ABSTRACT
This introduction chapter addresses the complex political, legal, and humanitarian challenges raised by asylum-seekers and refugees from a Biblical perspective. Asylum-seeker is used more generally to mean a person whose asylum claim has been refused, yet who continues to live in the country without leave to remain. This book explores the themes of humanity and justice through exegesis of relevant passages in the Old and New Testaments, which are skilfully woven into accounts of contemporary refugee situations. The book examines with particular reference to the Torah and narratives. It then examines the ambiguities the Exodus narrative and the trauma associated with the Babylonian Exile, also explores the evangelists that highlight the way in which Jesus life and teaching exemplifies and develops the Torah. It further explores the relevance of this for the life of the early church and the church of today. Finally, an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book is presented.
