As a Black man, Christian, and bible teacher, I have serious issues with Reverend Jeremiah Wright. In a prior article, I stated my position very clearly. However, I do agree with Reverend Wright on one thing, his philosophy and way of thinking is becoming quite prevalent among many inner city Black churches.
There has been a trend over the last twenty years to use the Christian pulpit to promote Black nationalism, and this is not an attack on the Black church. It is a solid observation that I have witnessed as a Black man living in a Black and Hispanic community. This trend is wrong. It is wrong because it is not Christianity!
As people of God we are to speak out against injustice. The prophets Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and especially Amos, were very vocal and vicious in their condemnation of social injustice. If you read the scriptures very carefully, you will notice that these men championed the rights of all people. Not just the Jews.
Jesus himself was pretty severe in his condemnation of the social and moral injustices of his day and the early church followed in his footsteps. As Christians and people of God we have an obligation to speak out against social ills, racism, and gender inequality. However, there is a big difference between challenging injustice and Black nationalism.
Let me be very clear on one thing. You cannot be a true Christian and espouse Black nationlism! The two belief systems have nothing in common! It is my humble opinion that Reverend Wright has an obligation, not only to our people, but first to God.
To be a Christian minister means that we have made the choice to present and proclaim the teachings of Christ and to live according to his value system and his teaching. And that teaching means to love people of all races, creeds, etc.
I know Rev. Wright grew up in a different time; a time when racism was vicious. I am not blind to historical facts, however we are past that. We have a chance for real racial unity. We can do it.
Black nationalism has no place in the pulpit. There should be no Black church. There should be no White church. There should only be “The Church.”
I predicted over a month ago, in a similar article for DivineCaroline, that Senator Obama would have to make a clear and decisive break with Reverend Jeremiah Wright if he hopes to win the democratic nomination. Last night the Senator made that break. I must say that I am proud of the way he did it. He was very clear on what he believes. And he got right to the point.
In conclusion, I think we must all (black and white alike) decide what Reverend Wright really believes. As a man of God, Bible teacher, and former missionary, I can tell all my readers it is not Christianity.
