Why America Needs the Uncensored Prophetic Voice of the Black Church (by Adam Taylor)
The media frenzy over the remarks of Barack Obama's former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, raise critical challenge to the prophetic role and voice of the black church. These "incendiary" remarks have set off a firestorm in the media, exposing the deep divide that exists on Sundays - America's most segregated hour of the week. This controversy serves as a stark reminder that the problem of the color line that still divides the U.S. and its churches. This often misguided debate obscures the rich and necessary prophetic role of the black church. Most coverage fails to capture the competing narratives and self-definitions of the U.S. that coexist depending on one's race and social location. While I'm uncomfortable with some of Dr. Wright's overly provocative rhetoric, and disagree with some of his claims (like his suggestion that AIDS was a creation of the U.S. government), I still vehemently defend the prophetic tradition that Rev. Wright has advanced over the course of 36 years of ministry. I agree with the Rev. Otis Moss III, the new Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, that we do a grave disservice by boiling down over 207,000 minutes of Dr. Wright's preaching into a handful of 30-second sound bites, most taken out of context.
Many may be wondering what I mean by prophetic voice and asking why it is so critical for the full vocation of the church and the health of our democracy. Prophets foretell the future in the name of God, speaking truth to power against injustice while calling us back to God's word and kingdom. According to Obery Hendricks, "prophetic speech is characterized by an overwhelming sense of an encounter with God and a message of moral and political judgment that a prophet feels divinely compelled to proclaim … to change social orders that have stratified inequities of power and privilege and wealth so all can have access to the fullest fruits of life". Amos, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and so many other biblical prophets did not mince words or shy away from controversy. Like these prophets, prophetic preachers are often misunderstood, persecuted, and sometimes even killed for their words. Jesus continues this long and rich tradition when he says in Matthew 23:3, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith." This is also exemplified in the gospel of Luke when he overturns the tables of the money changers in the temple just after riding a donkey into Jerusalem on the Palm Sunday that the church just commemorated.
Arguably, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the best of the black prophetic tradition as one who courageously pronounced judgment against America for the sin of racism and the cancer of Jim Crow segregation. But King also called on America become the beloved community, ensuring that God's demands for dignity and justice and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution were afforded to all Americans. King's life was cut tragically short exactly 40 years ago in April because of his prophetic witness - describing the war in Vietnam as a "demonic suction tube," calling the U.S. "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today, and forewarning to striking sanitation workers in Memphis that like Dives in the parable of Lazarus, "America is going to hell if we don't use her vast resources to end poverty and make it possible for all of God's children have the basic necessities of life." Our nation is quick to romanticize the Dr. King of Montgomery and Selma, but often ignores the King of Memphis that demanded a living wage, or the King of Riverside Church who declared silence around the Vietnam War as betrayal.
A preacher's job sometimes requires prodding and provoking a congregation, shining a light on some of our most uncomfortable realities and hard-to-accept truths. I find it hard to believe that anyone could attend a church for years and never take issue with at least some of the things that were said by even the most respected and beloved pastor. Black prophetic preaching often criticizes America for its transgressions, contradictions, and hypocrisy, but at its best does this out of a deep and abiding belief in God's justice and love for what America could become if it lived out the full promise of her ideals. When the prophetic tradition holds up a mirror to our nation's misdeeds and imperfections, it stands tall with the biblical prophets of old. This is good company to keep indeed.
Adam Taylor is director of campaigns and organizing for Sojourners.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Comments
Barack Obama wants to both eat his cake and have it. He wants voters to rise above race and religion, while appearing religious himself. He is in deep trouble if a spotlight is placed on his own THEOLOGY. See:
http://miraclesdaily.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christian Prophet | March 18, 2008 1:07 PM
****
"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America. No,
no, no, not God bless America, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human."
****
Government is giving drugs? Oh... and yes, our government passes laws and builds prisons, but it's no reason to God Damn America. What if a
conservative pastor said that in response to gay marriage laws?
****
"The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color. The government lied."
****
This doesn't even justify a response by educated people
****
"We bombed Hiroshima. We bombed Nagasaki. And we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye"
****
There's a moral equivalence between 9/11 and ending WWII?
****
"We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because of stuff we have
done overseas is now brought back into our own backyard. America is chickens coming home to roost."
****
Right about South Africa, wrong about Palestinians
This isn't about style, it's all about substance and a theology that perpetuates hate, anger lies and resentment
Posted by: David F., Evanston IN | March 18, 2008 1:07 PM
I agree completely, great post Adam.
p
Posted by: Payshun | March 18, 2008 1:08 PM
What has the prophetic voice of the black church ever done for gays? Their preachers are frequently the most virulently homophobic--see the preachers on Obama's team, for instance. When did black preachers speak out against the treatment of Native Americans? Or undocumented immigrants? They see themselves as the only ones who have ever been oppressed or marginalized.
Posted by: Ashpenaz | March 18, 2008 1:12 PM
Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together. - Barack Obama earlier today, feverishly distancing himself from Rev. Wright's "prophecy."
Some questions come to mind.
- Can a statement be "prophecy" comparable to that of Jeremiah, Amos, Isaiah, and Jesus if it is factually false?
- If Wright's statements are truly "prophetic," isn't Obama's repudiation of them in fact a sinful rejection of God's voice?
