Just in case we needed more evidence of the moronic state of American political discourse, enter the latest media feeding frenzy — Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
 
I mean, my God, what could be a bigger story?! It turns out that the admittedly controversial pastor of Barack Obama’s church has at times (you won’t believe this one!) said some things that are controversial.
 
Film to follow — repeatedly.

But I suppose this uproar shouldn’t surprise us. It’s well known, after all, that each of us is 100% answerable for every word our ministers speak — not to mention our lawyers, doctors (especially proctologists), insurance agents, teachers, neighbors and, yes, of course, crazy old uncles. I mean who among us would even consider having a minister, a proctologist, a close friend or even a spouse who isn’t exactly like us and who doesn’t believe exactly the same things we do.
 
As the old song goes (well, sort of):
 
We’re all made out of ticky-tacky
And we all think just the same.

I’ll let you in on a secret based upon my experience as a PK (preacher’s kid). Parishioners often disagree with things their preachers say — sometimes vehemently — but that doesn’t mean they necessarily abandon their religious communities. Many Roman Catholics, for example, strongly disagree with church doctrine on issues like gay rights, and yet they find value in remaining a part of their church.

Back when my father was a liberal minister with the United Church of Christ, conservative parishioners often disagreed with things he said: most of them, however, didn’t storm out of the church in a huff. In fact, many remained personally close to my father.

By staying in the congregation — let alone remaining friendly with the fiendish liberal pastor — did these people become responsible for everything Dad said? Of course not. 
 
“Ah, but this is different,” some will respond, “since some of Wright’s words were racist in tone toward whites.” Actually that’s debatable, but even if we pretend it’s true, is this a slippery slope we really want to start down? Do we really want to get into a situation where politicians are attacked and even called upon to resign from their churches based upon a minister saying something controversial?

Personally, I can think of few things that would be more inconsistent with the religious values we claim to hold.

Still, the story does seem to be drawing some political blood. According to a new Rasmussen poll, 56 percent of voters say Wright’s comments make them less likely to vote for Obama. A small plurality of voters overall (and a fairly large plurality of white voters) believe Obama should leave his church.

So, if viewed strictly from the standpoint of political expedience, should Obama resign from his church?

Actually, even if viewed solely in the light of expediency, he should do just the opposite.

It’s time for Barack Obama to strongly rise to the defense of Trinity UCC. According to an article posted on the official United Church of Christ website, the church has accomplished some remarkable things:

Located in the heart of Chicago’s impoverished Southside, Trinity UCC’s vast array of ministries include career development and college placement, tutorial and computer services, health care and support groups, domestic violence programs, pastoral care and counseling, bereavement services, drug and alcohol recovery, prison ministry, financial counseling and credit union, housing and economic development, dozens of choral, instrumental and dance groups, and diverse programming for all ages, including youth and senior citizens.

The time for distancing himself from Wright is over. Instead, Obama should go on the offensive by talking about all of the great things Trinity UCC does, and by scoffing at suggestions that he abandon his church. He should certainly reiterate his strong disagreement with some of the things Jeremiah Wright has said, but only in passing. And in doing so, he should emphasize that those few rhetorical excesses in no way reflect the true spirit of the congregation.

His message should be simple and direct: “If forced to choose between the presidency and my religious community, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second before standing with the latter. I will never be silent when a church that has done so much for me and my family and for countless other people in need is unfairly attacked. If you’ve got a problem with Barack Obama, then take all the shots at me you want. But leave my church alone.”

He should speak from the heart, with all the passion and elegance he’s capable of, and then, for better or for worse, he should let that speech define him as a person.

Would taking this approach “work” politically? I personally think it would, but there’s no guarantee. I suppose sometimes you just have to be willing to take a leap of faith

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This entry was posted by Steve on Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm and is filed under Comment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.