Reply to this discussion using a different recent scholarly article and biblical perspective: Stigmatization often stems from deeply rooted fears and an imbalance of power, which can hinder marginalized populations from receiving the services they need. Fear plays a huge role in the formation and perpetuation of stigmatization. We are seeing this played out in the U.S. today as the fear surrounding immigrants is at an all-time high. These fears are often based on ignorance, stereotypes, and assumptions about a particular group, such as immigrants. The mainstream media in the U.S. is a classic example of how fear can bring continued hatred toward an already marginalized group. The anti-immigrant rhetoric in politics and the media has turned communities against immigrants, causing them to believe that they are dangerous and morally corrupt, which has led to isolation, discrimination, and a lack of compassion. Immigrants live in constant fear of deportation, family separation, and even detention.

Power, on the other hand, maintains and reinforces the stigmatization through control of social narratives and access to resources. Those in power, whether in government, education, or health care, can shape public opinion and create systems that exclude rather than include. Undocumented immigrants may find it impossible to access healthcare, education, housing, or even legal support (LeBrn et al., 2024). When service providers, law enforcement, and other institutions operate from a place of superiority rather than equity, stigmatization is likely to continue.

Social workers have a critical role in challenging these dynamics. By understanding the relationship between fear, power, and stigmatization, we can work to break down and eliminate the barriers and systems that perpetuate oppression. We need to educate communities to help dispel any myths and biases, advocate for equitable policy reforms, and create safe, trauma-informed spaces where clients feel valued, seen, and heard. Empowering marginalized individuals to share their stories is a great first step in helping to reduce stigmatization. As social workers, we must advocate for policies that protect immigrant communities, collaborate with trusted community partners, offer services in multiple languages, and provide clear information about confidentiality and their rights as clients. By doing these things, we can start to rebuild trust and create safer communities for immigrants and other marginalized populations.

Fear and power can be seen throughout the Bible. They are central themes that offer spiritual insights into justice and mercy. One biblical perspective on fear is that it should be directed towards God, not other people. Proverbs 29:25 states, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (New International Version, 2011). This verse reminds us that fear of human opinion and power can lead to harm, including stigmatization, but trust in the Lord offers protection and hope. A biblical perspective on power is that godly power is meant to uplift, not oppress. Jesus was all-powerful, but he chose to use his power to elevate the marginalized, heal the sick, dine with sinners, and speak to the outcasts of society.

A great biblical example of fear being used to stigmatize a marginalized group can be found in Luke 17:11-19 (New International Version, 2011), where Jesus heals ten lepers. Lepers were the outcasts of society, ostracized due to the fear of contagion, one of Takahashi's factors of stigmatization (Broers, 2018). By healing them, Jesus defied the stigma and used his divine power to restore their dignity and worth, something those in power could do today if they chose to use their position of power for good. Another powerful example, this time of how power was used to stigmatize a marginalized group, can be found in Exodus 1:8-22 (New International Version, 2011), when Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites in Egypt. He used his power to force them into hard labor, limit their growth, and become a threat in the eyes of the Egyptians, even though they had lived peacefully in Egypt for generations.