Posted by: Peter R | March 18, 2008 2:18 PM
Its sad to see people try and defend this kind of speech. When I hear him go off on the "white man" and how we supposedly rule the world or other such nonsense, it makes my stomach cringe. Thats not prophecy, its racism.
If you want to know why Sunday is the most segregated time in America, look to churches like this one. I as a white person would never feel welcomed in a body like this. There is nothing that represents the inclusively of Christ in a message like that.
Lastly, just because a pastor considers himself a prophet does not mean he is one. The pastor of Westboro Baptist church considers himself a prophet to the church, but I think most of us would be critical of his style and the content of his message. In my mind, I put both of those "prophets" in the same category; people that misrepresent the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Jason J | March 18, 2008 2:23 PM
I would rethink your notion. There's a difference between speaking in a prophetic voice and flat-out falsehood. I support legitimate criticism of the United States, but when someone says something false, it's wrong.
Posted by: UAL | March 18, 2008 3:08 PM
I do not usually post nor comment on sites such as this, but I fell compelled to highlight what I feel is an important point made by this author and also one that is dramatically made by the Rev. Wright -- there is a real difference that exists in the American experience for those of differing ethnicities than those of the mainstream "white" culture. It makes many people very uncomfortable to even acknowledge this difference exists, much less to try to face the various issues and ramifications such a realization brings.
While I do not necessarily agree with Rev. Wright's methods of expressing his ideas, nor with all of his ideas, I do think he is entitled to them. I also believe that they do not necessarily translate into Barack Obama's core beliefs just because his former pastor held and expoused those beliefs. I think this is one more way our media is hyping its own agenda and obfuscating some real issues we all face together -- whether we find them comfortable to face or not.
Posted by: C Wang | March 18, 2008 3:19 PM
Any of you who feel angry and defensive and frightened by Jeremiah Wright-- exercise your imagination and your sympathy and your compassion. Imagine what it's like to be Black in the US.
Imagine... after 400 years of slavery, to experience the liberation of the Emancipation Proclamation, and to have it pulled out from under you by the end of 'Reconstruction', the Republican deal cut with the white southerners to steal the election from Tilden and sell it to Hayes, and the institution of Jim Crow.
Imagine... after another century the triumphs of the Civil Rights movement cut short, sidetracked of necessity into the antiwar movement, and then Martin Luther King Jr and Medgar Evers-- look him up; the greatest man I ever knew-- cut off by the bullets of cowardly white men crouching in the weeds, and the encouragement of 'white backlash' by the con-man president Ronald Reagan.
And now, imagine once again-- I hate to sound partisan, but the same political party, through the corporate media. is going about to assassinate the character of a Black candidate by contamination with some uncomfortable views of his understandably indignant pastor. (To be impartial there's currently a certain section of the Democratic Party, who's little better, centrist rather than Right, dead-centrist Republican-Lite neo-Dems, that's also covering itself, NOT with glory...)
My white Sisters and Brothers, I was on the Civil Rights lines from 1958-1962 at Tougaloo College in central Mississippi, and believe me, the Black folks of the US have a monstrously great righteous cause against white folks. God is no respecter of persons, and God is not mocked.
Some of us have a lot of grounds to humble ourselves under the Hand of God and repent for the ongoing systemic persecution of Blacks in this purported 'Christian' country, by our ignorance or indifference if not for our own active prejudice and bigotry.
Posted by: Ted Voth Jr | March 18, 2008 3:58 PM
If I as white pastor had the audacity to speak out against the "sins" of the black community, it would be labeled as "hate speech" or "racist remarks."
But if a black pastor speaks against the "sins" of the white community, it is called a "prophetic voice"???
How do inflammatory rhetoric, false accusations, and outright lies count as prophecy? Is not the test of a true prophet truth (Deut 18:22)?
Does not Ephesians teach that "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility"(2:14)? These remarks only serve to FORTIFY the dividing wall, not break it down - as Martin Luther King Jr. did.
And please, do not compare Martin Luther King Jr. with Jeremiah Wright - your family Doctor and Dr. Seuss are both called "doctor," but that's where the similarity ends. Only one is qualified to dispense medical advice. It would be demeaning to your Doctor (and plain ludicrous) to REALLY try to compare him to Dr. Seuss.
* Thank you Peter R. for the excellent points in your post.
Posted by: Adam | March 18, 2008 4:07 PM
Ted Voth Jr, at what point can we whites be given grace for our past sins? Why is the grace of Christ not sufficient for our race and what could we possibly do now to attone for those injustices. We are Christians are called to forgive and love our enemies, even if they are (were) oppressive white dudes, so please in the name of Christ, give up the hate for us.
I acknowledge that in the past great injustices occurred, but a lot has changed in the past 45 years since the heyday of the civil rights movement. Its important to call out racism where you see it and its pretty obvious to me that Rev Wright is racist against whites.
Posted by: Jason J | March 18, 2008 5:06 PM
I live in a city has a hidden racism that evidences itself largely in the work places and Churches. I agree with Obama's assertion that "that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning" but I would also add "and in the workplace/schools". I am black but go to a predominantly white Church which has struggled in attracting black people. At my workplace I had to quit after a white woman, who was less educated than I am (I have a Masters degree) was hired to be my supervisor after I had been working at the company for six months. It is very painful, very real and very true.
