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Sunday, March 23, 2008
Kevin McCullough :: Townhall.com Columnist
No Dr. Wright, God Bless America
by Kevin McCullough
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Even though Barack Obama has "moved on" from the messy association that he has recently been forced to explain to man who had been his pastor for 20 years, it is clear - the voters haven't. There are legitimate questions being raised about a relationship that spans a generation and the beliefs of a man who has on multiple dozens of occasions issued some of the most vitriolic, bigoted, racism imaginable in America today.

No doubt one of the most infamous video moments recently unearthed was Jeremiah Wright's use of what he cleverly believed to be a cute play on words. His congregation certainly thought it was hoot.

We know they thought it was a hoot - because the volume at which Dr. Wright was forced to scream out the invective literally had to be done over an auditorium of hooting, hollering, clapping, dancing, and patting each other on the back. Had one been so inclined to mute the volume while the clip plays, watching the video might lead one to believe it to be moment of great celebration.

This clip, I believe, is what has stabbed the heart of every decent American, of every color, of every background, and from every corner of the globe. This clip should give all God fearing people pause to understand the language being used in it, and the rowdy ruckus of the circumstances in which it was recorded onto video.

And you would think a theologian would be the most somber of all at issuing the message Rev. Wright was attempting to get across (if we are to believe his motives at all.)

Dr. Jeremiah Wright, who is famous for dropping f-bombs from the pulpit, in the clip in question invokes God's damnation on our nation, his nation, and his grandchildren's nation. In the now famous footage he calls down the God who created him to level the Almighty's ultimate judgment and wrath upon everyone here - both his friends and his enemies. As Dr. Wright soaks in the rowdy agreement that echoes from every pew of the Trinity United Church of Christ, a sly grin hits the corner his mouth. And everyone in attendance seconds Dr. Wright's plea before our maker.

Dr. Wright could not be more mistaken, in his theology, in his understanding of his nation, nor in seeking resolutions for the problems that face the community that he seeks to serve.

For if God's DAMNATION is what Dr. Wright seeks, then it will level the same judgment against the poor homeless man on the southside of Chicago who attends Dr. Wright's worship services, just like it would impact Bill Gates, far removed from any of the day to day financial struggles many Americans face.

If Dr. Wright was seeking a microwavable answer from the Almighty to quickly and efficiently level justice, then it is my opinion that he was not truly aware of what he was asking for.

All of Dr. Wright's other silly assertions aside (Jesus was black, America invented AIDS, wealth is evil, etc. etc.) for him to presume that seeking God's damnation would not bring about the judgment we all deserve show's just how far he has subjected his knowledge of truth to the showcase of a standing ovation during an enraged not so cleverly disguised monologue of political commentary.

What Dr. Wright fundamentally misunderstands is that according to the New Testament book of Romans we are ALL in need of salvation, because we have ALL sinned and missed God's standard. Ushering God's damnation (ultimate punishment for missing God's mark) is an act that should be only pursued with soberness of mind.

For many of these reasons, my hunch is that Dr. Wright was not truly seeking God's punishment, but rather exploiting an opportunity to make a point - and as was evident by his pleasurable glee - at the expense of the current administration, and the history of America as a nation.

Please don't misunderstand, America has had some considerable sins - but asking for ultimate punishment from deity is usually not recommended. And while Dr. Wright may hate and wish for the death even the assassination of President Bush - if they have both submitted their lives to the Lordship of the Risen Christ then they will spend eternity together.

If Dr. Wright's heart is burdened by injustice, sin, racial discrimination, or other evidences of wrong doing - which need to be based on substance - then he's praying the wrong prayer.

America has taken a path in recent years that is systematically destroying God's influence on how we as a culture make decisions, establish laws, and enforce justice in our nation. And while they have promised "leaders" like Wright "the world" in exchange for loyalty - the politicians that Wright has supported for the duration of his time in the pulpit - have led the dismantling of the black family. They have single-handedly fought to keep black girls poor, uneducated and pregnant. They have fought and are fighting to redefine sexual morality and the very definition of a family to include whatever purient influences can raise money, organize, and activate.

In large measure the politicians that Dr. Wright has advocated for are increasingly responsible for the fact that seven out of ten African American pregnancies are to unwed girls, and that nearly fifty percent of those end in abortion.

No Dr. Wright, what America is in desperate need of is God's mercy. We need His grace. We need His forgiveness for the elimination of an entire people group that dwarfs the number dead of all American casualties in all of our wars, the era of slavery, and civil rights violence combined.

So during my show on Friday, I had this idea...

What if we responded to cruelty with kindness. What if Americans from all over the nation - instead of repeating the phrase three times asking God to "damn America" - what if we asked for God's forgiveness, blessing, and mercy. And what if we extended it to the man who DID seek God's annihilation? So I put the idea out there on Friday and the phones started ringing.

With only kindness in your heart and voice we're asking any like-minded folks to do the same - call Dr. Jeremiah Wright's office at Trinity United Church of Christ. The number is 773.962.5650. Ask to be connected to Dr. Wright's assistants and ask for "Pastor Wright." If the very nice assistant tells you he's unavailable ask for his voice mail and in some creative (but only appropriate) way relay to Pastor Wright that you will be asking God three times for His blessing, for your family, for your nation, and that even includes Dr. Wright. 773.962.5650.

It is appropriate that the weekend we remember Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death, our ultimate and only path of reconciliation to God, that we in soberness of mind seek God's best for our nation in the days to come. "Justice for all" included!

It would be a true testament to America's goodness if Dr. Wright's office was so overflowing with kindness from our phone calls, that he might alter his view of the nation that has given him the chance to do what he does with his life. So let's flood him with kindness - because an ounce of that will be a heavier load than ten tons of guilt.

Trinity United Church of Christ - 773.962.5650 (ask for Dr. Wright's office)

And by e-mail at info@tucc.org.

"God BLESS America, God BLESS America, God BLESS America!" Yes Dr. Wright, "God Bless America!"

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About The Author
Kevin McCullough is the nationally syndicated host of "'Xtreme' Radio and columnist based in New York. He blogs at www.muscleheadrevolution.com. His second book "The Kind Of MAN Every Man SHOULD Be" is in stores now.

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(88 comments so Far)
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Reply # 1
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 4:11 AM EST
Amen to That.
I couldn't agree with you more. However, I somehow doubt that Dr. Wright, will at this point in his life, see the wisdom in your suggestion. He like many of the race hustlers that perpetuate the very racial divide they claim to be working to close, have made a cottage industry out of fomenting hate and resentment. They wouldn't know the truth if it bit them. Ironically it is "rich white America" that provides blacks with more opportunity and a standard of living unparraled anywhere in the world. While Afica is racked with tribal/religious genocide, oppresion and general chaos, it doesn't garner a mention by Rev. Wright. Or if it does...it's all the evil white man's fault. You have to believe that after 20 years of attending this institution of hate, Obama must agree with its philosophy. To say otherwise is to think that we are all idiots.
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Reply # 2
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 5:39 AM EST
Obama, McCain and American Politics
Even though many Americans do not agree with McCain’s politics, at least he realizes that America’s international relationships have been damaged by Bush’s stance on global warming, torture and Iraq. See the article below covering McCain’s recent trip for details.
It is a shame that certain members of the conservative political movement are so far behind the times in recognizing the need to heal a lot of issues after eight years of Bush.

"McCain Offers Soothing Tones in Trip Abroad"
By MICHAEL COOPER

PARIS — Senator John McCain’s trip abroad this week — which took him from the Middle East to No. 10 Downing Street to the Élysée Palace here — was more than just a Congressional fact-finding trip, or even a candidate’s attempt to appear statesmanlike.

