Sunday, March 16, 2008

At the Risk of Alienating...

...some of my readers, I'm going to go out on a limb here and defend the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Senator Barack Obama's pastor of 20 years.

It's seriously not fashionable in this week's political climate to say anything good about Wright. He has uttered what are being roundly criticized as "inflammatory" and "divisive" comments. He has said things that are "unAmerican." Obama himself has been forced, in the interest of political expediency, to distance himself from his own pastor.

But if we look at who is making the loudest protestations about Reverend Wright, we find the usual suspects who long ago linked their flag with their God. "God Bless America" is not a prayer in the minds of these people. It is a demand. It is their right. It is expected. "God, you will bless America, and you will do it now!" They are also, by and large, White men who know NOTHING of the Black experience in America. These are the people most inclined to wave the "support the troops" banners, yet few of them ever served in the military. These are the people, who while claiming to love the God of the Bible (the God of Israel) will tell you with complete conviction, that, "America is the greatest land God ever gave this planet."

Do you seriously want to make that boast to the God of Israel?

Reverend Wright said that we as a country have done terrible things. Reverend Wright said that we as a country have some explaining to do to our God. Reverend Wright said that we as a country are not nearly what we claim to be. And I agree with him 100%. I have been saying the same things for eight years, though not as blatantly, as I learned quickly that knee-jerk "patriots" will not be able to hear you if you don't speak their language.

And have not the James Dobsons of the world been decrying the "sins" of America for decades? Didn't Jerry Fallwell call 9/11 God's judgement?

How is Jeremiah Wright any different?

Once again, to my Christian friends who have wrapped Jesus in the Stars and Stripes: Jesus is not an American. He sure as hell is not a Republican. And he damn well hates your nationalistic pride.

I guarantee it.

Lady Liberty has become a whore, and American Christianity is nothing more than cheap costume jewelry.

A prophet has no honor in his own country.
Gospel of John, 4:44

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10 Comments:

  • Amen.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at March 17, 2008 at 9:53 AM  

  • I agree.

    By Blogger Unknown, at March 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM  

  • I'm happy to give Rev. Wright the same level of respect I give Jerry Falwell.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at March 17, 2008 at 10:50 AM  

  • Ouch! Well spoken. God is above politics. I'm pretty sure slavery and segregation are outside the 'do unto others' part of the golden rule. Still, does this mean we need 200 years of racism the opposite direction to balance things? BTW, kudos to ouija repair!

    JC in SW MO

    By Blogger warbird2010, at March 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM  

  • JP,

    I would argue that your "Christian Friends" are not about theocratic rule or religious zealously. It is my belief that these Patriotic Christians are about more of what religion stands for in the values of American society, and not a scapegoat to oppress the masses. It's Gods teachings they wish to preserve and believe should influence political decision making. But they're not forcing it.

    Their God is omnipotent and not just the God of Israel.

    The verse you quote may also be taken out of context. A prophet has "no honor " in his own country, meaning no one honors a profit - is the correct context. Those closest to you accept you while others may perceive you differently.

    Just thought I would go against the grain...like usual.

    By Blogger Josh S, at March 17, 2008 at 1:56 PM  

  • Joshua:

    I’m talking abut those who seek to “take America back for God,” who hold to a distinct Judeo-Christian theology, of which the Old and New Testament Jewish God is the deity. Even among the Generic God crowd, (Limbaugh, etc) the same deity is generally implied.

    As for John 4:44, see Mark 6:1 for clarification. The locals (from his hometown) were giving Jesus trouble and not believing.

    By Blogger RFB, at March 17, 2008 at 3:48 PM  

  • This comment has been removed by the author.

    By Blogger New York Punk, at March 17, 2008 at 4:42 PM  

  • I had to delete that because I just realized I don't give a shit about politicians and the things they do/say.

    By Blogger New York Punk, at March 17, 2008 at 9:52 PM  

  • That's too bad, Punk. It was a great comment. You should run for office.

    By Blogger RFB, at March 18, 2008 at 6:26 AM  

  • Jetpacks: fair comment. The American religious belief is a monolithic entity, unable to conceive of any other view point or be tolerant of criticism.

    As for the Bible, it is not an egalitarian guidebook by any means...though there are some days I wish could sell my wife into slavery!

    Hillary is all about giving up any person who is not 'convenient' for her campaign. Obama, not so much. I liked the speech he gave. He is much more charismatic as a figurehead, HRC strikes me a shrill. Being the President is as much about presence as it is about leadership...sadly...just like the Britney drama...bread and circus for all!

    Kenny

    I really liked ouija's comment "I'm happy to give Rev. Wright the same level of respect I give Jerry Falwell." Intelligent humour, good perspective!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at March 21, 2008 at 6:19 PM  

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