Hospitality Toward the Stranger: Reflections on an Old Testament Motif

The following presentation took place at the 2025 Symposium for the Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Hospitality & Immigration on North Park University’s campus in Chicago, IL on February 14 and 15, 2025.  

In Session 1, M. Daniel Carroll R. presents and Sophia Magallanes-Tsang responds on the theme of hospitality toward the stranger in the Old Testament, focusing on its relevance to immigration.

Dr. Carroll proposes that hospitality serves as a central organizing principle in Old Testament theology, emphasizing its ethical implications. He distinguishes between the gar (settled foreigner) and transient strangers in hospitality narratives, suggesting the Book of Ruth (10:18) as a key text for understanding the long-term integration of immigrants. He also addresses the realistic complications of welcoming foreigners, acknowledging instances of negative reception in the Old Testament (19:51).

The presentation highlights the unique Old Testament laws regarding the gar, who were considered among the vulnerable (24:45). These laws were motivated by Israel’s historical experience as strangers in Egypt and God’s love for foreigners. The liturgy and feasts of Israel were crucial in nurturing this hospitality as a core aspect of their faith (28:34).

Dr. Magallanes-Tsang’s response affirms the significance of hospitality as a theological grid and emphasizes the mutual benefit in narratives like Ruth, where foreigners also embody hesed (loving-kindness). She also discusses the prophetic function of non-Israelite outsiders in the narratives, challenging Israel’s fidelity to God (39:30). Both speakers underscore the importance of applying these biblical insights with realism and discernment in contemporary discussions on immigration.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Presenters and Topic: 0:00
• Hospitality as an Old Testament Organizing Principle: 3:15
• Clarifying Terminology: ‘Gar’ vs. ‘Stranger’: 5:28
• The Book of Ruth as a Foundational Example of Migration and Hospitality: 10:18
• Realistic Complications & Negative Reception of Foreigners: 19:40
• Old Testament Laws Pertaining to the Stranger:23:40
• Motivations for Hospitality (Historical Memory & God’s Character): 26:40
• Nurturing Hospitality Through Liturgy and Ritual:27:38
• Conclusion: Applying Hospitality Today: 29:58
• Sophia Magallanes-Tsang’s Response: 33:02
• Q&A and Discussion: 44:39