It was also an audition on the world stage for Mr. McCain in his new role as the Republican presidential nominee. And it offered him the chance to test his hope that he could repair America’s tattered reputation by shifting course on some of the policies that have alienated its allies, in areas like global warming and torture. But he is making his foray even as he embraces what much of the world sees as the most hated remnant of the Bush presidency: the war in Iraq.

Do an internet search with the title to find the rest of the article….
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Reply # 3
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 6:15 AM EST
Thank you
Your suggestion is wonderful. I and my husband will call. And, I will call with genuine kindness in my heart.

I have been concerned for the good Christians at Trinity who are being denied the Word of God by Rev. Wright. They will be in my prayers this morning.

Happily, I will be celebrating Easter at a tiny multi-cultural and multi-racial church in Providence, RI. My mom (85 years old) is, I guess, not your typical white person. This is her church and when I visit, this is where we worship.

The Rev, a veteran, is one of the finest men of God I have ever known. Barack would do well to find such a man as mentor.

Blessings,
Nancy
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Reply # 4
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 6:40 AM EST
As a Christian
. . . I recognize the Bible as the source of the writings which my faith is guided by. Rev. Wright is hardly scriptural, and causes more damage to Christianity than any non-Christian could ever hope to.
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Reply # 5
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:00 AM EST
Jeff at 5:39
Why does it not surprise me that you quote the NYT to (attempt) bolster your argument?

I have some breaking news for you - just because the NYT says something doesn't make it true; quite the contrary in most cases!

You write that "America's international relationships have been damaged by Bush's stance on global warming, torture and Iraq."

WHO SAYS SO? Are you again letting the NYT be your guiding light?

I have personally spent 23 years of my life living/working outside the U.S., mainly in Europe. In the course of living, shopping, partying, traveling, vacationing and conversing with the peoples of these various places. I have yet to be criticized personally or because of my government for ANYTHING.

People from all countries know the generosity and goodness of heart of the American people. They see it every time there is an earthquake, a sunami, a volcano eruption, etc. They know of the millions of pounds of free food stuffs donated each year by the American people, and they also know that NO NATION SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME has ever fought for and won the freedom of so many people.

Do you have no sense of history or what this country has accomplished? And don't wimp out and say you are only speaking of the Bush administration - your post was pure 'liberal-speak' (or anti-American, take your pick).

I might add - at no time during my foreign travels did I EVER meet a person, male or female, who would not have jumped at the chance to become and American citizen.

Jeff, you might want to get a little bit of common sense, a tad experience, a modicum of education and an adversion to being led around by the nose before you pen such drivel again - a man should have some pride!

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Reply # 6
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:22 AM EST
Rev. Wright & Obama family
I was an Obama supporter. Now I'm not. He is not who I thought. For decades he has listened and tacitly approved of a racebaiting, divisive, rabid and America-hating, girievance-culturist. I am mourning the loss of someone I thought was a man of integrity. I do not doubt he is brilliant and would have made a fine president but he does not love our country or even perhaps people who are not black. That is now my personal question. I also wonder what Michelle's role is in all this. She strikes me as a strong and angry woman. Wasn't her thesis at Princeton along the lines of her mistreatment as a woman of color at that institution? How would she function in the White House toward the rest of us?
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Reply # 7
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:46 AM EST
Rev. Wright et al
What an excellent spotlight this article has shone on the behavior of the Trinity United Church of Christ and its leadership shown on the video. And what an excellent suggestion Mr. McCullough makes! I am a firm believer in NOT putting restrictions on God's awesomeness - He is mightier than any misled church leader and congregation! May He open the eyes of the hearts at TUCC - and of anyone who sees the aforementioned video. Go, God!!!!
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Reply # 8
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:49 AM EST
Walt
My seven years working outside the US confirm your experiences with foreigners. Foreign government elites may resent their own insignificance when dealing with a super-power, but the man or woman in the street just wants to get here. The most sincere form of appreciation and respect.
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Reply # 9
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 8:21 AM EST
Sent the e-mail
I have sent an E-mail promising to pray three times in the Presence of the Holy Eucharistic Presence of Christ, for His mercy and forgiveness of such as Rev. Wright, who still believe that it is possible to jointly rule with Satan and all his fallen angels. I will also pray for the children whose parents are so twisted that when their children seek bread, they give them stones.

And when I go to Mass this morning, I will do so.

My sainted Southern Granny used to warn us, *Speak of the Devil and he will appear.* If you have never read the final of the Chronicles of Narnia, I recommend it as a clear picture of what happens to those who invoke Satan without believing he hears or will come.
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Reply # 10
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 8:38 AM EST
Amen, Mac
Let me repeat what Mac just said, just to make sure we all get it. "You have to believe that after 20 years of attending this institution of hate, Obama must agree with its philosophy. To say otherwise is to think that we are all idiots." AMEN!
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Reply # 11
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 8:49 AM EST
HE IS RISEN!!!
...& TUCC is answering their phones this morning!

Just called and spoke to a very nice woman. Simply told her that we do not want God to damn America, Dr. Wright, OR President Bush. I told her that I prayed for God's Blessings on them all!

She responded, "oh thank you!"

Then SHE said, "God Bless America!"

To which I replied, "Amen Sister!"
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Reply # 12
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 8:59 AM EST
For Jeff Akins
Re: "...it offered him the chance to test his hope that he could repair America’s tattered reputation by shifting course on some of the policies that have alienated its allies, in areas like global warming and torture. But he is making his foray even as he embraces what much of the world sees as the most hated remnant of the Bush presidency: the war in Iraq."

Since we invaded Iraq France has retired Chirac, an anti-American liberal, and elected Nicolas Sarkozy, a pro-American conservative. Germany has retired anti-Americam liberal Gerhard Schroeder and elected pro-American conservative Angela Merkle.

As I recall it was France and Germany that led the charges at the UN that the US should not invade Iraq. As I recall France and Germany also had their share of beneficiaries from the UN's thoroughly corrupt "Oil for Food" program.

So the two biggest critics of the war have changed their tune completely from anti-American liberalism to pro-American conservatism since we invaded Iraq and you (and the NYT) conclude that the war has "tattered" America's reputation. It is obvious that you and Mr.Cooper (the NYT columnist) need a lot more training in critical thinking and a lot less liberal Kool-Aid.
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Reply # 13
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:06 AM EST
Mac and AynRandLives
You guys don't get it.

Obama went to that church and listened to his mentor belch hate for twenty years because he had the audacity to hope that by his mere presence in the audience he could influence his mentor to love America and Americans instead of hating us.

Just like he has the audacity to hope that he can initiate a dialog on racism by reminding white people that if we say anything in such a dialog that any black whiner disagrees with we will branded as racists and our lives will be ruined.
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Reply # 14
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:10 AM EST
Entitlement
Here is a curious factoid I heard on the Monica Crowley show on Saturday. Evidently Michelle Obama's family lived in the same neighborhood as the Jesse Jackson family and, in fact, some of the family members baby sat for Michelle, which makes it understandable why Michelle Obama, a successful American lawyer with a prestigious university degree, is still complaining. Apparently she's bought the whole entitlement line, hook, line, and sinker.

And I thought that the Obama family was different from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Evidently not. Same old, same old.

I'll take the average immigrant's desire to work hard and succeed in this country over the sense of entitlement that many of today's African Americans seem to have. Nobody is entitled to success in America, but everybody is entitled to the opportunity to succeed in America.


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Reply # 15
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:21 AM EST
Hate can be a drug
Some people love to wallow in hate. It's a powerful drug for making one feel better about one's own personal failings. What is the difference between Wright's ravings and the enthusiastic support of his followers and the rantings of radical Islamic imans and jihadis? My answer: Nothing. They are, both groups, hooked on hate.
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Reply # 16
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:23 AM EST
By the way...
Has anyone else noticed that Bill Richardson appears to have done as much as possible to make himself look super Hispanic, with the beard and sun exposure? Next thing you know, he'll have changed his name to Ricardosonola.
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Reply # 17
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:27 AM EST
Jesus is Risen
Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow.

