Below are selections from the transcript of the speech that yesterday Barack Obama gave on race relations in America. I’m turning 50 this week. I thought I might die of old age before I ever heard anyone of Mr. Obama’s political prominence publicly say things this basic and true. Racism is the cancer of our nation. I personally thank God that someone of Mr. Obama’s status finally said things about it as real as:
“[The Declaration of Independence] was not enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part — through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk — to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.”
“Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety — the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.”
“We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.
“Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students. ”
“Legalized discrimination — where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments — meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.
“A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families — a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods — parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement — all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.”
“For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings.
“And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.”
“Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.”
“In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination — and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past — are real and must be addressed.”
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Mr. Wright, I ask your forgiveness for all the times you have been made to feel less than anyone else. Please forgive us all.
I taught school and always noticed that the black children were so hungry for acceptance and my hugs. Some would stand on the playground during recess while the others played. My heart ached for them. Parents need to teach and show their children that the same Person made All of us and He loves All of us (JUST AS WE SHOULD)
Mr. Wright let us all know what it is like to feel less than. Read what he has said and listen to the hurt. He speak for a lot of black people who are treated with little or no respect.
Let's change America people – reach out and treat ALL PEOPLE the same. See if we can do something to change these hurts and little by little our Nation will love as we have been called to do by the Creator of Us All.
We don't live in 1930 Rock. The only place I'm aware of anything like the above you mention existing is some African countries such as present day Zimbabwe.
Washedandforgiven, I did check my history…Turns out the Bill of Rights applied only to Americans which, legally, Blacks were not until the 14th amendment which was three years after the 13th amendment which abolished slavery, both coming 90 years after the American Revolution. Sure, there are plenty of people who wanted to "deal" with slavery before the civil war but the very fact they "compromised" the rights of millions of humans as a political move shows the lack of importance they had for slaves. I did know blacks fought for independence, some where forced, some where clueless and some Blacks fought for the British and left to Canada and back to Britain in hopes of freedom.
Ross, I wished I lived in your world where "no people actually believe the're race is superior to another" there are entire philosophies and sciences and social constructs based on this belief.
Ross: Hey, thanks for the inquiry about whether the Bible commands inter-racial worship. I think I overstated that, and want to clarify. Thanks for calling me on it.
Here’s my quick answer: I don’t think it is wise to try to base everything on just one passage. So we study the whole counsel of God, and get the big picture. For instance, at the big moment in redemptive history when the story began to include non-Jews, when the gospel went out to “the nations” (the greek word might better be translated ethnic groups) it became clear (as hinted at in Genesis) that God’s heart wanted to include into His people an ethnically diverse, trans-national People. We call it now the “Great Commission” and it a pivotal moment to invite into God’s Body, those of other racial and religious backgrounds. His Body was, by design and intent, to be multi-cultural, and we get a glimpse of how that is to happen in the miracle of Pentecost, the Spirit un-doing the curse of Babel. If you do a study of the ethnic groups there (Acts 2:5-12) in that earliest inauguration of the Church, they were, in fact, people from all over, different races (Ethiopians, for instance, were very dark skinned, of course) and cultures. God’s earliest expression of the church was notably multi-cultural, and that surely shows some indication of His plan. It’s not a command, I admit, but it is an picture that is worth immitating, wouldn’t you agree?
Paul teaches often, clearly in Ephesians, that the “wall of separation” the divides Jew & Gentile comes down, and in Christ, we are “brought near” to one another. Much of the narrative subtext, the story behind the scenes, even in theologically dense books like Romans, is how the local body can get along when there is ethnic diversity present.
