Monday, March 31, 2008
James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Years ago when I first read that verse I thought it meant that those who teach in the church will be judged more strictly by God on judgment day. I wonder if that’s all James was implying.
Maybe James also meant that the words of teachers in the church would be examined more closely by people with skin on 'em too – which, in our day means the media, community leaders, politicians, pundits, and even fellow believers. That’s certainly been the case with the inflammatory words of Barack Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Lately clips of Wright’s sermons have been racing all over the internet and the 24 hour news channels, so there’s no need to re-type those statements here. We’ve all heard them.
While I’ve been hesitant to say anything about this issue, Wright is a fellow pastor, and since part of the reason I write this blog is to encourage and prod fellow pastors, I feel compelled to say just two things.
First, while slow to do so, Obama has come out and publicly denounced these statements by his former pastor.
“All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country." (Associated Press, 28 March 2008.)
Those looking for ammo to keep this attack going against Barack on this issue need to simply let it die. It’s ridiculous to think that everyone at the church I serve is 100% in line with every single statement I make every single Sunday morning.
Second, as a pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright should come out and graciously repent.
Not because it will help Barack’s campaign.
Not because people disagree with him.
And not because it will help bolster his reputation.
But because he’s a disciple of Jesus.
My guess is if James were still around, he’d probably say the same thing.
Obama’s Former Pastor Should Graciously Repent
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5 comments:
But what good would a public repentance be if Rev. Wright truly believes what he said is what a disciple of Jesus should be saying right now in the current cultural climate of the US?
What exactly would or should his repentance look like?
That's a great question.
Not to skirt it, but I would love to know what Barack thinks that repentance should look like and include. I would have to believe that it's hard not to "vehemently condemn" someone's word and not have a good idea how some can make them right.
I'll have to give that some thought.
He may have been a "follower of Jesus" at some point in his life, but he sure doesn't sound like it to me. Also, repentance is brought about by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, not the condemning power of the media. Finally, Obama may not agree with everything that Wright said, but make no mistake about it, he loves the man. He loved him with his checkbook and he loved him enough to involve him in important family events. There's no way he could have been around Wright for so many years and not have been aware of his vehemently racist beliefs. Obama is smart. He understands politics. He knows that it's politically expedient to denounce Wright's diatribes. We better pay attention.
You said:
Those looking for ammo to keep this attack going against Barack on this issue need to simply let it die. It’s ridiculous to think that everyone at the church I serve is 100% in line with every single statement I make every single Sunday morning.
I agree!
On both points...Rev. should repent. Maybe he has already to God & to those close to him. We don't know that. But I think a public acknowledgement cleanses the soul. And we are a people (not christians, everyone) that will forgive.
What makes you think that everyone doesn't agree with 100% of the things you say?? ;)
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