God Bless America!
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Reply # 18
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:28 AM EST
Breaking news
The news just reported the contractors and employees accessing the passport files of all three candidates works for Obama.
When it rains it pours. WOW
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Reply # 19
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:35 AM EST
I HOPE
that Obama does not win the election this November. That event, were it to happen, would demonstrate to everyone that the American public is shallow, ignorant, and quite stupid.

I like to think we are better than that.

This gives me something else to pray for each morning and night.
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Reply # 20
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:48 AM EST
Question for Kevin
Can I post your personal cell phone number at Daily Kos, Huffington Post, My DD, and other liberal sites?

Inviting telephone harassment is inappropriate.

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Reply # 21
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:54 AM EST
Have you been overseas lately?
walt: "You write that "America's international relationships have been damaged by Bush's stance on global warming, torture and Iraq."

WHO SAYS SO? Are you again letting the NYT be your guiding light?"
----------------------
Since 9/11, I have spent about a tithe of my time overseas, and can attest from personal experience that America is now loathed. And, in my judgment, with good reason: We are no longer the shining light of liberty that made us worthy of emulation. Just as Germany slid into Nazism in short order, America has slid into its own brand of fascism. And we are more feared than respected for it.
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Reply # 22
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:56 AM EST
Explains Limbaugh
Meow: "Hate can be a drug Some people love to wallow in hate.
-----------------
Evidently, it goes well with OxyContin....
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Reply # 23
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:56 AM EST
Excellent, Kevin
Listening to the despicable rants of the irreverend Wright's sermons has made me heartsick and gives me fear for my country that he even has an audience. Kevin has reminded me why I've always extended kindness, respect and a smile towards all people, even if they subscribe to Wright's lies and hatred.

This glorious morning, commemorating the risen Christ, I reaffirm my faith and pledge to love my enemies, my friends, my neighbors and my wife and family as He has instructed me to.

I will reject the urge to return hate for hate. Wright's congregation may be swimming in bile, but I don't have to join them.

A soft answer turneth away wrath.
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Reply # 24
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:03 AM EST
Which means what?
wiseone: "Since we invaded Iraq France has retired Chirac, an anti-American liberal, and elected Nicolas Sarkozy, a pro-American conservative. Germany has retired anti-Americam liberal Gerhard Schroeder and elected pro-American conservative Angela Merkle.
---------------------
And Australia cashiered John Howard -- threw him right out of Parliament -- and Britain replaced Blair with Gordon Brown. Politics is local.

If Obama wins, it will be because the Republicans trashed the economy, evading recession for years by creating a series of successive bubbles. We are in for a likely depression, and the blood is on Bush's hands. This war is bankrupting our country, and Republicans are too freakin' stOOOpid to see it.
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Reply # 25
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:10 AM EST
Hope and power
The "audicity of hope" is that we pray "God bless America."

Obama and his postor Wright has put the race card in play -- and that fact has split the Democratic party and has probably assured McCain's election.

McCain stands with the American flag in hand while Obama stands for the bitter complaint of blacks. Richardson has joined Obama in a cycnical act of political opportunism. He subordinates his race to that of Obama's -- for he may beleieve to gain the Whitehouse and power will be the true racial and ethnic revolution.
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Reply # 26
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:22 AM EST
Supporting Wright....
..., let alone cheering him, is an even greater indictment against the people in his meeting place (note that I didn't say, "church"). He would do Hitler proud.

Wright is obviously an as yet undefined personality disorder (borderline comes to mind), but that his "flock" rejects this obvious fact is cause for even greater alarm. Everything this man preaches corrodes the soul much more severely than any corrupting influence be it liquid, solid, or vegtable. They are truly dooming themselves and their communities by listening to this man.

Looking in 1 Timothy, 6:4-6 might be a clue as to Wright's destructive influence.

Not too long ago, I switched parishes due to the priest at the first being somewhat of an aging hippie with all the sixties secular dogma that the protest movements then thought as gospel for the new socialist society. I communicated with him about my concerns, but he would not be moved.

I then wrote him a letter of goodbye, wished him well, and signed up at a parish that preaches the gospel. It was no big deal.
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Reply # 27
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:30 AM EST
BB
Beastie Boy writes:

****If Obama wins, it will be because the Republicans trashed the economy, evading recession for years by creating a series of successive bubbles.****

No, beastie, if Obama wins, it will be because too many Americans were either too lazy or too idiotic to look beyond the empty, shallow platitudes that Obama has been spewing.

Too many people care only for image, and they faint and swoon when Obama begins to speak. Obama's supporters are a bunch of shallow, mindless sheep, and they are to be pitied. God help them, and us, if they get what they wish for.
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Reply # 28
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:48 AM EST
Hyprocrisy
Interesting how so many conservatives give a pass to hateful comments from men of the cloth or radio talk-show hosts who mouth conservative rhetoric, but get thoroughly upset with Pastor Wright. A clearer case of hypocrisy would be hard to find.

And by the way, I have little patience for people who wish to single out the United States for either blessing or damning. It plays into the notion that one little nation on one little planet in a vast universe has some kind of special status in the eyes of the deity. No doubt the same arrogant assumption was in the minds of people who lived in cultures known today mainly through the work of archaeologists.
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Reply # 29
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 11:17 AM EST
jeff akins
What an absurd post. America's reputation isn't "tattered", except in the minds of dim-witted liberals like you, who believe in hoaxes like global warming, and false claims of "torture".

What Mr. Cooper is advocating, and laughably so, is that Republicans must become more like Democrats, and conservatives must become more like liberals, and then, and only then, will certain pet issues be "healed".

The arrogance and density of the liberal mind is simply beyond belief.

Jeff, next time, try staying on the subject of the actual article, instead of trying to advocate your naive sophistry.
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Reply # 30
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 11:33 AM EST
Rev. wright is a racist, hater, and
bigot. That he wears a collar means nothing if his words and actions are abominable.

As to talk radio, I rarely listen to it, and when I have, I haven't heard anything more virulent than any of the posts here. The Limbaughs, Ingrahms, and Hannitys are not into hatred. They are into entertainment and conservative change.

If they invented names like feminazis, those are responses to 40 years of degradation created by liberals hurling pejoratives at anyone who doesn't adhere to their conformity: racist, sexist, lookist, ageist, bigot, homophobe, extremist, Christian. The left since Roe v Wade has spent 30 years turning Christian into a dirty word.

I'm a racist because I expect my minority students to perform as well as anyone and won't dole out high grades for their ethnic background. I'm a bigot because I don't believe there's one set of standards for middle class whites and another set of standards for urban blacks. I'm a homophobe because I think whatever sex is practice, it doesn't deserve special laws and privileges. Everyone is equally protected by the Const. and civil rights legislation. I'm an extremist because my values of right and wrong and ethics do not excuse criminal and anti-social behavior by people who have self appointed themselves arbiters of acceptance and taste and who have produced dumhed down deviancy in dangerous and alienating behavior, i.e. the entertainment and music businesses.

Mr. Wright can rant and rave. No one has to like it.

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Reply # 31
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 11:38 AM EST
john in oregon
I find it interesting that you are unable or unwilling to produce any specific examples of supposed "hateful" comments from talk radio or conservative pulpits. Your charge of hypocrisy rings hollow.

The truth is that liberals like yourself consider anyone who exposes the emptiness of the liberal worldview on the radio to be "hateful". And liberals like you consider any pastor who teaches the moral authority of Scripture in matters pertaining to abortion, homosexuality, etc.... as "hateful". In other words, any conservative who speaks out is "hateful" in your mind.