In fact, resistance to the inclusion of others who are different than the early Jewish followers is what riles Paul the most, as he sees it (in Galatians) as falling back upon “another gospel.” Uniform (in that case legalistic Jewish) worshipping bodies didn’t suit him, and he commission others to be “agents of reconciliation.” To be cross-culturally active, to bring a diversity of folk to faith, to live in proximity so the world can see how we are reconciled, is part of the model of the early church. I was wrong to say we are “commanded” to have multi-ethnic worship. I think it is undeniable. though, that God desires His people to be witnesses (living examples) to His reconciling work. I suppose various races, ages, classes and cultural styles don’t have to worship together, but we sure better be showing the world that we are in community together, reconciled and united, or we are failing to show the watching world what the Body truly is. We are commanded to be reconciled, to God and each other, and that clearly, especially in this time and era when racial antagonisms seem to be so prevalent, means somehow working on racial reconciliation, to point to what God intends, and to illustrate the beauty of His ways.
Many think that we get clues to God’s desires from our imagination of what the final consumation is like, and clearly, the end is multi-cultural. In Revelation 5:9-10 & 13, there is a multi-ethnic choir, drawn together from among the tribes. I don’t think it is a cheap shot to say that since we will be in close worshipping proximity with multi-cultural, trans-national peoples for all of eternity, we ought to start practicing now! Or, to put it differently, if that is God’s heart, His holy intent, the way He wants it to be in His perfect, everlasting Kingdom, then is that not some indication of His heart, now? We may not be directly commanded, but a heart that burns with the things of God’s reign, the way He wills it to be, it seems to me, would make this a priority. I don’t know if the multi-national choir of Revelation is normative for every church here and now, but it is clue, a pointer, an insight into what the goal is. We dare not be cavalier about something His Word has revealed as important to His plan! Agreed?
To be clear, I did not disagree with the first post that said that just because a such is mono-cultural doesn’t mean it is discriminatory or bigoted. I said that, on one hand, I understood what I thought he meant. My church is not terribly multi-racial, although I am sure it grieves the heart of God and hinders our claims about being a reconciled body. Still, although there may be issues of hospitality and lack of friendliness in any church that keeps folks who are different from feeling God’s grace in that place, I would never assume that about any congregation about which I have no right to judge. I just see the trajectory and overall weight of the gospel call to be reconciled, and to be interested in cross-culturally outreach, peacemaking and ministry, and to stand against the sins of racisms, in such a way that it just makes theological sense to say that diverse bodies in proximity living out an observable friendliness is the goal. Commanded? Maybe not. But it is the way of the coming Kingdom, so you might as well get with the program now, lest we be uncomfortable when the King of the nations returns and brings us together, forever healed of worldly divisions.
Hey Byron…nice post. If that's you're "quick answer" then you need to write books.
I hear what you're saying and agree entirely that the future kingdom will be totally multi racial unless the new bodies the Lord gives us are somehow race neutral. If church's are deliberately separating themselves from other races (not sure how that could be done) then I also agree that it would grieve the Lord. But the way I see it is that most Church's are in an area that is dominated by a particular race hence the predominance of that race at a particular church. Be it a white church or a black church, I don't think church's bar people from attending based on race. Usually people self segregate based on stylistic differences. Black church's are usually more emotive and white church's could be thought of as stodgy to someone used to a black church.
A week ago my pastor, who by the way is marrying a black women, invited a friend of his who is a pastor in Boston to give the sermon. He is a black man who was originally from Ghana. I was first aware of his presence during worship. He was loud and enthusiastic which was great. He inspired me to transend my whiteness and take it up a notch. His sermon was what you would expect from black preacher in terms of his "can I get an amen", etc. It was a great sermon so I was giving him his amens. But I knew that the audience he was preaching to was very different than what he was probably used to. We're not accustomed to being so interactive. That being said, everybody I spoke to (all white) loved him.
The only way racial animosity will cease in this world is if we stop talking about this chimera of "racism." I refuse to use the word racism or racist, because I know of no people that actually believe that they're race is superior to another. I know they exist, but they're such a small minority as to be irrelevent. But the charge of racism is a powerful weapon and those that wield it are un-likely to stop doing so.
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Ingrid, ditto on appreciating your comment. I'm tuned in to Trinity's Maundy Thursday service right now, to see what it's all about.
