Religion, Populism, Xenophobia & Christian Hospitality to Migrants

In this thought-provoking episode of Radio Cape Pulpit, host Anton speaks with Professor Dion Forster (from Amsterdam) about the dangerous intersection of religion and populism, particularly in the context of rising xenophobia in South Africa. Prof. Forster explains how populist leaders exploit fear and wounds to create simplistic binaries of "us vs. them," often attaching religious language to justify exclusion. He warns against dehumanising migrants and refugees, reminding listeners that the Christian gospel demands we treat every person as our neighbour—regardless of borders. Using the example of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt as refugees, he asks: would Jesus, Mary, and Joseph be welcomed by South African Christians today? He calls for prayer, truth-telling, rejecting violence, and recognising that the waters of baptism are thicker than the blood of the nation. Prof. Forster also shares his personal experience as a South African migrant in the Netherlands and encourages Christians to be peacemakers and to show simple, practical love to strangers in their midst