So-called "Reverend" Wright is a demogogue, and a foul mouthed one at that. His views have nothing to do with the Bible - he simply uses the pulpit to espouse his wacky theories and spew TRULY hate-filled lies. There is no hypocrisy in recognizing this man for what he is. Beyond that, however, these sermons are receiving the exposure and condemnation that they deserve because this man has been the spiritual advisor for the leading candidate for president on the Democratic side.

As to your inability to recognize America as the greatest country on the face of the earth, the truth is that people in virtually every country love their homeland. And what is wrong with that? We in America have abundant reasons to thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. John, you are free to leave America if you don't like it. I'm sure you can find another country that is more suited to your left wing worldview and then you won't have to worry about hearing "God Bless America" anymore.

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Reply # 32
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:12 PM EST
johninoregon:
The crucial point in the uproar over Wright's
hateful diatribes is that Wright is pastor and
mentor to a major presidential candidate.

It's a fair question to ask exactly how much of
Wright's venomous views are shared by a man who
seeks the Oval Office, is it not?

Let me also add that the United States is in fact
a nation qualitatively different from all others
in history. Your attitude toward your country
tells me something about why you seem to want
to excuse Wright's anti-American ravings. But I
doubt many of your fellow citizens share your
views - or Wright's.
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Reply # 33
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:14 PM EST
lulu may writes:
WOW !

She is correct,breaking news Saturday reports that CEO John Brennan of TAC (The Analysis Corp) who is a foreign policy adviser to Obomination concedes it was his firm that was responsible.

WOW indeed !
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Reply # 34
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:17 PM EST
Great Idea, Kevin!
Thank you, Kevin, for reminding us of the need to pray for our enemies (and Wright is certainly that!). I did e-mail that I was disgusted with his curses and that I would be asking God's blessings on our country and on him for God's grace to change his angry heart.

I loved the poster's experience of calling Trinity and the receptionist being receptive to her call for blessings -- who knows what goodness Kevin's suggestion will unleash?

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

May He continue to bless this nation of sinners, and some saints, as He has always done.
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Reply # 35
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:17 PM EST
Beastie Boy
Glad to hear you agree that some people love the wallow in hate, and that hate can be a drug. That's a step in the right direction for a liberal.
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Reply # 36
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:23 PM EST
Don't expect much annfan
the boy can't help himself,he's from another of those backwater loony liberal states of the Leftycoast.
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Reply # 37
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:31 PM EST
Looking for Mr. (W)Right

Dr. Wright ain't it!
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Reply # 38
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:40 PM EST
God Blesses America
even when some do not express it your way.


God is constant. All power. All forgiving. Omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient.




You need not worry yourselves over whether God can translate a pastor's message for good.


I would consentrate on your good.


What deeds for the Glory of God, are you displaying to human kind, today?
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Reply # 39
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 12:44 PM EST
Liberal Solutions
I was born into a Humanistic family whose adherence to that philosophy was a continuance of several generations. The traits of that philosophy are easily detected in both political parties. Humanists are free to set their own standards, rules and to conform or not conform to any dictates of others. My grandfather taught me that any belief in god or sin or any other superstitious "nonsense" should be avoided.

Thankfully, at age 31 I realized that human solutions were merely patches and observations with the buit-in bias of perspective. Absolutes, laws, and ethics were not dependent and relevant upon circumstance and conditions.

Liberal solutions are based in humanism and neither party is immune.

God Bless America - God forgive us

P.S. I communicate better with machines than humans and my coding skills are superior to my english grammer.
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Reply # 40
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 1:06 PM EST
Been to the website yet?
Curt: "No, beastie, if Obama wins, it will be because too many Americans were either too lazy or too idiotic to look beyond the empty, shallow platitudes that Obama has been spewing.
-----------------
More that it is because the Republican Party has lost its way, and cannot offer a viable alternative to what Obama offers.

As for his platitudes, I've seen his blueprint for change, and I'm impressed with a substantial part of it. Actual, authentic Republican solutions like a mechanism for accountability.
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Reply # 41
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 1:11 PM EST
johninoregon
I believe that not only is God interested in blessing America, he wants to Bless you and I.

Your non sequitur response is only understood in your mind - try making your mind conform to reality.

Obama and his apologists argue that their morality is simply a product of their culture and experience. Their morality cannot be understood by those outside their culture. Absolutes that apply to all races and cultures are non-existent or meaningless in their quest for identity.

Liberals thrive on moral relativism. Liberals live in a universe of ME and are trapped in limbo, neither children nor adults. Their arrested development results in labeling, name calling, inane comments, pointing to other aberrant behaviour to justify their own. The only absolutes Liberals own is moving targets.

The inability of the immature Liberal brain to assess risk properly gets them into trouble.


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Reply # 42
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 1:12 PM EST
Gospel?
"If they have both submitted their lives to the risen Christ they will be together in eternity". Say what? The jailer asked Paul "What must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and they household." Salvation is free.
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Reply # 43
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 1:40 PM EST
He is Risen!
.
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Reply # 44
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 2:12 PM EST
Curt says:
"if Obama wins, it will be because too many Americans were either too lazy or too idiotic to look beyond the empty, shallow platitudes that Obama has been spewing."

No - it will be because they can look past the non-issue of Rev. Wright and see the havoc and destruction the Republican party has served to America and the world beyond. They'll see a party of lying hypocrites who condemn the Wrights as they embrace the Falwells and the Robertsons and the Dobsons - and let's not forget that the Republican party never disowned David Duke... If Obama wins it will be because Americans looked passed his so-called lack of experience to the demonstrated failures of the policies that John McBush advocates, the talk of endless war, the disdaining of negotiation, the crippling of our economy, the division of our society, the Rovian formula that turns politics into a toilet, the slavish and open cronyism to our corporate militarists. If Obama wins it won't necessarily be because of Obama but, instead, would signal a national regurgitation of a political right wing that has focused its efforts on dismantling our constitution and federal government for the profits a very few...


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Reply # 45
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 2:24 PM EST
No the phoning should go to Obama
and ask if he intends to apologize to white Americans for the blanket accusation from Wright or he will indeed have to distance himself from the reverend and his church. It won't happen and for someone that has hate for liberals for what they're doing to this country I'm glad. Because they'll lose.
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Reply # 46
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 2:29 PM EST
WarrDogg
Take the foil off your head and read a little recent history. You're so out of touch even daily kos is out of reach if you leaped to the right.
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Reply # 47
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 2:48 PM EST
WarrDogg:
Obama's generation-long association with racist
America-hater "Rev." Wright is hardly a non-issue
simply because you and his other supporters don't
want to talk about it.

Until and unless Obama repudiates Wright's insane
rhetoric, loud and clear and with specifics, I
think it's fair to assume he shares his mentor's
views.

I suppose from the tenor of your post that your
hatred of Republicans is so deep that you don't
mind having an America-hating bigot in the WH
as long as he has a "D" after his name. But I
doubt many voters will agree with you.