Ingrid, I appreciate your comment.
I think what people called ‘hateful’ was, well, hateful……
Good article here. . .
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=59340
Some interesting information from Obama’s first book – a rather ‘inconvenient truth’ since it is autobiographical.
John,
As I said over out our small blog, I am feeling raw and tired from speaking about this so much these past weeks, but it is so important. I thank you for your bold link to O’s speech, and am glad to see your readers chiming in. It is good to talk about this stuff, although I would hope readers would think carefully before blasting.
For instance, why call Pastor Wright’s prophetic denunciation of social sin “hateful.” He regularly talks about loving one’s opponents! Well, maybe Jeremiah was called angry, and they arrested any number of Hebrew prophets when they said ugly things about the government that the religious folk thought was ordained by God but, as we know, wasn’t usually very faithful. And God raised up prophets and poets to use very strong language against them! It just seems to me that if we were immersed in the Scriptures, we’d have a somewhat better balance about this. Those who take offense to strong talk must not be reading the same Bible I see, which is often wild and controversial and passionate and complicated.
Somebody said, above, that it may not matter if we don’t have integrated churches. On one hand, I understand that writer’s hope that we love one another, and that deep and respectful relationships are more important than just attending worship together. Except, of course, the Bible commands inter-racial worship, and much of the New Testament is about Jews & Gentiles being reconciled. It seems like God intends for ethnic diversity to provide what Brenda Salter McNeill calls in her new book, “a credible witness.”
I list a handful of other helpful Christian books on this topic at the BookNotes blog which you have on occaions been kind enough to commend. Many some of your readers might want to study this a bit more, with teachable spirits, from authors who can guide us wisely into deeper conversations.
Check out http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/blog/
Mona, First let me say that while I am sure you give the link to Trinity’s website as a way to somehow prove what you say is true, let me be blatantly transparent.
Trinity’s politics and views are not out of sync with that of many black churches. The black experience is varied, and some of that variation comes in the form of bitter and angry people who feel disenfranchised. Say what you want about right and wrong, but the hurt, anger and frustration men like Rev. Wright feel is real.
There is a legacy of racism that in the US. And while it does not make us “Nazi” or “KKK’s” by association it is so ingrained in our way of life that the sometimes subtle ways it exposes itself do need to be addressed just as much as the less frequent overt instances.
Sunday morning is the most segregated time in the US. By definition if you go to a church that is predominately white and I go to a church that is predominately black then we are both segregationists. The only truly integrated churches I have ever seen are the mega ministries.
There are some who are more enlightened and who have transcended to a place of non color, but the truth of the matter is that many have not. I agree the church should not spout “hate theology” as you put it, but the reality of life in the black church community is where do you draw the line between hate (as Rev. Wright’s “God Damn America” comments obviously show) and the truth (as Rev. Wright’s comments about missing co-ed in Aruba vs the lack of concern over murdered and raped Black co-eds). Many who want to denounce this man say that is the exact same thing. I on the other hand see the truth in his latter statement. Does that make me racist, maybe. Does that mean I condemn all non blacks in America? No. I really like John. Does my really liking John, my co-worker Shari and the other white folks I know mean I should forget that in the 1950′s slavery was still running rampant in the South and a system of peonage was finally being challenged in Federal court 90 years after the emancipation proclamation freed the slaves. (don’t believe me Google “peonage Fred Oscar Dial” and see what you come up with)
The point I am trying to make to everyone (including washed) is that there is a very real racist legacy in America. Whether your personal moral compass buys into it or not it is an individual victory/failure but until we can admit that the US has failed in race relations. I am what I like to refer to as a Fundamental Christian liberal. I have never condoned protests outside of a Soldiers funeral. I think they are tacky and offensive, but in my opinion so are the pictures of slaughtered babies outside the Abortion clinic. I don’t have anything against gay marriages. as a Christian I think it is biblically unsound but as a member of Society I recognize that somethings should be left into God’s hands to deal with how he sees fit.