On the surface people want to portray an image that it is a foregone issue but deep down there is a lot of resentment and division. A key example is a story from my own life. I had a white girlfriend in college when I was in Texas that I deeply cared for about seven years ago. We both felt that we had a future together but this was not to be after her parents came to visit from Michigan. Immediately after their departure a coldness creeped into our relationship. I knew she still wanted to be friends but she told me that her parents had objected to a continued relationship. As a man of integrity I respected their wishes and brought closure to the relationship.
It is clearly evident that there are racial tensions in the country. White neighborhoods have better schools, better services like garbage disposal, the houses are better and so much more. Black neighborhoods seem to be ignored by instituions and the government (no banks, snow ploughs don't get there till two days after other neighborhoods are cleared, etc). It is a sad state of affairs but what can you do? I truly hope and pray that Senator Obama (President Obama?) will help us close this gap and be a more perfect union. Yes we can!
Posted by: Kairos V | March 18, 2008 5:29 PM
Why is the grace of Christ not sufficient for our race and what could we possibly do now to attone for those injustices. We are Christians are called to forgive and love our enemies, even if they are (were) oppressive white dudes, so please in the name of Christ, give up the hate for us.
Let me give you a reason why that's not so simple. A quarter-century ago, the staff of an evangelical Christian campus fellowship I had started attending that was housed in a church just off campus tried to get me to go to a more "appropriate" group that was, by design, all-black. (That was the stated policy of the umbrella campus ministry, to steer black students toward black churches.) Trouble was, I hadn't been to a black church since I was 10 years old and was ostracized by fellow blacks because I was willing to cross those lines, so I fought it. Now, there were people of Eastern European, Italian and Arab descent, all of whose ancestors experienced discrimination at some point, who attended, but I wasn't supposed to? (That ministry maintained that policy as late as 1988.)
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 18, 2008 5:54 PM
Ok - the key difference here is that the biblical prophets told the truth -- and saying the white US government conspired to create AIDS isn't true.
It is also FAR from Dr. King's dream of children walking together in unity -- in fact, it stops his dream dead in its tracks.
What we say matters this much -- you can ruin 30 years of ministry with a few offensive comments. I didn't make up that rule -- in fact I hate that rule. But I also have a hard time believing these sound clips were the only times he said these types of things.
Rick --
I am truly sorry for your experience. I hate whenever we use color as the dividing line. It was, at best, a stupid policy.I'm sure it meant well, but it didn't work.
Posted by: frankie | March 18, 2008 7:16 PM
"This isn't about style, it's all about substance and a theology that perpetuates hate, anger lies and resentmentz" David
David--Would you be willing to explore Dr. Wright more fully and work at lessening hate, anger, lies and resentment? If your heart is touched in a way moving you to write the post you did--maybe it is God's invitation to you to be one who listens so as to understand and love.
Would you join me in such an endeavor?
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | March 18, 2008 7:19 PM
great stuff Adam.
Loved your post.
So glad that someone is putting this out there. Maybe wright was offensive, extravagant, racist, harsh, mean, hateful, whatever.
But does that mean his commentary on the sins of America is wrong? Must he be perfect to speak truth?
May we learn from criticism. May he learn from criticism. No one is perfect. Let's admit wrongs.
What if America apologized? What if America displayed some humility instead of pride? What if America could posture itself in the ways of Christ instead of the ways of the world?
Http://www.ramblingsofpassion.wordpress.com
Posted by: Adam | March 18, 2008 7:49 PM
I am the "Adam" who posted at 4:07pm responding to the "Adam" who posted at 7:49pm (yes, next time I will created a real and memorable 'handle' for myself to avoid confusion).
"Must he be perfect to speak truth?" Lord no! I'm not perfect, you're not perfect - none of us is perfect - which is why we ALL need GRACE and HUMILITY (more about grace below). Every one of us needs to be confronted at times (I sure do, and I'm sure some of you will want to confront me about this post) - but THE SPIRIT in which it is done should always be considered.
"What if America apologized? What if America displayed some humility instead of pride..."
What does this mean? What does this look like? What percentage of America must apologize - is 75% sufficient? Is 50% sufficient? What EXACTLY, SPECIFICALLY are we apologizing for? WHO exactly are we apologizing for? HOW should it be done - on TV? in letters? on the internet?
What bothers me is that this is all empty rhetoric devoid of any REAL action steps. What EXACTLY is being asked, WHO is it being asked of, and TO WHOM is it being delivered and HOW. Let us be done with the empty silliness of statements like "America Apologizing" - what are we REALISTICALLY, CONCRETELY talking about/looking for?
So back to grace. I need it - I'm a screw-up. You need it. We all need it. Praise God that the Gospel isn't: "WE apologized to God and He forgave us." Grace is unmerited favor - our sins were not counted against us - even before an apology was issued (in fact according to Romans 5:8, when we were still God's ENEMIES). This week (during the Easter season) we remember Jesus being nailed to the cross by a bunch of unapologetic, unrepentant sinners and He prayed for them, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Where is the grace? Really, HOW MUCH atonement on the part of America will ever be enough? How much penance must happen to recompense for the hurt, pain, discrimination, and racism of our forefathers (or our country)? Let's all stop and confess - it can NEVER be enough. There needs to be grace enough to forgive the past or we will NEVER be able to have a future together. Am I asking anyone to EXCUSE the past? NO, the racism of the the past is INEXCUSABLE, but the Grace of God is great enough to cover any and all of our inexcusable sins (OR the Gospel is devoid of any real power).