No, I think BHO has a lot of explaining to do
yet. He'd do well to get started - and ignore
those among his followers who just want to
"move on" and talk about "real issues".
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Reply # 48
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 4:21 PM EST
He is Risen, Indeed--Hallelujah
I was so struck by Kevin's suggestion to call and Bless the man who so vehemently asks the Almighty--My Glorious Father God-- to damn His country. He did create this country to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

The man obviously needs blessing--and God is just the One to ask to do it. Now, he may not be open to the blessings he will receive--that is his loss.
However I will join in the God-Bless-You's-- we will be blessed because we did not act in the hate filled way that Mr Wright does. I will not address him as reverend--there is NOTHING to revere about the man!!!
So --you go, God-- I know that You will because Your Word says you are from ever-lasting, to ever-lasting. !!!
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Reply # 49
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 4:26 PM EST
Poor, Poor ole johninoregon
Sad to see how blind you are to reality.
God purposefully created THIS nation so that the
Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ would be spread around the world--so that all may hear. Even you john--God loves you so much He sent His only begotten Son to die for Y O U !!!
Admit it and receive the greatest blessing you can have.
Now if you hate this country so much, then I would be glad to donate money for you and Mr Wrigt and all of his congregation to Leave on a ONE-WAY ticket outta here.
No, wait there is at least ONE wonderful person who answered the telephone at TUCC and said
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Hooray--they are NOT ALL
drinking his poisonous Kool-aid of Hate!!
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Reply # 50
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 4:40 PM EST
amazing thing...
Even after obamamama tries to satisfy the situation..with a very evasive talk of gibberish,
richardson comes on board,and inside info says edwards is next! Let's see..the so called minister use the LORDS name in vain, and reportedly uses the F WORD from the pulpit! real classy guy! But the demorats couldnt care less! dr. wrong..is full of..well he needs an ex
lax!And obamamama sit thru this for 20 years?!
I dont hate...just an observation and opinion!
These 2 clowns arent worth the energy of hate...
plus hate never accomplishes any thing good!

elvis
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Reply # 51
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 5:26 PM EST
The Obamas lack good judgment

Four years ago Obama’s church, Trinity United Church of Christ, offered on its website at least a dozen videos of Rev. Wright preaching. Unfortunately for those who wanted to get a true picture of Rev. Wright’s beliefs, these videos were removed from the Church’s website due to media scrutiny...but they were removed before Rev. Wright retired last month.

Barck and Michelle Obama should have left Rev. Wright’s church. Let me illustrate: After attending the same church for 20 years, I decided to find a new church for several reasons. One of the churches I visited in my search was a church I had gone to several times before. That day several years ago the pastor bandied about the word ”nazi” in similar fashion to the talk shows and weekly news magazines then. Having personally been told Holocaust survivor stories, I realized I needed to leave. I got up a few moments later and walked out, easily noticeable. I walked out because I knew this pastor was not fit to lead me spiritually. Later I realized God was causing me to find another church where God’s Word is preached. The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us differently, based in accordance to God’s Word, to tell us when we must not compromise. A minister is not really just ”one of the family.” He’s a spiritual leader with authority.

Barack and Michelle Obama should have walked out during Rev. Wright’s vitriolic race-dividing sermons. They should have shepherded their family away from Rev. Wright’s church and found a smaller African-American Bible church where the pastor was in one accord with the Lord and better understood the awesome power of forgiveness in Christ which his ancestors showed, a force so powerful that many decades later still touches the human heart.
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Reply # 52
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 5:40 PM EST
The BHO Setback
Will be the footnote in the history books when people examine the effect of the FORMER presidential hopefuls 2008 campaign.
O'Blame-Ya has "setback" race relations in this country 25 years (IMHO) and by bringing his two children to Sunday services where Dr Wright spews his hatred of all things white (middle-classness!!!) the man who could have BUT won't be king has shown he cares little if the next generation keeps the status quo.
Too bad that we can pretty much write off the idea that either of the two kids will do anything to repair the damage their father has done. Not with the 'preachings' their parents are subjecting them to ringing in their ears.

Oddly enough, as evidenced by the erosion of support among 'middle-class' blue collar Americans (read: mostly white), the country WAS ready for our first ACTUAL Black President but now, as with most other things concerning race in the political history of this nation it looks like it will be up to the Republican Party to lead the way and, level the playing field, AGAIN.

W/O=
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Reply # 53
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 6:19 PM EST
Blessing rather than cursing...
The Lord Jesus said to bless those who spitefully treat you...bless and not curse. This simple prayer is one the most powerful prayers that breaks down what looks like impregnable barriers. It brings the love and power and wisdom and justice of God into a person's life. It brings The Eternal into this sin darkened world. We cannot understand how it works, but delivered with a pure heart, it does by God's grace. I have seen it again and again over the years and never failed to be amazed. It is a prayer that brings light into darkness; God's changing Presence into the need. And better yet, it can change and bless the heart of the one who prays it. This is not approval of the wrongdoer, but hope for God to bring the blessing of eternal change in their lives. God bless us all.
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Reply # 54
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 6:34 PM EST
Obama may have moved on...
...but I won't move on, and neither should any other American that loves this nation.

If the "Rev" Wright made those statements in an Islamic Mosque, he'd be on a terrorist list. And if he were on a terrorist list, would Obama get away with his defense of Wright. No.

I want people--and the press--to stay on this issue. It's very important. And let Barach Hussein Obama move on. We won't.
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Reply # 55
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:12 PM EST
The Obamas lack good judgment

Four years ago Obama’s church, Trinity United Church of Christ, offered on its website at least a dozen videos of Rev. Wright preaching. Unfortunately for those who wanted to get a true picture of Rev. Wright’s beliefs, these videos were removed from the Church’s website due to media scrutiny...but they were removed before Rev. Wright retired last month.

Barck and Michelle Obama should have left Rev. Wright’s church. Let me illustrate: After attending the same church for 20 years, I decided to find a new church for several reasons. One of the churches I visited in my search was a church I had gone to several times before. That day several years ago the pastor bandied about the word ”nazi” in similar fashion to the talk shows and weekly news magazines then. Having personally been told Holocaust survivor stories, I realized I needed to leave. I got up a few moments later and walked out, easily noticeable. I walked out because I knew this pastor was not fit to lead me spiritually. Later I realized God was causing me to find another church where God’s Word is preached. The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us differently, based in accordance to God’s Word, to tell us when we must not compromise. A minister is not really just ”one of the family.” He’s a spiritual leader with authority.

Barack and Michelle Obama should have walked out during Rev. Wright’s vitriolic race-dividing sermons. They should have shepherded their family away from Rev. Wright’s church and found a smaller African-American Bible church where the pastor was in one accord with the Lord and better understood the awesome power of forgiveness in Christ which his ancestors showed, a force so powerful that many decades later still touches the human heart.
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Reply # 56
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:15 PM EST
What are the black churches like? Part 1

What are the African-American churches like? Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s church is NOT typical of these churches. I’ve attended at least five African-American churches, as I recall, and they all showed the love of Christ, a strong love that drew this Caucasian in. I had been raised singing the old gospel songs and Negro spirituals that I often sang in their churches.

I joined one of the African-American churches after going there occasionally through the years. I had left my church of 20 years for several reasons and decided to seek membership at this well known black church. I really enjoyed both the older and the new pastors’ preaching, and then one month into my membership I couldn’t believe my ears as I heard the new younger pastor make a disparaging remark about Israel. I also heard him start preaching a social gospel with one sermon focusing on the Palestinians and poverty and defending the employment of former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders. Fortunately, I had attended a smaller, less socially affluent African-American church a number of times and I recall the interim pastor there including in his sermon a delicate reference as to why a key member of government appointed by the president was rightly fired. He was referring to Jocelyn Elders as well. I decided to leave the more affluent church after there was pulpit approval of other actions as well that appeared to be violating God’s Word.

A year or two later, the members of that affluent African-American church ended up forcing the pastor to leave. But except for the one mocking sentence about Israel, even that pastor never came close to the vehement, vitriolic sermons and blasphemy rendered by Barack Obama’s pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. The Bible says, ”Be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, he shall reap.”

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Reply # 57
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:17 PM EST
What are the black churches like? Part 2

One of the most moving services I’ve ever attended was in one of the oldest African-American churches in America located in Georgia. I called the church before traveling to that city to make sure I’d be there for a church service. I attended the weekly prayer meeting, the only white person among several dozen black people. A half dozen elders went to the front of the meeting room and sat in a semi-circle facing us. Some got on their knees to pray. I have never heard such an exhortation in prayer as I heard from one of the elders on his knees. When everyone looked up from prayer to hear testimonies, I sat there with my head bowed because tears were streaming down my face. I’m sure the folks there thought I must have been under the conviction of sin but I was already saved and walking with the Lord.

