Strangers and Scapegoats: Extending God's Welcome to Those on the Margins

A Christian sociologist explains how the problem of the stranger lies at the root of many problems humanity faces, such as racism, sexism, and nationalism, but an identity in Christ frees us to love strangers as neighbors and friends.

We live in a world of oppositional relationships and increasing in-group/out-group divisions. Christian sociologist Matthew Vos explains how the problem of the stranger lies at the root of many problems humanity faces, such as racism, sexism, and nationalism. He applies classic sociological theory on "the stranger" to matters of faith and social justice, showing that an identity in Christ frees us to love strangers as neighbors and friends. The book also includes two guest chapters, one on intersex persons and the church and one on stranger-making in the "correctional" system.