We all are guilty of painting with too broad a strokes. Many of us want to be (and are trying to be) a part of the solution, part of the change. But all us white guys get lumped together, painted with the same brush stroke - we are being made to feel like our efforts are not enough and simply by virtue of the color of our skin, we are indelibly guilty. That is racism. That is a a large part where Jeremiah Wright's comments go awry.
Can and should "America" listen to the critiques? YES! But please, in the name of grace, humility, and reconciliation, stop beating "America" with the critiques (the past). Instead, let us work towards reconciliation in the best tradition of Martin Luther King Jr. and not towards the division, empty rhetoric, racism, and unforgiveness of Jeremiah Wright and the like.
Posted by: Adam 4:07 | March 18, 2008 9:23 PM
Adam:
The true test of a prophet according to Jesus is their fruit. Do you know and are you qualified to judge Rev. Wright's fruit?
Please identify his lies. I think there are some OT ramifications for one who falsley accuses another (on the order of the punishment of the accused falls on the accuser. BTW- Satan is referred to as the accuser of the brethren. I think we best tread cautiously here.)
Pastor Jeff
Posted by: Pastor Jeff Staples | March 18, 2008 9:33 PM
But please, in the name of grace, humility, and reconciliation, stop beating "America" with the critiques (the past). Instead, let us work towards reconciliation in the best tradition of Martin Luther King Jr. and not towards the division, empty rhetoric, racism, and unforgiveness of Jeremiah Wright and the like.
We can't do that, nor does the Gospel tell us to. In fact, before we can talk about the "good news" of Jesus Christ, we need to understand the "bad news" about evil in the world and our part in it -- before there can be reconciliation there has to be acknowledgement of a breach. That was my point about my experience in that one ministry. (BTW, I learned over a decade ago that things have indeed changed.)
Furthermore, not even King was immune to making the pointed barb. In (I think) 1966, at a time when his "authority" was waning, he said that unless it repented of its racism, "America was going to hell." Now, if King said that, just imagine what some more "radical" blacks were saying.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 18, 2008 9:38 PM
Rev Wright is not condemning white people. He is holding the powers and principalities (Eph 6) responsible for the systemic and, yes ongoing, oppression he witnesses daily in his ministry in the streets of Chicago. It is a strawman to ask "how many whites need to repent" as long as the US government declares "War on Drugs" and negotiates for free trade with Colombia. Rev. Wright's point in the Aids statement is "don't trust the government. They lie" Would any of the "educated" persons out there care to tell me where the AIDS virus came from anyway?
PJ
Posted by: Pastor Jeff Staples | March 18, 2008 9:52 PM
I will say this. A lot of people are putting words in Rev Wrights mouth. He is an intelligent man who is fully capable of explaining his positions on these matters, but for some reason he has chosen to stay silent.
I would love to hear him explain his statements to fellow believers. As a rational and thoughtful white Christian, when I hear him say that the country is run by a bunch of 'rich white men' or that the government invented AIDS to destroy blacks, I can't help but think that he sounds pretty racist. Why isn't he coming up to defend his positions when the national spotlight is on him.
Posted by: Jason J | March 18, 2008 11:05 PM
I enjoy someone who is willing to stick their neck out, like Dr. Wright has, to speak about something that is usually only spoken behind closed doors. The fact of the matter is that racism is prevalent. Whether or not we agree or disagree with Black Theology or the Black Prophetic Witness, it is shedding light onto the darkness that still prevails wherever I go.
No matter where I go, I being a Caucasian, come across an African-American, and there is still tension at times when we make eye-contact. Some may be me, and some may be who it is that I come across. I am a person who is fighting racism, not because I hate a race, but because racism is still prevalent. I can not change that individually, but the more that it is exposed the more conversation can take place. Let light shine on the darkness.
Oh, Adam Taylor, hope all is well with you.
Posted by: chris mcrorey | March 18, 2008 11:14 PM
The Honorable Rev. Wright is true in what he says, and Obama knows it too, but his white advisers won't let him speak truth to power. But when he becomes the president, we will know the truth. He will let us see! And see we will, all the damning language and racist crimes of America's past. See we will!
Posted by: Willie Ross | March 18, 2008 11:35 PM
rick; and who will speak for america? how will we know if the speaker really means it? since you say there can be no reconciliation do we continue the battle? how many times does a white person have to say he regrets past and present racism? how many times does the white person have to acknowledge that racism exists and whom does he tell it to? you, like wright, jackson, sharpton and others want the battle to go on so you will have a position/constituency. will we meet in heaven rick?
Posted by: jerry | March 19, 2008 12:17 AM
"But all us white guys get lumped together, painted with the same brush stroke - we are being made to feel like our efforts are not enough and simply by virtue of the color of our skin, we are indelibly guilty. That is racism. That is a a large part where Jeremiah Wright's comments go awry." Adam
Adam, you are playing the role of a poor helpless victim. Please see the irony in that from a Black perspective.
John Perkins wrote a good piece focussed on beyond guilt and blame. You are suckering yourself into a game of blame and guilt. You are not to blame and don't respond out of guilt.
Respond because you are compelled by the gracious love of God, as an ambassador who has been given the ministry of reconciliation that all may know Him.
Jesus took the blame. You can minister Jesus' presence.