Living in America exposes us to a unique experience whereby our better nature is constantly at odds with the reality of the world in which we live. I will leave this with an anecdote. A lesbian white woman graduated from college with her BS and decided to move into the inner city. Her rationale was that inner cities need her income for their tax base and she wasn’t willing to pay suburban prices to live over an hour from work. She moved in and immediately her neighbors cursed her, calling her foul anti-gay and white names. Fearing for her safety she moved to the suburbs withing a years time. Was she a racist? Of course not. Does she hate black people? Nope. She prays. Go figure. A gay woman doing exactly what Jesus expects us to. That is the contradiction of America. Maybe we should all try it whether its ghetto youth or skinheads or extremist sermons from a pastor.
I accept that there are those who are not open to my views. I respect that. This will be my last comment on this topic. Just remember Romans 2:1
I won’t disown my family members or friends, but I do speak the truth in love. As far as supporting a church with such hateful theology, Jesus NEVER taught us to hate. Wrights’ words are antithetical to Jesus’. When we continue to give our support through tithes or attendance we are not living with integrity.
We need to be willing to examine ourselves and try to understand and sympathize with those different from us, rather than make excuses for ourselves and sit back with our arms folded across our chest and vilify “the other side.”
Race relations in America is a complex and difficult subject. Racism is everywhere. But God’s people, allowing the love of Christ to flow through them, are also everywhere, and we can make a difference and glorify God in the process! Thank you dsrtrosy for your story. There are churches in Kenya which cross tribal lines who are working for reconciliation there. I know there are white racists, but also white people who are thrilled when a black family comes to our church. We are just not used to living and playing together. But with God anything is possible. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:19)
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
I recommend the following, “Tribalism in America”, not exactly pertaining to race but relevant to our conduct as believers. Go to http://www.icmusa.org/, it is a PDF file about halfway down the page.
Second what Allmixedup said.
Gotcha Washed, I was using ‘hellfire and brimstone’ as an adjective for a stereotypically type of ‘over the top’ preaching style.
I’ve had the same type of experiences as Michelle when it comes to family members. In fact, I was thinking that Wright’s rhetoric is not that much different than my 80 year old father’s, and although we vehemently disagree when it comes to matters of race, I have yet to disown him.
Good point Ross, since if we are pre-destined to anything as Christians, it's to be conformed to the image of Christ.
I’M YOUR CANADIAN NEIGHBOUR IN VANCOUVER. WE ARE FOLLOWING YOUR NATIONS POLITICS CLOSELY ‘CAUSE WHAT AFFECTS YOU EVENTUALLY AFFECTS US. I LISTENED TO OBAMA’S SPEECH AND WAS THRILLED TO HEAR HIM ACKNOWLEDGE A BELIEF IN JESUS. AS FOR PASTOR WRIGHT I WAS HORRIFIED AT HIS ANGRY OUTBURSTS AND STATEMENTS. I PERSONALLY THINK HE IS NOT AGING GRACEFULLY LIKE ELDER STATESMEN IN THE CHURCH ARE EXHORTED TO BECOME. HE HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD EXAMPLE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION. OUR CHURCHES ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AS A NATION THAT THE RIGHT PERSON WILL BECOME YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT.
Please let me know the passage where the Bible COMMANDS inter-racial worship. When a church is multi-racial that's awesome, but a Church that is not isn't necessarily bigoted or somehow deficient.
Racism has been an ugly part of this country's past…no doubt. But at what time does an ethnic group collectively decide to put it in the past and move on? I'm currently reading "Time Immemorial" which details the history of the Holy Land. What I find interesting is that you will not find a group more discriminated, hated, or oppressed than the Jews have been. Whether in the Arab world or Europe, yet as a people they just keep on keeping on and move ahead without letting the past embitter them.
Besides the fact the Wright's sermons are not Biblical, does anybody really believe that the things he preaches about are leading people to a deeper relationship with Jesus?
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