Would You Stay in Your Church If Your Minister Were a Bigot?
I would like to think most people would say “no.”
I’ve stayed at my church–actually left after my divorce, then came back with my new husband–for the better part of 20 years specifically because my minister is terrific. His sermons are always thought-provoking and I can honestly say I agree with his speech from the pulpit, even when it makes some members uncomfortable.
Perhaps that is part of why I don’t believe the arguments such as those made by Jeromy Brown in the comments at my other post on this subject. Does Obama’s continued participation in an organization run by a bigot reflect badly on him? I would say it certainly does, especially considering the arguments made by liberals when it comes to religion on the right.
It’s pretty hard to make the argument that an endorsement by John Hagee equates to John McCain embracing his views while trying to dismiss Obama’s close association with bigot Jeremiah Wright. And make no mistake: Wright is a bigot. If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
As Jules Crittenden points out, the problem with this scandal is that for a sizable portion of the Democratic Party (and perhaps the American electorate), qualifications, experience, and wisdom don’t count for much. How else to explain Obama’s appeal? His ideas are little distinguishable from Hillary Clinton’s, and his discussions of foreign policy have shown an appalling lack of understanding. He has few, if any, legislative accomplishments. How can we expect any from a one-term Senator? But don’t confuse the Obamamaniacs. If you point out the Obamessiah’s flaws, you must be a racist.
Yorkshire:
I read the speech yesterday. Even copied it for future reference. But other than the dog ate my homework, BO has essentially said not voting for him is a racist act since he, BO, is the only hope of leading us out of racism. Right. :-\
19 March 2008, 7:55 amRovin:
Actually Yorkie, if you reach under the bus and pull out Obama’s grandmother — you’re a racist.
19 March 2008, 9:48 amYorkshire:
Apparently, Oprah Winfrey was in this congregation and bailed out there in the late 90’s when she couldn’t take Wright’s rhetoric anymore.
21 March 2008, 1:11 pm