I’m in a unique position compared to many people. I know exactly where my family came from and when they arrived in the United States in every branch of my family, in every generation. In addition to that, I’ve participated in DNA testing services that give me a map of where my family is most likely to come from.
Usually, the tree of people I can name matches up with the DNA results. I can see exactly which generation came from England in the 17th century and were among the first settlers to expand into the wild west of Ohio, building on land that had been recently inhabited by Native Americans. Many of them left titles like “Sir” and “Lord” behind and took up roles like “Captain” and “General” to revolt against a tyrannical government. One of my ancestors, Nathan Hale, even spied for the newly formed United States.
In another branch, I can look at more recent family immigrations. One of my great-uncles was a guard for Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and convinced the entire family to flee to the U.S. when the German Empire fell in 1918. The family went on to run successful grocery stores, but public sentiment about German immigrants was pretty negative in some places. The “progressive” German views about allowing women to perform public roles, like serving beer at a pub, were enough to label them as leftists.
When I look at my DNA map, I see a few areas I can’t find other evidence for. My ethnically diverse features come from Southern Italy and Portugal, but I can’t name any family members from any generation who come from those places. That means at some point, some family members from Portugal or Italy migrated to England or Germany and claimed the new citizenship for their own, so that when I look at their records, I only see their new home countries represented.
I think I’m a pretty typical American mutt. I have some really cool people in my family tree who got here from different places at different times. Their prestige fizzled over time – I certainly didn’t inherit any titles or money. I would go as far as to say many of my family members are considerably worse people than my immigrant ancestors. My family has added some felons and drug addicts to the tree. But overall, they tend to be treated better than current immigrants who come to the United States now to escape the problems in other countries so they can scrape out a better life.
We are a nation built by immigrants. From the earliest settlers to those arriving today, each wave has shaped our society, bringing with them unique cultures, traditions, and hopes.
Jesus consistently challenged his followers to extend compassion and hospitality beyond the conventional boundaries of his day. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus intentionally chose an outsider, a Samaritan, to be the hero who showed mercy to a wounded traveler. This parable reminds us that our neighbor is not just someone who looks like us or shares our background, but anyone in need, regardless of their origin or perceived status.
For Lutherans, this often translates into a commitment to social justice and caring for the vulnerable. When we look at the immigrant experience through this lens, we are called to see the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, to recognize their struggles, and to respond with empathy and action.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians (3:28), declared, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This radical assertion of equality in Christ dissolves societal distinctions and calls us to a unity that transcends national borders, ethnic heritage, and social standing. It’s a powerful reminder that in God's eyes, there are no "mutts" or "purebreds" – only beloved children.
My family’s journey, like countless others, is a testament to the enduring hope that draws people to new lands. While my ancestors might have faced skepticism, their integration was, in many cases, smoother than what some immigrants experience today. As Christians, and particularly as Lutherans, we are called to be advocates for justice, to welcome the stranger, and to participate in building a society where all people can find safety, opportunity, and belonging. This isn't a political stance. We can have our own understandings of what the government’s role should be for immigration. Instead, this is a profound expression of our faith and a living out of Jesus' command to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Yours in Christ,
John Johns, Music Director