This particular story is easy enough to understand though
Those who pretend to be Christians very often misunderstand that. IOt is not about an encouragement to help a stranger but a refection that even those who do not 'share' the same faith can act as if they were. In other words - good deeds do not belong to a one religious group but are 'good deeds' regardless.
As for help there is order in which you help people. Doesn't pertain to people who travel hundreds of miles and demand help. Also a state is not a charitable institution and you can always help as you if you want.
[]Because we are better than that[/quote]
Better than what? there is no consensus, like 40% - 80% of people are not even Christians anymore. Who is better? A state? Politicians making decisions and paid by the taxpayers, to use those taxpayers money to 'help' some people? How is that even compute? IF they have such resource on their disposal why not use it better?
Seems to me like some countries want to use that issue to create precedent that so called EU has some kind of power over its less influent members. IF you want to builds 'union' on inequality no thank you.
[Tacitus]The direct consequences of Libya pale compared to that. L[/quote]
Not really. Look at the situation before and after Libya. It is clear that after fall of that country floodgates has been opened and Turks just used that opportunity to pressure EU.
who notice the sad plight of migrants and refugees.
Maybe they should notice poverty stricken people in Poland. Some of those refuges are better of than them. They couldn't afford to pay 2000 or 5000$ to smugglers?