You don't have to solve the problem. We are responsible to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. When you step into the crucible of the racial brokenness, into the spiritual stronghold,--you will find a place there are powerful forces of evil lies. You need your spiritual armour on.
Right now you are whining. Put down your complaints and fix your gaze on Jesus.
I am not rejecting or questioning your heart, your person, your faith, or your motive.
But I have learned to recognize the "white guy whine" because I often have the disease.
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | March 19, 2008 12:31 AM
since you say there can be no reconciliation do we continue the battle? how many times does a white person have to say he regrets past and present racism? how many times does the white person have to acknowledge that racism exists and whom does he tell it to?
I didn't say there can be no reconciliation. I did say, however, that unless people realize that wrong has been done -- and name it -- it cannot take place.
A few years ago I had such a reconcilation with a woman from high school youth group; four years ago I called her to get things off my chest, explaining the way I treated her and the situation behind it, and during that conversation she apologized for how she treated me (although that was not my goal). By the time we reconnected we had already forgiven each other years ago, but telling her she was forgiven still brings tears to my eyes.
That's how it should be done -- recognizing the wrong that was done, resolving to change and taking concrete steps so that it never happens again. That's why we just can't "forgive and forget," and history, including racism, still needs to be addressed.
Why do you think it was so important that Jesus sought Peter out after His resurrection? Peter needed to hear that message.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 19, 2008 12:41 AM
Hi Adam Taylor,
Diana Butler Bass did a similar post two or three days ago and some of the reaction to it truly surprised me.
Despite various comments trying to put things in perspective, to explain, it is apparent that some Christians not only 'know' that Wright is wrong but they would have us believe that they know what is right and that, in his shoes, they would do better!
Well,
That's neither here nor there. But, the history of the black man is still being written. And, for many to pretend that it has been anything but smooth, or that all is well now, a generation and a half after segregation in America and less than two decades after apartheid in South Africa, both supported by the church, not to mention more recent goings on like the Rodney King issue and Katrina ...
Pull the other one.
I was listening to Martin Luther King Jr this morning. You know, that preacher who many Christian clergymen and pastors villified when he was alive and now praise highly ... He talks about how the oppressed has to demand his freedom, it is never willingly given by the oppressor.
Now, as an African in 'postcolonial' Africa, 40 years after 'independence', I feel that we still have a long struggle for freedom ahead. It is as if time has not stopped. Yet none of my ancestors was a slave! People who are born white simply have never in their history been 4th class citizens, as happened in Kenya, i.e
1. Caucasian
2. Asian/Arab
3. African
Well, dear American, are there not many African Americans alive who lived in a segregated land of the 'free and the brave'? Who is anyone to tell them that their feelings are not valid and not to be expressed? Is it enough to simply put them down as vitriolic rantings? Do you not know that the few who do speak out represent so many who lash out or express themselves more destructively?
Do you sincerely imagine that if everyone is courteous and at their best behaviour then they are being good Christians? Is that a standard that you would impose on yourself?
If the polarity I read in comments here is an indication of Christian America, then, clearly, there must be two Christs. One who died for the oppressor and another who was crucified for the sins of the oppressed. Oh, I bet Native Americans and other oppressed feel much the same way as Jeremiah Wright does on most issues that touch on race!
How can people who have never been oppressed attempt to tell those who have how to feel and express themselves with empathy? How can they do so without coming across as condescending and patronising? That, frankly, is their headache.
It should not be up to Rev Jeremiah Wright , a man with a long career that has gone largely scandal free, Alleluia!, to explain himself to his critics, especially if they are not his target audience.
And, what if he blunders, now and then? Who doesn't?
Anyway, I doubt that the critics HERE really care what Jeremiah Wright says. And I doubt that they are so worked up by his words, per se. God knows there are crazy statements galore made by other preachers that hardly merit comment. The so called incendiary words are everywhere in American pop music and so on ...
The man in the lenses of all the good Christians who will condemn you, Adam Taylor, for trying to call Wright a prophet, is Barack Obama.
There are very many good reasons why they will not vote for him, of course. This post will provide another opportunity for them to rationalise their decision.
I am glad that Obama has decided to openly confront the race issue and, at the same time, refuse to disown Jeremiah Wright. I am not sure that he has done very well on this issue overall.
What I do know is that it is very easy to criticise. And I know, without a doubt, that Obama towers way above so many 'holier than thou' commentors here, myself included, in character and competence.
I pray that Obama gets his act together and that God guide him in all that he does (AND SAYS)!
Alu
Dar es Salaam
Posted by: Robert Alu | March 19, 2008 1:45 AM
I would encourage folks to think about why some black preachers--and others--speak using what some regard as outrageous speech. I believe that, in part, what they are saying is: what has happened to black people in America and what continues to happen to black people in America is OUTRAGEOUS! Pay attention! Hear their pain. Acknowledge the truth of their experience.
I was prompted to write this when I read frankie's response to Rick's great pain by saying: "It was, at best, a stupid policy.I'm sure it meant well, but it didn't work." How do you dare to assume that the group "meant well"? Maybe this so-called religious group really really didn't want a black guy in their group.
Until we truly pay attention to the pain and suffering that our black brothers and sisters bring to our notice, how can reconciliation occur? Sure it makes us uncomfortable, but trivializing it, saying (even though we don't know the people) I'm sure they didn't mean it, will not make it go away. Anyone who thinks the racist actions of the U.S. government ended with the civil rights movement hasn't paid attention to the so-called rebuilding after Katrina.
