Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently retired from Trinity United Church of Christ after 36 years of pastoral service. However, in the past few weeks he has been demonized by a few snippets from his past sermons.
Rev. John Thomas is the general minister and president for the United 
Church of Christ. Rev. Thomas shared his reflections on the rhetoric of preaching in light of recent news coverage.
Church of Christ. Rev. Thomas shared his reflections on the rhetoric of preaching in light of recent news coverage.I'm interested in your thoughts on Rev. Thomas' sermon. I'm also curious as to whether you think that the negative impact of Rev. Wright on Obama's presidential campaign bottomed out this week ... or if Rev. Wright will be an albatross around Obama's neck throughout the campaign?
Shawn Williams is an AfroSpear blogger who noted that Black pastors often speak truth to power. What say u?
8 comments:
I agree with much that he said. There is a lot of hypocrisy going on in this and it is being used primarily for political gain. I feel like many in the media are using it to make white folks feel better about racism by saying, "See blacks are racist too!" and are totally trying to paint Obama as some huge racist. It's all a little ridiculous because we're all a bit racist since we've grown up in the United States, but come on!
I think Clinton's camp will continue to push it as will Fox. It was nice to see Huckabee stand up in defense of Wright/Obama.
Los Angelesita - I imagine that the Obama campaign is glad that this week is over...
I think we would all agree that Jeremiah Wright spoke truths about racism in this country. I think we disagree on the appropriateness of it, not because of the truth, but because of the way it was delivered. Setting that aside, let's look at his whole contribution to his church and to the Christian community. Where are all the tapes of the good things he has said? Why aren't these networks painting him as a full 3-D person.
I think whites that are racist are using this to feel redeemed. He is being compared to David Duke, and Jeremiah Wright has not been apart of a group that violently terrorized others. He's not asking his congregation to go out and hurt those different from them. He is pointing out a horrible truth in this country that racism, sexism, and classism is alive and it's still restricting blacks, women, and the poor.
I don't agree with the language he used, and I don't know if he should say skeezer and other cuss words at the alter, but that's a matter of taste. What I don't understand is why some people can't seek to understand the need for such a speech. There is truly a disconnect, and this is just a divisive ploy to distract us from what's important.
Those that continue to use this as way to get to Obama, are in fact apart of the problem. Sean Hannity wants Obama to be a racist to justify his own ignorance and understanding.
I'm glad he came to Wright's defense and spoke of all the good things Wright has done for both the black and white community.
I meant to write, I'm glad John Thomas, came to the defense of Wright and all that he has done for the black and white Christian community.
Not Sean Hannity because he needs us to stay divided in order to make money.
I sat down today and watched the full sermon today and literally came to tears over why this has boiled into such a furor...
I swear I detest the MSM...the only one who seemingly has some integrity (I said seemingly) is CNN and Roland Martin who published an article on CNN's Web site publishing the full context of the sermon (and I'm talking about the one where he mentions "chickens coming home to roost"; I haven't seen and can't find the other one in its entirety)...
This country needs prayer...immediate and fervent prayer...
Mrs. Grapevine - We are so used to getting pablum and sound bites from the mainstream media. Rarely do we get the full 3-D of anyone on television. That is the beauty of the Internet and our blogs. We can seek out the real deal when we want to. I just wonder if the damage done to Obama campaign is fatal?
Ms. Marvalus - Nice to see someone taking time to get the full story. Hypocrisy is rampant in this story. Hopefully, it didn't fatally wound Obama campaign...
Villager,
This is a real gem and I thank you for posting it.
I have maintained that this whole issue has been nothing less that a sham from the start.
It has really made me angry to see how MSM has tried to totally discredit Pastor Wright based on what was said in his sermon.
I have also maintained that he did not say anything that does not have roots in the truth.
Obama has done all that he should on this particular issue. The Perfect Union speech cleared a lot of the confusion.
What King of Prophet? Is preaching to my choir. It is good to see that the UCC body knows what is true about their leadership and members.
As far as impact goes, if Obama is meant to be in the White House~it will happen.
I am a believer in God, and I have to say that there are times when we are all challenged. It didn't kill his spirit to go through this situation.
And we know what our elders have to say on this subject. If it doesn't kill you~it will make you stronger.
Apprently this issue is getting the better of the MSM. I read that there was a blow up on Fox News and one of their reporters walked off because of Obama bashing. This is posted in the Huffington Post.
If we are going to engage in a dialouge about race then we will have to deal with situations like this one. There are probably more waiting in the wings.
Lady D - Feel free to share this information with your blog readers. I'm not sure that I know about the specific reporter that walked off ... but, I did post a few minutes ago a clip of Chris Wallace chiding his colleagues on their excessive Obama-bashing. Perhaps the 'More Perfect Union' speech is taking effect...
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