Good point! On commentary on an article by Ross Douthat I saw much leftish justification for Reverend Wright's sermons while bashing "white fundamentalists".
Posted by Joe Lammers at March 18, 2008 2:00 AMLeftists wouldn't know a fundamentalist if we bit them on the ass. I should know, because I am one. The fundamentals of Christian belief are that we are all sinners, and fall short of the glory of God, and are in need of salvation, which can only be assured in the sacrifice of Christ, and which we are compelled by Christ Himself to preach to all men everywhere. Oh, and we also believe that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son in order to redeem each individual in it.
Jeez, we're evil.
Posted by Chris at March 18, 2008 3:41 AMWell said, Gerard, but not surprising.
I've long held the belief that the most illiberal people you'll ever meet are liberals, based in large measure on my work as a prosecutor.
So it's of a piece that racism finds a willing host in the hearts and minds of those once considered to be its most common victims.
Posted by Mike Lief at March 18, 2008 6:20 AMWonderful post.
As I noted earlier today, it is remarkable just how many people forget that glass houses can be broken from within.
Posted by SC&A at March 18, 2008 7:01 AMThanks for the clarity!
Posted by walt at March 18, 2008 7:23 AMWell, Gerard. You found - or perhaps more accurately, the scales came fully off your eyes and you were able to see - what you are moving closer and closer to: truth. And the truth will set you free.
You may not, for a long time, have been interested in God. But God was always interested in you. We go a long way around, some of us, but with grace we all come home sooner or later.
Home to the one who made us. Yes, it's important to show up at a cause or a building to show our colors and vote with our feet, and so it is sweet to find a church to go back to.
But perhaps this blog, and not a church, might be your way of doing that now. Inside, we know when we are home. I bless the day I gave up worrying about possessions, locations, short-term goals, and let myself be at home with God every minute instead. There is no higher place on this earth, and I wish I could meet every one of my fellow humans there.
Posted by askmom at March 18, 2008 9:52 AMFrom my auditing of the sermons I have never, not once, heard a message of race hate preached. Neither have I heard race hate promoted in the social meetings after. Not one single time, not even in the whitest of congregations.I've had much the same experience, Gerard. I was raised Southern Baptist and attended a number of churches belonging to that denomination in Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. In college, I hung out with Presbyterians and attended several churches in Columbia, SC. After graduation I joined a Lutheran church in that area, and later belonged to another one near Raleigh, NC. I never heard a hint of racism in any sermon or in conversation at any function.
I'm no longer a churchgoer, but my wife belongs to the largest Baptist church in Raleigh. That congregation actually cut its ties with the Southern Baptist Convention over the SBC's literal interpretation of the Bible verse stating that wives should submit to their husbands. If the church rebelled at this mild element of sexism, how much racism do you think it would tolerate?
In my experience, people who claim that Christianity is synonymous with racism are not only nonreligious themselves, but know nothing about religion. They are simply repeating an ignorant, hateful stereotype. In other words, they are narrow-minded anti-Christian bigots, and their behavior is projection of the most obvious sort.
Posted by Pat at March 18, 2008 2:51 PMA person cannot truly know Christ if he comes to Christianity from a position of hate.
Posted by boqueronman at March 18, 2008 3:15 PMIf you've looked into a several religions and have not found what you're seeking, try Catholicism.
There's a new approach to it on catholicfundamentalism.com
Very new.
What is amazing to me is that Christianity is the only religion that preaches a message of acceptance of all races. Jesus went to great lengths to point it out because of the Gentile/Jewish race problems existing at the time. So he told the story of the good Samaritan,Paul would eat with the Gentiles to the shock of his Jewish friends to make a point that all of us are God's children--regardless of race--yet, as you point out, Christianity is demonized more than any other.
As for churches--I'm a Southern Baptist and NEVER have I heard the SLIGHTEST notion of racism in my very large and predominantly white church. The difference in character in myself and Obama though is that despite 18 years of attendance if this Sunday my pastor begans an anti-American, racist rant, it will be the last sermon of his I ever attend.