The reality is that if Rev. Wright had been quiet and polite in what he said, no one would have paid attention. I believe that by using language that offended some people he is saying: Listen! Pay attention! Your brothers and sisters have been profoundly hurt and continue to be hurt and your actions suggest that you are either not paying attention, or you are paying attention but don't care!
Posted by: bren | March 19, 2008 1:49 AM
Rev. Wright's point in the Aids statement is "don't trust the government. They lie" Would any of the "educated" persons out there care to tell me where the AIDS virus came from anyway?
PJ
Pastor Jeff I admire your position on this over all . But the message with Aids is to educate people on the behaviors that cause it , drug use and sexual behavior . I understand the anger , but your rationalizing the mis use of that anger here ,
To really get back at at racist America's past sins , hopefully one day more Black Harvard Graduates wil make the run for the Presidency .
Posted by: Mick | March 19, 2008 1:59 AM
What we need is more Reverend Wright's, black, brown,red and yellow even white speaking up all across the country.
I think it would put all of this in perspective.
Obama's responce to this whole controversy is remarkably level headed. He has seen fire and he has kept his cool. What more do you want from a presidential candiditate faced with such stormy characters as we now have abroad to deal with.
Posted by: Ms. Cynthia | March 19, 2008 7:17 AM
Great post Adam. An in-depth reading of King's sermons and speeches would clearly reveal that America has romantized King. He was described as a hatemonger, trouble maker, and a blight on the Adfrican-American community (and not just by whites). King felt his calling was to "save the soul of America". Why? She lost and destined to divine judgment (his words, not mine).
I find it amazing that we find all sorts of eschatology in the OT prophets and miss the prophetic voice of social justice. We even miss the insulting and ridculous ends the OT prophets went to get their messages across. Sometimes, I honestly think Christians love America more than they love their Christ. Having said that, America is the greatest country on the planet and maybe in the history of humanity. But no country, including America, should ever be above criticism. If the OT prophets felt Isael was not, why would we think America is? Our allegiance should be to our Christ and his kingdom. We are citizens of heaven, first (Phil. 3:20). Let's act like it.
Posted by: TA | March 19, 2008 8:32 AM
While the grace of God is available to all, it can only be obtained after repentence. From these posts it appears that many of my white AND black brothers and sisters need to repent TO GOD and then actively seek reconciliation with one another. The courage of Obama is embodied in the fact that as a politician he has done what is politically incorrect - he has extended grace to Reverend Wright. The easy and expedient thing would be to do what the media seems to be clamouring for - repudiation of Dr. Wright. Instead, he has embodied true Christianity, perhaps giving up his politial life for his friend and mentor. Oh by the way, the truth for prophets being refered to in these posts actually was a command for the prophets to speak God's truth. Most's of the prophets of old had their own moral and character flaws. Praise God that we don't have to be perfect to be used perfectly by God.
Posted by: Howard Peyton | March 19, 2008 8:54 AM
While we might argue about the content of Wright's remarks, one thing about prophets: They personally have nothing to gain or lose by speaking out as they do -- they get people ticked off but don't care. They will live with that. You think Wright is listening to this discussion? He's probably tired of listening.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 19, 2008 9:06 AM
Over and over from everyone here, I keep hearing that whites should be guilty for all the atrocities we've committed. Where is the grace of Christ in that feeling? Look at the grace Paul was able to live in after personally killing Christians. He had to realize his forgiveness and move on from there. People like Jeremiah Wright want to constantly remind us of our sins and keep us in bondage.
So given our freedom in Christ, and given the fact that our national leader Bill Clinton apologized for the sins of slavery, I give you this Amnesty and Pardon, written by the African American Economist, Walter Williams.
Proclamation of Amnesty and Pardon Granted to
All Persons of European Descent
http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/gift.html
Whereas, Europeans kept my forebears in bondage some three centuries toiling without pay,
Whereas, Europeans ignored the human rights pledges of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution,
Whereas, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments meant little more than empty words,
Therefore, Americans of European ancestry are guilty of great crimes against my ancestors and their progeny.
But, in the recognition Europeans themselves have been victims of various and sundry human rights violations to wit: the Norman Conquest, the Irish Potato Famine, Decline of the Hapsburg Dynasty, Napoleonic and Czarist adventurism, and gratuitous insults and speculations about the intelligence of Europeans of Polish descent,
I, Walter E. Williams, do declare full and general amnesty and pardon to all persons of European ancestry, for both their own grievances, and those of their forebears, against my people.
Therefore, from this day forward Americans of European ancestry can stand straight and proud knowing they are without guilt and thus obliged not to act like damn fools in their relationships with Americans of African ancestry.
Walter E. Williams, Gracious and Generous Grantor
Posted by: Jason J | March 19, 2008 9:41 AM
Jason J -- I for one reject it. You should know that Walter Williams is one of those right-wing blacks set up by the conservative power structure to tell white conservatives what they want to hear. He has no authority to speak for anyone, let alone the black community.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 19, 2008 9:52 AM
Rick, do you reject your forgiveness in Christ then? How many works of racial forgiveness must one perform before we've earned our salvation?
You say that Walter Williams does not have the power to speak for the black community, and I would agree with you. No one has the power to speak for any race, so this nonsense that Rev. Wright is speaking on behalf of black people is idiotic.
