Posted on Tue, Apr. 29, 2008
Not about politics
Despite the frenzy people in my profession continue to stir regarding the preachings of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, I submit to you that somewhere there's a group of people who are thanking God for this man of the cloth.
I believe initial support of Barack Obama by older white males in this country was a political pat on the head for a good-looking, well-spoken, highly educated black man they didn't think stood a snowball's chance of being the Democratic Party nominee. Supporting Obama, however, was excellent public relations. The country could see these graying elder statesmen were not prejudiced or racist. By supporting the black hopeful, they looked good in print and on camera.
But when it became clear that Obama's campaign was not symbolic, they knew they were in trouble. George Washington set the standard for president of the United States -- white and male. Now, for the first time in history, that might not be the case. And a number of these men had publicly signed off on what was turning into their own demise.
Enter some brutally edited film clips of Wright's sermons. This was, of course, a godsend for those whose political futures and egos now depend on distancing themselves from Obama. And let's not forget those who swore the race card was never a part of this campaign.
My question remains: Were people offended because Wright was telling the truth or were they offended by the way he told the truth? Either way, the truth was told.
Local connection
Meanwhile, the rest of the country may have been introduced via those sound bytes to Wright, but he is no stranger to Columbus. He has "preached" the revival at St. John AME Church four consecutive years. And he's coming again, said St. John Pastor Debora Grant.
In fact, they booked this -- his fifth revival last May, at the end of the 2007 revival. So his visit is not new. It's not an attempt to get in on the current brouhaha, said Grant.
Some of Grant's parishioners were upset Sunday because a couple of media folk came to St. John looking for interviews regarding Wright and his preaching.
There was no more of a story on Steam Mill Road at St. John than there would have been in another part of Columbus at a church where the darkest things found in the sanctuary might be the hymnals.
This year's revival begins 7 p.m. Monday, and Wright's visit is not political, Grant said. It has nothing to do with Obama and it has nothing to do with her running for bishop, as some have said.
"That cannot be, he doesn't vote in my denomination," Grant said.
If, however, some want to politicize the revival by coming as spectators, Grant said, they will be welcomed.
"If people come as spectators -- just to see, just because of the controversy -- and one soul gets saved, the revival will have done what it's supposed to do," Grant said. "This is not about politics; it's about God."
Contact Kaffie Sledge at 706-571-8585 or ksledge@ledger-enquirer.com