Obama had a "leadership moment" opportunity today to respect the man who lead him to Christ while standing firm on his alleged convictions--and he simply blew it. No suprise at all.
Posted by Murphy Klasing at March 18, 2008 5:41 PMGerard,
Well written. You are a seeker, and I pray that you find what you're after.
Posted by James Cooper at March 18, 2008 7:50 PMAnd ironically enough, those of leftist persuasion (those who seek to gain power over the lives of others by any means, legitimate or not) do not see any threat from the political ideology that attempts to disguise itself as a religion known as Islam which calls for waging predatory war against those who do not follow it, sanctifies slavery and savagery, whose main fundamental screams "Kill the infidel!", and which actually does want to establish a brutal, abusive, intolerant theocracy. What pernicious lies they believe...
Posted by Robert at March 19, 2008 4:30 PMHaving been exposed to several assortments of Christianity, I say unequivocably; "searching or not, those seeking sanctuary should search-out a good Non-Denominational Bible Fellowship Church", which teaches 'strict deciphering'
of the meaning of God's Word - and does not interpret. This is where You Learn "God's Word" and follow your Pastor (Religious Leader) ONLY as he follows Christ.
Racism is a red herring. It's a distraction ... Keep your eyes on the other hand.
Posted by Eman at March 29, 2009 4:22 PMRacism is a red herring. It's a distraction ... Keep your eyes on the other hand.
Posted by Eman at March 29, 2009 4:22 PMNo surprise to me having grown up in St. Louis in the 50's-60's.
Everyone knew then the place to find real race hatred was in a "black" church on Sunday.
That's why I knew what has come today months ago back when I saw the dear REV Right. Our great Leader didn't just sit there for 20 years-he wanted to and if you can't see his beliefs being pushed nationally now you never will.
I knew an actual white lay preacher who was also an anti-semite and a racist. There are others like him. Such people are a tiny minority, however, who use Christianity as a last refuge for an atavistic racism that has all but disappeared in America. To hear the left tell it though, you would think that these people are still legion. That is a lie.
As to whether or not there are more churches like Rev. Wright's -- absolutely, and they are NOT a tiny minority. A majority of black churches are not like his, but the number that are may be a hidden disgrace for the 21st-century African American community. Or should be. I have this feeling from observation that blacks in general are not bothered by their racist (and anti-semitic) brethren.
Posted by Roderick Reilly` at March 30, 2009 2:08 PMExcellent Gerard,
Dr. King said that he dreamed of the day when black men would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
Being a Christian, I truly believe that the Christian world view is, and will be the only final cure for racism. It is hardly the color of the Obamessiah's skin in which I detest but the unrepentent content of his deadly and yes, racist character.
The Rev. Wright type churces and congregations wear Christian clothing only because it is familiar; the Black Muslim fashion is too alien, and has peculiar demands. The Reverend makes no demands of them, only of others. This is familiar territory.
I love this post! Great job! Not that I am at all biased, of course, by my own generations ofWASP Episcopalian forebears and early church. Or by attending a Protestant evangelical church now that embraces people of every race, political view and former religious identity. Theologically rigorous (back to my family's original Puritan roots undiluted by Virginia planters?) but generous hearted people. So glad you wrote this. Hope you have a good church home now.
