Wright, Obama, faith, and politics

I have been home sick with the flu for the last few days, but I am finally reengaging with the world --- this means catching up on blogs, emails, and news stories. As a proud Barack Obama supporter who readily admits that my theology is often in tension with my politics, I am deeply troubled by the continuation of the Jeremiah Wright controversy.

Now, I defended both Wright and Obama in the wake of the initial “scandal.” I have enough knowledge and experience of the black church tradition and liberation theology to know exactly where Wright was coming from, and I couldn’t stand how the American public was acting as if it had become sacrilegious to even question or critique America’s relationship to 9/11. Most (white) people I talked to didn’t have any clue what Wright really said or the context he was speaking out of. They just bought hook, line, and sinker that he was a racist unpatriotic loud bombastic black preacher.

As I talked with other white people, I heard fears expressed out loud that Obama was a racist and a closet black nationalist who somehow was going to overturn everything in favor of African-Americans as president. I couldn’t believe the outrageous things I was hearing expressed so reasonably by my white educated counterparts.

Intuitively, it makes no sense to me that Obama would be a closet black power nationalist, but that doesn’t matter. White fear is alive and well. Then came Obama’s fantastic and historic speech on race! I couldn’t imagine someone handling that situation with more brilliance, gentleness, and grace. Obama called America towards healing and reconciliation while affirming black and white communities. In an extraordinary act of courage and love, Obama did not reject the person who baptized him and married him, though he defined their differences. At the same time, he did sympathize with the fears and wounds of both black and white America. He spoke with purpose, integrity and insight.

But things kept getting worse…

After watching the new blitz of media coverage on Rev. Wright I feel sad and confused.

1) I think Rev. Wright's defense of the black prophetic faith tradition is justified. I initially felt excited about this opportunity for the general American public to really wrestle with issues of faith and race. When it comes to the body of Wright's message in front of the NAACP and the National Press Club, I totally agree with most of what he says. And I do believe that he deserved a chance to offer the American public a fuller picture of himself.

2) However, I was very disappointed and saddened by his delivery and timing. Even if Wright spoke truth, the way that he delivered it was arrogant, sarcastic, and unfortunately will have turned many people off.

In the long run, this will hurt Obama. This situation is not just particular to Wright. I have seen a lot of pastors gifted with a sharp tongue cross the line when expressing “truth.” As they descend to defensive posturing, arrogance, and sarcasm, there is irreconcilable damage.

I think this whole situation is fascinating in that it’s calling to light the tension between faith and politics and the different standards of accountability each holds. But I am also reminded of Jesus’ admonition to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves.

I’m saddened that I do not see more wisdom, humility and gentleness on display by Rev. Wright. I do not doubt for a minute that he is a man of faith who is deeply concerned about justice and reconciliation. But I think that in this instance the shadow of pride looms a little too large.

At the same time, I'm equally saddened by the deeply personal nature of this situation. I can't imagine being in the position where I had to nationally and publically denounce a spiritual mentor. Because Obama is running for political office, this decision is inherently political. Obama doesn't have the luxery of approaching this situation from a faith perspective and as a church member, though I'm sure internally there has been much more turmoil than we might think. I say this becuase of Obama's initial hesitancy to distance himself from Wright was clearly based out of concern, care, and respect for the Reverand. I see why Obama responded the way he did, and I see no other way. Yet, I still mourn the viscous cycle of politics that divides and seperates. Running for public office comes with costs that I could never accept.

Obama's response to Rev. Wright's remarks.

Wright as Prophet --- but which one?

A Long Increasingly Strained Road for Obama and Wright

mystery gift

Thank you to whoever sent me Wild Sweet Orange. It was an unexpected treat!

happy earth day!

Sedona, AZ

from our honeymoon

churches fear Zimbabwe 'genocide'

BBC NEWS Africa Churches fear Zimbabwe 'genocide'

This is getting more serious by the day.

Also, if you want a real sense of the violence and torture that is happening on the ground, visit the blog: This is Zimbabwe.

sexual assault awareness

For those who know me, I think a lot about violence, power and abuse, particularly as it intersects with race and gender. As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I find that I have been wrestling a lot with questions of agency and healing because I have to believe that CHANGE is possible.

That being said, below are two interesting articles of note:

1) Ending Violence Against Women
Written by black man who himself was an abuser, this post is so hopeful because it speaks to the possibility of change and redemption. This article speaks to the reality that violent men can be transformed into powerful advocates as their own cultural mindset is challenged and their hearts are transformed.


2) Rape and Race: We Have To Talk About It

our home

A lot of people have wondered what our apartment looks like.
These pictures were taken from our front door.

I am thankful for ANY green.

The Subaru is pretty lonely in Texas! It doesn't see many friends on the road.

Home Sweet Home: SummerTime Villa
(this was taken in Oct. notice our neighbor's door decorations)

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