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Overcoming Racism and Pastors are People Too



11 Responses to “Overcoming Racism and Pastors are People Too”

  1. Sam. says:

    Interesting post, Eric. (Hope you’re doing ok by the way??) I read the speech yesterday afternoon and was touched profoundly. It’s going to be interesting to see the full out from delving into the race issue. Its seems like it could go either way: bring an end to his nomination ambitions or open the way to the White House. There’s a lot of interest this side of the pond to see how things are going to unfold.

  2. Johnny Laird says:

    If I had a vote, Obama would get mine

    J

  3. Lyn says:

    What I most disliked about this posting is that it glosses over what happened.

    I have never been impressed by Obama. He’s a racist. It’s that simple.

    That so many are quick to forgive the rhetoric of the pastor Wright is disturbing. Don’t excuse it with “pastors are people too.” We are correct in holding him to a higher standard of conduct because of his leadership position. And Obama should definitely be held to a higher standard because he’s running for President.

    Don’t excuse these black racists. There is no excuse for their anti-White and anti-American comments.

    Obama and Wright are racists. Wake up, people.

  4. Daniel says:

    Hi Eric - I like these thoughts about reflecting this kind of scrutiny to all church leadership. Every pastor needs to guard what he/she says very closely. The biases we often work under seem right to us; but when held up to God’s vision and message are clearly shown to be askew.

    One of my favorite Americans in recent history is Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. His vision of America has to be God’s vision: he wanted equality and integration, not segregation and superiority.

  5. Eric Bryant says:

    Lyn,

    Just to clarify, I liked the idea of condemning the rhetoric without condemning the person. The other reason I liked the speech: Obama pointed out the racism from both sides.

    My comments on the speech were more from my perspective as a pastor who makes mistakes and from a broader perspective as a cultural observer. Rev. Wright’s statements are incredibly inflammatory and racist. If my pastor spoke like that, I would feel the freedom to leave (in the Western World there are plenty of churches to choose from).

    I also agree with you, Daniel. Pastors do need to watch what we say and how we say it.

  6. Sam. says:

    Thanks Eric.

    I still don’t know about Preston. I probably will know for sure when our building move is going to happen in a couple of weeks and then I’ll know. Definitely hoping to be there though!

  7. Brett says:

    Enjoyed your thoughts here, Eric. I too really appreciated Obama’s speech. I thought it was uncharacteristically intelligent and nuanced for a political speech. I just posted my own thoughts about it on my blog earlier today. I’m not necessarily Obama’s biggest fan, but I have to say his speeches are fantastic.

  8. Kevin says:

    I didn’t read or see his speech, but Obama is not a Christian. His lifestyle and beliefs should reflect the person of Jesus Christ. From what I have read and heard about him, clearly indicates that he is not a true believer in Christ. Anyone can say that they are believer in Jesus.

  9. mike says:

    obama passed on signing legislation that\’d allow a 2nd doctor to give medical attention to a baby who lived thru a botched late term abortion. Planned parenthood gives him a 100% rating. His popularity among the masses as well as among many followers of Christ ought to tell us our days, as we\’ve come to love them, got to be limited. Kevin, Lyn, keep it up.

  10. Teree says:

    I considered Obama\’s speech to be eloquent but transparent of how much he has been influenced by Mr. Wright. Actions speak louder than words. I don\’t want a lukewarm Christian nor a lukewarm President.

  11. Zoraida Quattrini says:

    Praise God for all He is doing. Thanks!

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