stop this? If the universe and life are not random, how can I understand the purpose behind it?