Posted by retriever at September 22, 2009 9:17 AMVery perceptive article. As a white female growing up in South Carolina, I have faced black against white racism all my life. In the last 10 years or so, I have had black people try to tell me what I think about God, even though they haven't asked me what I think. A small example is when a black co-worker and I were discussing our churches and out of the blue she said,"You know Jesus wasn't a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white person like all of your pictures show him." First of all, as I explained to her, I don't have "pictures" of Jesus, but even the oldest prints and paintings that I remember seeing obviously portrayed a dark-haired, dark-eyed, olive-skinned person. He was Jewish. I felt like this was an attack meant to claim that blacks have a monopoly on Jesus' heritage. Maybe he was black but it doesn't matter to me. Jesus isn't looking at our skin color, but at our hearts. I don't care what color His skin was. Not only are black churches more often openly racist, they are often the funnels for tax-payer funded programs that are supposed to help the under-privileged but are really designed to make them either forever dependent on government handouts, or put them in jobs where they are under-qualified and overpaid, or help them to qualify for housing they can't afford and will lose. The pastors and preachers provide a consistent message of entitlement, social justice and government reparations to keep the congregations angry and stirred up against their perceived enemy, the all-powerful old white man (which is personified by the GOP). One of the justifications that black hate-preachers like to use is that the Bible and Christianity were used to justify slavery. This is also an argument that many anti-Christian people adapt for their purposes (like feminism). They are throwing rocks and hiding their hands, while siphoning taxpayer money to use for political purposes and for their (the preachers') own pockets. Their congregations are too blind to see this and willingly swallow all manner of lies. They are deceived by the Enemy, they are captives of the Lie. When they accept God, he will open their eyes although it may not happen right away. Christianity is a journey and God reveals His secrets to each of us only when we are mature enough to receive them. My only hope that racism will end is that God loves ALL of us, even Muslims and Atheists.
Posted by Laura at September 22, 2009 11:15 AMA profound and excellent essay. As the truth always is. Thanks, Gerard. Again.
Posted by W. at September 22, 2009 12:23 PMGood article.
Why are all the links to Little Green Footballs? I wasn't aware that it's a liberal site, I perceive it to be an IslamWatch site.
Posted by Hannah at September 22, 2009 1:38 PMAs far as I know, fundamentalist Christianity as America has it is almost unknown over on this side of the pond. Unfortunately, we have our share of racists over here too - but I much doubt that any of them are practising Christians.
However, large numbers of anti-white, anti-gay, and anti-Semitic sermons are regularly preached every day over here, and pointing that out gets you labelled by our "liberals" as a racist of the first water. Where? Clue: the peak day for such sermons is Friday.
Posted by Fletcher Christian at September 22, 2009 1:38 PMGerald, Very thoughtful essay. I had my own spiritual odyssey from dope fiend leftist Viet Nam vet to born again Christian. Grace is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. Keep looking, The prophet Jeremiah said ,"You will find me when you search for me with all your heart"
Posted by bill at September 22, 2009 7:29 PMWelcome to the spiritual cafeteria, Gerard. American religious life, how strange. But if you're going to be here, at least try the meat and potatoes. In regards to food metaphors, you might sum up this article with the first council's advice to gentiles: 'Abstain from blood, things which are strangled, and food sacrificed to idols.'
Posted by RiverC at September 23, 2009 4:58 AMI've been to many Black-churches, and found camaraderie and joy. They treated this White-dood with friendship and open-understanding...
The racism seen in SOME Black churches stem from one man, and one man alone named Cone. He started "Black Liberation Theology" back in 68 or 9, and Wright was one of his students. THIS is what Obama's "christian-belief" is. (small c)
Black Liberation Theology Doctrine:
"Black
theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the
goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white
people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of
black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community
... Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates
in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love
as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to
destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal.
Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his
love."
re: LGF...
Something happened inside Charles about the time of the election or before. In any case, he has lost his way right now. I pray he finds it.
Deep down, I believe him to be a very good man, and he runs a technically peerless site. I had to stop going there, too. It's kind of hard to see. These are strange days, and forever is a long, long time.
Sorry to be OT, Gerard. I just had to unload my mind re LGF. Thanks for putting this back up, as it goes to a deep truth that is almost fatally hard to speak to even now. I regret to say that it will become easier over the next few months. Today's speech at the UN by Obama has me deeply troubled. This is not going in a good direction, but it is all too predictable by now.
Posted by mezzrow at September 23, 2009 6:19 PMRE: lgf... I was one of the few to survive his various purges... mostly because I say for the most part nothing. Silence is an excellent weapon against him. But it is, as mezzrow is saying, very sad. I admired his technical work back in the day, and wished his site to keep growing.
Seems like what grew was his ego.
