Perspectief 2017-36

2017-36 JT Chapter 1: Roman Catholic responses 23 Reageer next chapter, by stating that she is putting the common good at stake and that she should focus more on the causes of the refugee crisis. Unlimited acceptance of migrants “cannot be Christian”. 79 Popular Catholic blogger and theologian Taylor Marshall published an opinion article in which he studied the current refugee crisis from the perspective of Thomas Aquinas. While encouraging kindness towards Muslims, since “kindness brings about conversion and understanding,” Marshall points out the irreconcilable doctrinal differences between Islam and Christianity. He also warns that “Muslims are bound by conscience to erect Sharia law in your nation,” and that this will be possible for them to achieve once they constitute 51 per cent of a country’s population. 80 Aquinas, according to Marshall, would emphasise the common good of each sovereign nation. Europe and North America, because of their Judaeo-Christian roots, have an obligation to resettle Christian refugees but also a duty to refuse Muslim refugees in order to protect this common good. Marshall proposes to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who charitably took an injured man to an inn and paid for his recovery rather than taking him home. Translating this parable to today’s situation, he argues in favour of humanitarian aid as close to the refugees’ homes as possible. Despite the religious differences, “we are obliged to help them” as is commanded in Proverbs 25:21: “If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink. ” 80 79 Die Welt (2015) Katholiken finden Merkels Kurs “nicht christlich” accessed June 1, 2016 at http://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article148755826/Katholiken-finden-Merkels-Kurs-nicht- christlich.html. 80 Marshall, T. (2015) Islamic refugee crisis: Good Samaritan or Maccabean response? Or both accessed June 1, 2016 at http://taylormarshall.com/2015/11/islamic-refugee-crisis-good-samaritan-or-maccabean- response-or-both.html.