A young woman who was perhaps in her early 20’s stood up to give a praise. The woman had the humility of Christ as she talked of her struggles, and I continued to weep as I experienced the humility of such saints who were most likely the descendants of slaves in that city. I remember singing Jester Hairston’s song ”Amen” with them. I felt like I was in heaven. Afterwards, one of the men asked me if I wanted to go on a tour of the church. I agreed. The sight I most clearly remember was the floor on which the pulpit stood. The vibrantly varnished floor boards contained an occasional hole the size of a silver dollar. The gentleman explained they were breathing holes for runaway slaves laying down in the shallow crawl space under those floor boards as they began their route in the Underground Railroad.

The experience at that church was one of the high points of my life.
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Reply # 58
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:19 PM EST
What are the black churches like? Part 3

When I was a child and for many years afterwards, whenever I saw a black person, I thought of Jesus because the word ”forgiveness” came immediately to mind. Then I worked with African-Americans in various jobs and came to see them less iconically but still through a filter of godliness. With more life experience, I’ve learned to better discern values but it’s hard to let go of that filter.

Mr. McCullough might easily have included in this article Jesse Jackson, the sham ”black leader” as a deterrent to the betterment of African-Americans. Four months ago, only CBS News included photo footage at the dedication of the MLK Memorial of professional victim Jesse Jackson obviously attempting to weep for show. It made me cringe. This was just after former UN ambassador Andrew Young exhorted African-Americans to “provide a clean and pure lifestyle for our children.” Bravo for Andrew Young in this matter.

What a profound tragedy that Rev. Jeremiah Wright has an advanced degree in Negro spirituals and another in religions focusing on Islam and then quotes the beautiful words of those old Gospel songs after spewing such race-dividing, terrorist-justifying, anger-inducing, hate-inciting verbiage in the privileged pulpit in the church of God. His video clips remind me of the hate-inciting verbiage of the Friday prayers of many imams, after which riots and bloodshed have occurred in various cities throughout the world.
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Reply # 59
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:26 PM EST
Re: The Audacity of Hype
"Evidently, it goes well with OxyContin...."

Also, Crack Cocaine, just ask Barry Obama!
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Reply # 60
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 7:32 PM EST
Re: More choices for the GOP
"More that it is because the Republican Party has lost its way, and cannot offer a viable alternative to what Obama offers."

Of course there are viable choices for Republicans. They all can vote in the next 10 Democratic Primary for Billary! "You go, girl!"
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Reply # 61
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:12 PM EST
Obama Supported Rev. Wrong
When a person contributes 22,000 dollars a year to a church for 20 years,as did Omymama, and does nothing to start a movement to change the content of Rev. Wrong's sermons, either he agrees with his spiritual mentor's sermons, or(and) he is an idiot. Either way, I do not believe he should be president, senator, or American citizen. And, I have to go throw up.
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Reply # 62
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:29 PM EST
dsslm
Thank you for the information of your experiences.

It is comforting.

God Bless you.
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Reply # 63
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 9:55 PM EST
For Jeff Akins again
Your comments about McCain's stance on alleged global warming, are naive to say the least. Global Warming is a theory, not a fact. McCain's potential carbon tax will devastate the US economy, so think before you support an idiotic stance on nothing more than a theory. Oh, and please dont make me prove it is a theory only. You want to talk theory, how about time travel? I believe Einstein long before I believe what a kook like AlGore has to say. 'Nuff said.
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Reply # 64
Date: Mar 23, 2008 - 10:53 PM EST
MEDIA
has a responsibility:


All media has a responsibility to state the news in FULL context, without negotiation, personal opinion or network manipualitve spin.




I knew the very first moment I saw this rediculous tape on the air, that it was rediculous. Only a moron would think otherwise...unless it was the intent to harm.


This was not news by any standard, and should be held accountable and pay a HUGE fine for damages.
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Reply # 65
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 4:31 AM EST
"sheep's clothing"
Kevin McCullough:
You sound like a good man. But I question your judgment here.
Offhand, I would have to classify Jeremiah Wright as someone Christ might have labeled a 'false prophet.' He warns His followers about such 'wolves,' but doesn't then suggest they should do anything other than stay the hell away from them. Nor did He seem too coddling toward those money-changers in the temple, selling DVDs, etc.
My own Christianity is of the Irish-Catholic sort, and I sometimes think the whole 'love your enemies' & 'turn the other cheek' aspect is pushed a bit too far... as you seem to want to do.
We're talking politics here, pure & simple.
Obama is finished. Wright can stay in hiding. His 'church' should be taxed out of existence. And if the Almighty intervenes in any of this, it won't be as a result of my dime.
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Reply # 66
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 5:34 AM EST
dsslm, thank you
for your very discerning testimony which sheds some light on 'actual experience' involving Rev. Wright's Church.

Yours is the first I have read, which can hold factual evidence for us to descern from.

I have been supporting the sermons from Wright's pulpit because, no convincing testimony illustrated any credible substance thus far AND media has clipped bias segments to illustrate a one sided story...not to be confused with newscasting.

Now I have something to pray deeply about. God will expose Truth, always. Just like He will call what America does, which is in direct opposition to glorifying Him in our global world.

We ARE guilty of sinning. Let us not forget what we do to benefit self-interests at the risk of damaging God's children. But I will pray diligently on these things.

Thank you for the quality of your reporting your personal experiences. Am I correct in understanding that you attended Wright's sermons?
How many?

May I ask another question? I'm interested to know why you specifically seek predominently African Churches in America. I know what I like. Would you share that? Thank You.
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Reply # 67
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 5:55 AM EST
myellie, you are mistaken
Our country was not formed to spread Christianity around...the world.

In addition, I am a life-long Christian who has a different belief about Jesus' coming:

Joseph and Mary were so loving and child-like in their trusting of God, their father. As a result of their love, Mary manifested the virgin birth of Jesus to further prove to the world that miracles come to those who obey.

Jesus' earthly career was to continue in God's lesson to mankind. He followed God's commandments to the letter, and preached in such a way that his heavenly father would be wholely and truthfully represented through Love.

Jesus knew that mortal, material existence was not our true existence, but, instead, only spiritual living was True. He taught by way of parables and metaphores inorder that we may learn this lesson from God.

The crucifying of Jesus and His reserection were yet another demonstration that Truth sets us free. There is no death to those who obey.

It is quite natural for God's children to defy human death and rise from it, just as Jesus did.

That is what I celebrate! Love makes Life eternal.
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Reply # 68
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 6:04 AM EST
It would be nice if
Christianity, by my church's definition were spread around the world in lesson to all, however, all religions lead to one God, Maker.

Our country was formed to respect our differences in our faith.

That must be upheld.

In my faith:

No one enters the gates of heaven, but by 'me'.
This means; but by my example. Love reflects LOVE.
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Reply # 69
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 6:26 AM EST
Nellie
Jeremiah Wright has been preaching for 20 years. Where are the broadcasts of his sermons that put the lie to those who call him a racist hate-monger? Surely Obama has enough support to get them on the air. I'll be very surprised if dssim had his black church experience at TUCC or any church like it. You would know better than i, but i can not believe Jeremiah Wright is a typical preacher in a typical black church. My DC church was half black. Occasionally one of our black members gave the sermon, and one of our more distinguished black members always read and commented on the scripture for the day. I never heard anybody say anything like Wright. It would be incomprehensible to me that anyone who believed in their heart like Wright would be attending a church half white.
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Reply # 70
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 6:41 AM EST
Nellie, continued
It is very true where race could be a source of friction, that whites and blacks just don't bring up the topic. My experience is that personal relationships across racial lines, and attitudes toward more or less non-personal experience can differ so widely as to be quite difficult to assimilate or explain. It is always reaasuring to discuss touchy topics with someone who brings a positive warm-hearted attitude to the discussion. An open non-judgemental willingness to learn is a big help too, wouldn't you say? Goodness knows i have lots to learn.
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Reply # 71
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 7:44 AM EST
are you referring to my answer to dsslm?
I, too would like to shed some more light on facts, inorder to learn from.