Most of my pals got cleared on in the whole Gates of Vienna / Fjordman kerfuffle. That was when Charles (who does not live in Europe nor did he venture there to investigate) proclaimed unilaterally that Valaams Belaang (or however it is spelled, forgive me my friends) was a racist, white supremacist party.
Symbols such as the Odin's cross and past associations were used to 'seal' the deal; the fact that they are a party that deals with elements that may be racist, racial, or ethnocentric at least, does not make them a party of white supremacists or Nazis. But I suppose Charles still lives in the world of the one drop rule.
Posted by RiverC at September 24, 2009 4:21 AMI am a minister's daughter. I attended more than "my share" of church and church programs when my father pastored churches in KY, TN, and NC. All were open to people of all races and each congregation had members of different races.
I attended my denomination's church schools through my freshman year of college. Again, all were attended by children of all different races.
I knew about racism only as a subject touched upon in classes I took (such as history classes) and from what I heard on the news. But, it was not something I really experienced first hand.
I am White and cannot speak for any of the Asian, Black, or Hispanic people I have known through my church. But, as an overly-sensitive type, I do not recall witnessing anything of that nature.
This is what I know: there are so many myths about "fundies," about our intelligence, our academic achievements, and our private thoughts about people who are "different." The reality from inside is this: members of my denomination, compared to the general population, have a higher percentage of advanced degrees; our test scores in church school were higher than those of our public school counterparts (I personally scored a 1400 on the SAT); I see more marriages of couples of different races inside the church than outside the church (I think this is because our religion is a stronger identifying factor for us than our individual races).
I could ramble on and on forever but I guess my main points are this:
A. "They" (liberals? mainstream media?) have no clue about religious people or what drives them. B. It is possible for groups of people to find common ground that transcends their outward appearance (race) that binds them together in common purpose.
C. No one can force "B" on other people and make it stick. You can force them to behave in a certain way but it only works if they are converted.
D. To quote my father, "the ground is level at the cross." A truly Christian church is the truest democracy there is. There *can* be true love among its members because each member recognizes they are a sinner who deserving of hell but is saved through the sacrifice of a sinless Savior who took our punishment upon Himself. When Christianity is at its finest is when the members of a church body put aside judgment of each other and turn that onto themselves. It's the recognition of what Christ did for ME, knowing my own sins all too well, that we can overlook faults in others. We are human too and no church is perfect (meaning the members attending it) but at least we strive for something better than this evil world has to offer, strive to live holy lives pleasing to God. A church such as J. Wright's is of this world and not of God.
And, coming back to my point "A," I have concluded that this is why the media/liberals/whatever, will never have any true understanding of the mindset of Islamic fundamentalism. While I do not, obviously, agree with the religion of Islam itself, any religious person can probably at least understand the what it is to be a BELIEVER. That should not be passed over lightly - a true believer who is a Christian is instructed in the Bible that they may be persecuted to death. One must be willing to die for the sake of Jesus' name. No political talks in this world will change that mind. This is why I pray for conversion of individuals who adhere to the Islamic religion. That is the only lasting path to peace.
Posted by Karen at September 24, 2009 11:27 AMI'm sure that someone has already mentioned this, G, but TUC"C" is no Christian church. Never, do any of its adherents mention that Christ died for the sins of all, nor have I heard the word "resurrection" come out of the mouths of its clergy or its adherents. And I bet BHO would spontaneously combust if he said the words "Jesus Christ."
Also I have never heard racism come out of the pulpit of a *real* Christian church with an all black congregation and I've been to many of them. TUCC is a cult and just as crazy a cult as the ones composed of all white people.
Posted by baldilocks at September 24, 2009 7:09 PMMy comments are immoderate because I can't stand anyone having a different opinion and because my personal and semi-psychotic views go against the basic principles of democracy and free speech. Very deep down at the core of my being if there is any intelligent cell left in my delusional brain I must realize the nonsense that I preach. The only way I can succeed is to target the weak and vulnerable and keep people stupid, fearful and isolated from the facts.
Posted by Andrew at May 13, 2011 12:40 PM