Xenophobia, the fear and often hatred of strangers, plagues many societies. Does the Bible have an answer to the problem or does it only describe it? Four aspects of the Old Testament are discussed: the covenant with Noah, the treatment of the stranger, intermarriage with Gentiles, and the prophets' view of the nations.

Beginning with the biblical witness, Cathy Ross explores the character of hospitality. She shows how it can function as a powerful metaphor for mission. We are encouraged and enabled to reflect on the importance of shared meals and being at the margins, the need to see and respect the guest and stranger as other.