Speculation wears me down, though. Without complete coverage of investigating, there is no story, in my book. That's gossip. And gossip is sinful, for sure. It brings everybody down.

Last night, for the very first time, I heard a broadcast of [supposedly] the complete sermon making the headline news.

Did you see it? That proves a different conclusion.


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Reply # 72
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 8:00 AM EST
crassus 10, I agree w/ you because
I believe that the universe was scientifically created by omniscience, therefore no theories or testings can change what was already perfectly devinely designed. Its done.

All we [its inhabitants] need to do, is to respect it and enjoy it.

But for us to think we are going to save anything that great is ludicrous. The universe will go on way after we leave it.
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Reply # 73
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 8:08 AM EST
But I don't understand why everyone is
so upset with what Jeff Atkin has to say.

He's entitled to a thoughtful opinion. Those are topics hurting our international relations today.
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Reply # 74
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 9:20 AM EST
wildwest
Thank you for your understanding....on another subject..do you believe nellie and lilly are one and the same,as hal and robert are said to be the same?
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Reply # 75
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 9:35 AM EST
This infatuation
with Obama reminds me of a scene from the movie "Independence Day" where the wishful gather on top of the building holding signs of welcome towards the Alien ship all wild eyed and consumed by the ecstasy of trust and of things to come.....then the bottom of the ship opens and gives them their answer. (False Hope)
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Reply # 76
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:53 AM EST
Contrary to his remarks, it appears
someone is disguising infatuation with nellie.




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Reply # 77
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 11:34 AM EST
Nellie
Infatuation or not,all the posters depend on you to show us the way.You are so much more enlightened than the rest of us.If it is race,you know best.If it is religion,you are head and shoulders more versed on the subject than the rest of us.Whatever the subject,we call upon you to lead us.

I hope you will not let us down.We have come to depend on you for our very thoughts through the day.I wait, breathlessly, for your next epistle.I am in total limbo until then.
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Reply # 78
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 2:18 PM EST
Obama has poor tastes in mentors...
Wright looks like he's never done an honest days work in his life! Maybe he feels like he has to rant & rave like a 'black panther' to keep his pews filled(not to mention the collection plate) in his church. Wonder if any of those 'black supremacists' contributed to Obama's campaign? Worth a check since 'mandatory Hillary' doesn't seem to be catching up with him. I watched the YouTube video where he worked up his rant before this verbal attack on the country where he stood as he spoke it. Justice would have been if he'd dropped dead at his pulpit right after saying it which would have given the entire congregation a firmer faith in God! Ritzy looking church,too. I guess in the 'trickle down economy' that's where it all 'trickled down' to...
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Reply # 79
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:26 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 1

Nellie, I happened to go back to Kevin McCullough’s website today to get the URL for my records and couldn’t resist checking further postings. I ordinarily prefer to just post occasionally, and more so lately, but I don’t have time to be in a chatroom. However, I would like to correct a misimpression from my postings, and provide some answers to your questions. Thank you for your interest.

The church I finally selected is not African-American. I was led to a church closer to home but especially now will try to get back to visiting African-American churches every so often. The church I selected uses expository preaching, reviewing small segments of Scripture and expounding on it book by book, and how it relates to our lives today. It is not a social gospel. And you’ll recall just the simple bandying about of the word “nazi” was enough for me to decide against the spiritual leadership of one church I visited.

I can see how you might have thought I had attended Rev. Wright’s church after reading in my initial posting about the Obamas lacking good judgment, where I wrote: “Barack and Michelle Obama should have left Rev. Wright’s church. Let me illustrate: After attending the same church for 20 years, I decided to find a new church for several reasons.”

What I had hoped to convey is that I had attended a church for 20 years but not Rev. Wright’s church. Excuse me. I should have included a paragraph before my illustration. I live on the West Coast. However, I did grow up around Chicago and lived in the city in my early career days. I’ve been news tracking Barack Obama in Chicago for some years now. I’ve worked with African-Americans both in Chicago and here on the West Coast.

I’ve studied African-American history on my own for some years and have tutored African-American children and an African Muslim child. There are many African Muslims in my area.
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Reply # 80
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:31 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 2

I grew up in a Christian home where my parents never badmouthed anyone in their children’s presence, if at all. My father did some work occasionally with an African-American man in the 1940’s and 50’s and brought him out to the suburbs to dinner once. My father who grew up in Chicago on the Near Northwest Side says he remembers people walking on streets like North Avenue at nighttime in Chicago without any fear among people of different ancestry and skin color. He also wrote in a wartime diary that he and his love--my mother--walked along Lake Michigan at midnight before shipping out in World War II. Something unimaginable today or even 25 years after the war!

This isn’t to say Chicago was an idyllic place. My brother was robbed by a black child at a museum when we were children. As an adult, I was robbed by a black child about all of 10 years old, and then another attempted unsuccessful robbery on the street. A few years later, though, I did some tutoring at a church hosting kids from the nearby low-income apartment buildings.

There was an experimental community, I think it was called, of diversity in the Chicago suburbs begun near where I grew up in grade school. So I had the experience of seeing an African-American child at either my school or junior high.

I’ve been to Africa early in my career, and have long had a heart for Africa, tithing to Rwanda, Ethiopia and other countries there. I have several items of African clothing given to me by Africans and also purchased while travelling there. I’ve travelled a bit in the South and am particularly interested in visiting areas called Negro heritage trails or black history travel sites.

I did not understand how beautiful and powerful Negro spirituals actually were until I went through a difficult time in my life many years ago. At that time, at a Christmas talent show at the hospital where I worked, a black employee sang.
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Reply # 81
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:34 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 3

The lights were dimmed so it was a bit difficult to see her face. But I remember really trying to see her face because I heard her sobbing as she sang. I looked for tears or some evidence that she was crying but there was none. I had never heard someone sing like that before, and I can only conclude that it was the Holy Spirit manifested either in her and/or reaching out to me in her voice, as I was not walking with the Lord at all then. So this played a part in my coming back to the Lord. And it was a clue to what I would learn later about why Christian blacks sang so powerfully—their suffering and relief of their suffering were expressed as a record in their songs. It seems simple to figure that out now but years ago I had to learn it. Now there are often documentaries on the black experience recounting some of the truths I and many others learned by long-view or firsthand observation.

My family experiences and the humility I’ve seen in African-Americans in movies over the years drew me to strongly respect African-Americans. As I wrote previously, for decades I used to think of Jesus when I’d see an African-American. Many African-Americans of past generations knew Jesus Christ as their Savior and the Son of God. The songs called Negro spirituals created a picture for me when I was young.

African-Americans worshipped in black Baptist churches, as do many today. They sang songs born in the days of slavery like ”Go Down, Moses” and ”Ezekial Saw the Wheel” and ”Dem Bones, Dem Bones” of Ezekial’s vision of the Valley of the Dry Bones. Blacks of past generations strongly identified with Jesus because He was God himself in human form who humbled Himself to come to earth for the sole purpose of saving our souls from the consequences of our sins, to be the one final sacrifice for our sins if we accept him as our Savior so He could bridge the gap between us and Father God.
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Reply # 82
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:36 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 4

Jesus was and is Commander in Chief of the armies of God, present and participating as part of the Holy Trinity in the creation of the world, all powerful, who willingly humbled himself to be born as a helpless baby, fully God yet fully man. Here was someone who humbled Himself and was beaten like some of the slaves had been. No wonder Jesus Christ was such a reality to them! No wonder their songs sound so personal. And who knows what countless miracles large and small they experienced in their strong faith in the Son of God!

