I am a Christian. But, please, don’t box me in with the former leader of Trinity United Church of Christ, “Reverend” Jeremiah Wright, a close friend and confidant of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
He has condemned our country stating, “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, God d—- America, that’s in the Bible for killing innocent people . . . . God d— America for treating our citizens as less than human. God d— America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.”
He defended the events of 9/11 saying, “We [America] 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”
He publicly endorsed a candidate from the pulpit, stating, “Barack knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary would never know that. . . .Hillary ain’t never been called a n—–. Hillary has never had a people defined as a non-person”
And he insulted Black republicans, stating “They live below the sea level. They live below the level of Clarence, Colin, and Cond-amnesia.”
And all, all, in the name of spreading the gospel?! Such a notion makes me sick at my stomach.
“Reverend” Wright, this is not the gospel, this is you using the house of God as a platform to spread YOUR political views and hateful rhetoric.
I’m no theologian or religious expert, but I believe that the church is a center for evangelism and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not the time or place to hurl insults at others use racial slurs in any context, condemn your country, or defend the evil acts of terror which claimed innocent American life.
Furthermore, while we can all agree that racism remains a problem in America today, the time has come to stop playing the race card every two minutes. The reality is that not every issue is a racial issue or was/is racially motivated.
My last blog discussed about how churches should never allow themselves to turn into “country clubs” or social networks. Well friends, there is not time for our churches to turn into a political rally, or an exclusive gathering for individuals of any one ethnic group or race either. Our desire to reach the lost and preach the gospel should supersede our political beliefs or agendas, no matter how strong they may be.
Let’s remember what’s important here.
I have received a few messages regarding this blog from individuals stating that I need to understand the deep wounds that older African Americans live with after suffering for decades in a prejudiced, segregated society. So let me address that now:
Although I never lived in such times, I am cognizant of this fact and while I feel that this is important, and provides context for many of Rev. Wright’s comments, it still- under no circumstances- makes such comments excusable or appropriate for the environment in which they were delivered.
Furthermore, in order for our nation to progress and move forward in reconciling the multi-faceted dilemma of racism in America today, I believe it is going to require us all to live in the present, and look to the future, rather than constantly making issue of the past.
It has been said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat its mistakes, and we would be making a grave mistake to ever forget the era of segregation and what a horrible and unjust time it was. But if we allow ourselves to live in that time frame, we risk missing the outstanding progress and achievements that are being made today.
And let us not cheapen this issue by bringing it up at the drop of a hat, and as an excuse or reasoning for every situation, but rather let’s all be discerning enough to know when it is appropriate to call this issue into question.
-Jonathan
Amen! Preach it brotha
Wow Jonathan, you are more wise beyond your years. You must have the gift of teaching, and instruction.
You have my support!
Maggie Stamper