After watching Barack Obama's reaction yesterday to Jeremiah Wright's magical mystery tour (Moyers, NAACP, National Press Club), I almost posted some comments on how all of this relates to the church and the gospel. I'm more interested in that angle, than the politics. I'm glad I waited though because Thabiti Anyabwile writes what I would have wanted to say and does it so much better than I could have.
While Rev. Wright gets the headlines, a far better model of gospel ministry within the rich context and tradition of the African-American church went to be with the Lord. Anthony Carter and John Piper pay tribute to Elder D.J. Ward. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the clip of Ward joyfully magnifying the grace of Christ be played on TV as often as the clips of Wright's bitter sarcasm?
Amen and Amen.
ReplyDeletemoise and i watched rev. wright during the NAACP dinner, and we enjoyed it, actually. :) i didn't agree with all of his ideas (for example, black and white children learn differently) but i was happy to see a speech of his in its entirety (unlike the other snippets floating around) and thought that he had a great sense of humor. i didn't see the interview or the other speech. if we get together for dinner, you should ask moise his opinion on rev. wright. he gets pretty excitable and has some pretty strong opinions. :)
ReplyDeleteJudging by Obama's comments yesterday he didn't enjoy it. I think he genuinely feels betrayed. Rev. Wright is an engaging personality and has some perceptive things to say, but that's different than being a minister of the gospel. A pastor's calling (even a retired pastor) is to make Jesus look great not himself.
ReplyDeletei wanted to give yoou a heads up on my friend natalie's blog. you might enjoy her most recent post: http://johnalie.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica. I'll check that out.
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Christ!