This is why it’s such a tragedy that Rev. Wright has gone so far from the roots of his people. He is misleading thousands of people, and now millions, by overshadowing the magnificent work of the Lord’s forgiveness by African-Americans with his own racist preaching. It’s like undoing a wondrous work of art. And here many blacks, including pastors, are supporting it, and Barack Obama really didn’t apologize for it. But then he doesn’t have as much vested in the African-American heritage of slavery in America.

It pained me to see a tall young man in one of Rev. Wright’s videos sporting a nice smile and the Farakkhan signature bow tie come into the picture and then move out of it. My gut feeling is that he was trying to encourage Black Muslims and Nation of Islam members in supporting Rev. Wright’s diatribes. It was as though he were saying, ”See, we’re all one. We’re all blacks and we see things the same way.” I want to believe otherwise but my life experience and news tracking tells me this.

For African-Americans to have come so very far to such great middle-class success, even though I acknowledge it’s not as good in the inner cities, it now appears that a reversal trend is under way with this and the past years of suburban kids wanting to get more into rap, drugs, etc. and copy black kids. I agree with Bill Cosby in this matter. I love their spirit but it breaks my heart to see them move in reverse.
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Reply # 83
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:42 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 4

Jesus was and is Commander in Chief of the armies of God, present and participating as part of the Holy Trinity in the creation of the world, all powerful, who willingly humbled himself to be born as a helpless baby, fully God yet fully man. Here was someone who humbled Himself and was beaten like some of the slaves had been. No wonder Jesus Christ was such a reality to them! No wonder their songs sound so personal. And who knows what countless miracles large and small they experienced in their strong faith in the Son of God!

This is why it’s such a tragedy that Rev. Wright has gone so far from the roots of his people. He is misleading thousands of people, and now millions, by overshadowing the magnificent work of the Lord’s forgiveness by African-Americans with his own racist preaching. It’s like undoing a wondrous work of art. And here many blacks, including pastors, are supporting it, and Barack Obama really didn’t apologize for it. But then he doesn’t have as much vested in the African-American heritage of slavery in America.

It pained me to see a tall young man in one of Rev. Wright’s videos sporting a nice smile and the Farakkhan signature bow tie come into the picture and then move out of it. My gut feeling is that he was trying to encourage Black Muslims and Nation of Islam members in supporting Rev. Wright’s diatribes. It was as though he were saying, ”See, we’re all one. We’re all blacks and we see things the same way.” I want to believe otherwise but my life experience and news tracking tells me this.

For African-Americans to have come so very far to such great middle-class success, even though I acknowledge it’s not as good in the inner cities, it now appears that a reversal trend is under way with this and the past years of suburban kids wanting to get more into rap, drugs, etc. and copy black kids. I agree with Bill Cosby in this matter. I love their spirit but it breaks my heart to see them move in reverse.
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Reply # 84
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:45 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 5

In general, I think that what African-Americans go through nowadays and how they handle themselves is not of the same caliber as the courage and grit and forgiveness black folk went through during previous generations. The 80-year-olds and even 90-year-olds I’ve met and seen in black churches stand tall in my mind. They have dignity and respect. Now THEY have some stories to tell...about how the Lord ”done brought ’em through.”

As a recap, why am I interested in black history? African-Americans showed forgiveness, a particular type of charm, humility, and spirit, an ability to focus on the positive while enduring great suffering. They showed leadership in adversity, great leadership, to America.

Rev. Wright’s church did not show that leadership, leading Barack Obama to make his own race-dividing remarks like ”They’re trying to hoodwink you” to Mississippi voters because he didn’t like what Hillary Clinton said to him, and Barack Obama nudging African-Americans in the South by saying, ”You know the ole’ Okey-Doke.” Few in the media reported these remarks but TownHall News did. Obama has tried to win the vote by taking back to the 60’s African-Americans whose ancestors were slaves. I don’t respect that he has riled up people in order to further his career. He has played the race card so voters would focus on himself as an icon in this country rather than looking at his voting record, like his extreme record in making sure a baby is left to die (on soiled laundry or in a garbage pail) if the baby survives the attending physician’s attempt to destroy his brain after his little head pops out from his mommy. Check out Jill Stanek’s article on this Born Alive Infants Protection Act about Obama’s Illinois Senator days: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=5 1121
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Reply # 85
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:48 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 6

Four years ago I was going to write Rev. Wright a letter asking about Barack Obama’s beliefs. Since the media was lauding him so much after the Democratic Convention, I sincerely wanted to determine why Barack Obama was so far off in his beliefs on the basics of salvation after accepting Christ 16 years earlier. In a Chicago newspaper article of an Obama interview, it was clear that Obama didn’t know if he was going to heaven, he didn’t believe in eternal judgment (if there were no eternal judgment, it wouldn’t have been necessary for Jesus to come to earth to die on the cross for our sins), he has an internal discourse which he calls prayer to God, and he doesn’t believe Jesus’ direct words in John 14:6 how no one comes to God except through Jesus. After viewing the church’s website then, and seeing the tapes of Rev. Wright recently, I understand better why Obama is so far off track. I also see how many of the congregation are possibly off track as well due to Rev. Wright’s focus on a social gospel and his promotion of his political beliefs in the form of sermons.

I just checked my notes on Rev. Wright videos and I have to conclude that Rev. Wright is spiritually sick. The outrageous lies and accusations…the namecalling… For example, about black Republicans whom he believes are sellouts: “They live below the sea level. they live below the level of Clarence, Collin and Condamnesia.” “Condamnesia?” Say what? I don’t agree with Condoleezza Rice about some issues but...

I must go. I’ve already written too much and missed my first bike ride this spring. But it was worth it, Nellie, to express this in writing, some of it for the first time. May you know Jesus as your Savior and true Son of God in all His fullness, and in believing and confessing be assured of eternal life with Him in heaven. This is the greatest wish I would have for everyone because the alternative is unthinkable but real.
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Reply # 86
Date: Mar 24, 2008 - 10:50 PM EST
Nellie - Black churches Pt 7

Due to your sincere interest in my experience, let me share the name of a book I was given recently by an inquiring friend after browsing in a Bible bookstore. It’s a wonderful book called ”What the Bible Is All About” written by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears. Dr. Mears apparently had thousands, I’ve read, coming to her Sunday School classes decades ago. She has an interesting bio. Dr. Mears had a gift for summarizing and making clear the message of God’s Word book by book, which she taught as building to a crescendo from Genesis to the final End Days. Wait until you read her insights on the four Gospels and how they differ in their perspective yet coalesce to create a fuller picture of the ministry of Jesus. Fascinating.

Another book much like her book and with more history, archaeological evidence, and detail is Henry Halley’s Bible Handbook. I wish I had found these two books years earlier. What I’ve collected in bits and pieces over the years is expressed more cohesively in these two guidebooks to the Bible.

# # #
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Reply # 87
Date: Mar 26, 2008 - 1:17 AM EST
What about the other 8,000 members?


It's not just what Obama thinks and or believes.
How did the Rev Wright con 8,000 members? Tt scares me. Also, where did he get those four degrees?

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Reply # 88
Date: Mar 26, 2008 - 7:09 PM EST
Dr. Wright A Christian?
Mitt Romney was questioned as to whether or not he was a Christian because his religion supposedly had a different view of who Christ is. What about Dr. Wright. I think it is pretty well established that Jesus was a Jew and Jew's are not black, yet Dr. Wright teaches that Jesus is black. Also, how many Christian preachers would hump the air in describing what Bill Clinton did to Monica?
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