What Dr. Williams said at the end is right though, we need to stop acting like fools and just be people to each other. I can't make up for the fact that other white people have done bad things, all I can do is be me and not do those things myself.
Posted by: Jason J | March 19, 2008 10:21 AM
Please don't miss the reason African-Americans point out past sins. It is not really a request for forgiveness on slavery and other atrocities. If you think it is, you have misunderstood. Referring to the past shows us if the same patterns of behavior persist. If the patterns of the past persist to the present day, then true repentance has not occurred. John, the baptist said, "bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Lk. 3:8). That is, let there be a consistent pattern that demonstrates a true change has occurred. For many African-Americans, this is the primary issue. The present patterns suggest a change has not occurred.
Now, is America a better place than pre-50s? Absolutely. Do we have a ways to go? Yes. Maybe we can learn from South Africa. They are surely further ahead on this than we.
Posted by: TA | March 19, 2008 10:28 AM
As a 50 yr old, middle class, professional, African American woman in the US, I struggle with the uneducated comments made here in this and other forums about how much has changed in the last 40 years, and how African Americans just simply "need to get over it" and the supposed "racism" of Rev. Dr. Wright and how he and other's are just out of touch and factually wrong. My generation is perhaps the first to experience the "fruit" of desegregation. I remember my mother's stories of separate entrances, sitting on the back of the buses etc. But I now have my own stories about being denied housing and how that although I now live, work, play and worship in an integrated environment there are frequent small and large reminders that I am still not always welcome or safe everywhere I go. I am still somewhat amused by the reactions I get upon meeting whites face to face when they have only spoken with me previously by phone. My point here is that, yes, there have been a lot of changes, but there is still a lot of unacknowledged pain and injustice that is just under the surface of race relations in this country. The only outlet for some of this has historically been the African American church. This was the only place where it was "safe" to talk about this. For those of you who do not know how dangerous it was, then I invite you to visit the website "Without Sanctuary" to learn why "hanging nooses" could be considered American terrorism by many African Americans. For those of you who do not understand why African Americans may belive that AIDS was "manuafactured" then I invite you to read the book "Medical Apartheid, The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" published in 2006. Read this if you have the stomach for it. I would invite you to read about the government sponsored "Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment" which lasted from 1932 - 1972. In terms of how far we have come, I would invite you to read "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care" which is an Institute of Medicine study released in 2002. "We" haven't come as far as we would like to think. That said, to really examine how far we have come then you must at least know where we started. "Before the Mayflower, A History of Black America, by Lerone Bennett Jr, is a must read if anyone really wants to "seek first to understand." Finally, I'm not convinced that African Americans want an apology. Speaking for myself at least, NO, that is not what I want. What I would like to see in my lifetime is an acknowledgement that these things happened, and because of this history a continuing culture and system of privilege exists for Whites today. This systematic injustice has and continues to result in disadvanatage for African Americans and other minorities. What do we do about it? We make the effort to talk about it, even when, especially when, it's painful and makes our stomachs tight (like mine is right now). We stay in the conversation. There is a saying in the recovery movement -- "you can't heal what you don't feel." We (African Americans) need to talk about the pain of our history and everyday experiences without having to worry about offending Whites. Not talking about it leads to festering wounds that never heal. Whites should work at educating themselves about the history that wasn't taught in their schools, and listening without becoming defensive. All of us need to learn how to talk and listen without attacking, belittling or shutting the other down. I would like to feel a sense of hope that it is possible for the collective "WE" to go on a journey of discovery of that which unites rather than divides. I am saddened that this does not seem possible in my lifetime.
Posted by: Juliet | March 19, 2008 11:00 AM
Rick, do you reject your forgiveness in Christ then? How many works of racial forgiveness must one perform before we've earned our salvation?
That's not the point because you're confusing the issue. Christ made forgiveness possible by paying the penalty for sin in the cross. That's not what we're talking about -- we humans have to work things out. Besides, sin has to recognized as "utterly sinful," which conservatives don't want to in this case because it may cost them something. Atonement always costs.
You say that Walter Williams does not have the power to speak for the black community, and I would agree with you. No one has the power to speak for any race, so this nonsense that Rev. Wright is speaking on behalf of black people is idiotic.
You missed what I said. Wright does speak for a lot of black people -- heck, if you go to any black barbershop you'll eventually hear some of the same language. (Just as you'll hear some inflammatory things about blacks at many white dinner tables -- Rush Limbaugh has made a career of publicizing those. Williams will never address that.)
What Dr. Williams said at the end is right though, we need to stop acting like fools and just be people to each other. I can't make up for the fact that other white people have done bad things, all I can do is be me and not do those things myself.
But without relationship you won't even know what those "bad things" are. Most whites, especially conservatives, have little first-hand knowledge of how most African-Americans think, which is why they become unsettled when they learn.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | March 19, 2008 11:14 AM
"...and thus obliged not to act like damn fools in their relationships with Americans of African ancestry." W Williams
I repent and apologize repeatedly of racism (and other realities of my sinfulness). Frankly, I don't do it to obtain W Williams proclamation. I do it out of sorrow for our brokenness and rebellion against God.
The obligation W Williams outlines above is far more challenging than the repentence and apology part. It demands a life of love, justice and responsibility.
I am deciding right now whether to place my children in a grossly underfunded, inferior, public school system serving low-income Black children; or in a marginally better, private white Christian school born out of white flight to avoid an integrating system.
I work everyday to help churches recognize the white church in America is in dramatic decline. It is only the planting and growth of immigrant, ethnic and minority churches that even provide an illusion that Christian influence is not in decline; and to see that our cultural/racial supremecist ideals have closed off much of the world to a Christian witness and crippled our testimony.
These are not dead, historical issues. It is central to fulfilling our God-given mandates.
Jason--I think it can be very productive to have a simple attitude of seeing the dignity and value of all persons and act accordingly. It is ultimately right. But we are stewards of a very fallen social system. It is possible within a system (like the issue I face above about my children's schooling) for everyone to make the sane, loving, right decision--and end up with an unjust system that disenfranchises particular groups of people. We also breathe the air, drink the water, and are purveyors of a culture that is fallen and that supported a profoundly cruel racism. That is not simply wiped clean by thinking, "I love everyone." White Christians simply cannot fulfill our stewardship responsibilities without stepping outside of our cultural framework to understand the grievances, brokenness, unjust systems, barriers to healing; step into healing relationship, etc.
It is the convenience and privilege of dominant and/or oppressive cultures to beat up someone for 400 years and then say, "Hmm-m-m I think that was wrong. Sorry. OK. Why can't we just love everybody. STOP. I'M OFFENDED. HOW DARE YOU POINT YOUR FINGER AT ME YOU RACIST. YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN!"
It is both the calling and great privilege of white Christians (especially men) to step outside of our boxes to listen, to understand, to submit, to lift up, to honor, to make peace, to demonstrate (like Saul) that we have seen a great and blinding light, that brought us out of darkness into a marvelous light; to a Gospel able to break the bondages in our own hearts and live out the reconciliation with others empowered not in our own strength but with the power that walked Jesus out of the grave and the love that pursued us while we remained enemies of God.
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | March 19, 2008 11:32 AM
we are all caught in a web of sin, personal and social
who has the power to untangle us and set us free?
how can we extend grace with those who are on the "other side"?
i confess that i am part of this web, even as i strive to follow my Lord
peace, duh-sciple
Posted by: Duh-sciple | March 19, 2008 12:45 PM
Of all the comments on this subject, the comments by Juliet posted 3-19 are truly worthwhile and thought provoking. I was going to comment, but she said it all so eloquently. We need to heed her words.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | March 19, 2008 1:52 PM
Rev. Wright has been preaching at his church and across the country since the 70's. Barack Obama has been going to his church since the 80's. Barack Obama was and has been a public figure(at some level) for at least the past 10 years. You don't have to guess what Barack Obama or Rev. Wright have said, you don't have to imagine the affect of his ministry on his congregation, you don't have any basis of concern that there is any racism practiced or racial exclusivity at Trinity, and you certainly don't have any evidence or basis for a belief that Rev. Wright's ministry has ever incited or encouraged negative, criminal, or racist behaviors and/or actions.
Both men are, from all accounts, authentic. Rev. Wright does not dictate Barack Obama's politics. Barack Obama has no problem articulating his own vision, views, perspectives, and beliefs.
The acts/laws/injustices of the U.S. government do not equate to white people or "European Americans". All Americans, including Rev. Wright, rights of freedom of speech and religion are protected and I am surprised how easily we gave up advocacy for those rights and focused on speech and not consequence of speech. And the attack on the ministry of a Christian Pastor as justified by his association with a politician is inexcusable and Un-American. Why are we tolerating this as Christians? Why are we agreeing to an assessment of our regilous speech and practice are a legimate part of our politics?
As a nation, we are recognizing five years of a war in Iraq where we have asked our sons and daughters to sacrifice for an American idea of democracy. We have the expectation that three divided groups in Iraq with histories of religious intolerance, violence, oppression, regional/ethinic segregation, and hatred will come together and form a democracy. Yet, we express fear of going into the Trinity sanctuary because of words. We demand Barack Obama walk away from his church family and community over the words of and/or errors in the judgment of a man that he considers family and mentor, and at the same time ask the divided peoples in Iraq to come to the table and reconcile their differences and forget recent loss, killing, oppression, and abuse from someone represented at the table.
Why should we allows a few words cause us to drop the cross and find sanctuary in the corners of racial identity and nationalism?
I applaud Adam Taylor's attempt to explain Rev. Wright's linkage to a black prophetic speech/tradition. I differ on his need to stand so far from Rev. Wright's words. I believe we have failed to stand up for our political and religious beliefs and values by our failure to protect Rev. Wright's speech and beliefs.
Posted by: Stephanie Berry | March 20, 2008 1:56 AM
The story of the peoples of America, Dr. King and Mr. Obama is a truly prophetic one. I call on all to recognize that this is indeed is a "Joshua" moment all over again. A generation after the Moses liberated the people of God, he raised up a new leader to take them into the "promised land". Dr. King saw the promised land, but with Mr. Obama all of America has the potential to enter into it. Indeed 40 years after the death of Dr. King, America is on the edge of the "Jordan". We have a choice....we can either harden our hearts or answer that call to enter "today". If indeed we do enter, it will usher in a time of healing, reconcilliation and progress that will indeed gaurantee not just our future but our children's future as well. God bless America.
Posted by: Cyrus45 | March 21, 2008 1:46 PM
Post a Comment
Are you aware of our Rules of Conduct?