On My Faith and My Church
UPDATES: Barack Obama Big News Page
The pastor of my church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who recently preached his last sermon and is in the process of retiring, has touched off a firestorm over the last few days. He's drawn attention as the result of some inflammatory and appalling remarks he made about our country, our politics, and my political opponents.
Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.
Because these particular statements by Rev. Wright are so contrary to my own life and beliefs, a number of people have legitimately raised questions about the nature of my relationship with Rev. Wright and my membership in the church. Let me therefore provide some context.
As I have written about in my books, I first joined Trinity United Church of Christ nearly twenty years ago. I knew Rev. Wright as someone who served this nation with honor as a United States Marine, as a respected biblical scholar, and as someone who taught or lectured at seminaries across the country, from Union Theological Seminary to the University of Chicago. He also led a diverse congregation that was and still is a pillar of the South Side and the entire city of Chicago. It's a congregation that does not merely preach social justice but acts it out each day, through ministries ranging from housing the homeless to reaching out to those with HIV/AIDS.
Most importantly, Rev. Wright preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he's been my pastor. And the sermons I heard him preach always related to our obligation to love God and one another, to work on behalf of the poor, and to seek justice at every turn.
The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation. When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign. I made it clear at the time that I strongly condemned his comments. But because Rev. Wright was on the verge of retirement, and because of my strong links to the Trinity faith community, where I married my wife and where my daughters were baptized, I did not think it appropriate to leave the church.
Let me repeat what I've said earlier. All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country.
With Rev. Wright's retirement and the ascension of my new pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, III, Michelle and I look forward to continuing a relationship with a church that has done so much good. And while Rev. Wright's statements have pained and angered me, I believe that Americans will judge me not on the basis of what someone else said, but on the basis of who I am and what I believe in; on my values, judgment and experience to be President of the United States.
For more coverage of Barack Obama, go to HuffPost's Barack Obama page.
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Have you seen this video...
watch the entire thing... you'll see during God Bless America...
Obama refuses to put his hand on his chest....
hummmmmmmmmmmm WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS MEANS AMERICA...
http://you
Posted at March 17, 2008 4:45 AM in response to I want to hear why
you support Clinton (really)
Have you seen this video...
watch the entire thing... you'll see during God Bless America...
Obama refuses to put his hand on his chest....
hummmmmmmmmmmm WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS MEANS AMERICA...
http://you
Posted at March 17, 2008 4:40 AM in response to Source: Obama Tells
Donors That Losing Pennsylvania By Less Than 10 Points Will Be
"Victory"
Google either quote....
“I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievanc and
animosity against my mother's race.”
“I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in
an ugly direction.
Here are two things for you to go and work on then come back here and
write another article telling us how you think that someone with
these
connections and his lying background
President:
++++++++++
1. The fact that Obama had attended mengaji classes is well known in
Indonesia and has left many there wondering just when Obama is going
to come out of the closet...y
you're muslim...t
him..why did obama go to school in jakarta under the name of BARRY
SOETORO
2. C'mon people - Obama Baracks cousin, Raila Odinga, is running for
a political spot in Kenya. There is much mass murder related to this
election - please check out the facts - google raila odinga. Is this
the person that we want to be the next US President????
Intellectually, I know that BO will not be president, but it scares
me as to how close he came. America - what are you thinking????
__________
That sounds like the kind of stuff I get sent by my wingnut relatives, and it's usually written in 18 point red font! Have you run any of it by Snopes first? Yet we know for certain that the Clinton 'Co-Presidency' turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the Rwanda genocide. In light of that, do we really want to give *them* another shot at the White House?
Went to one church during college once... this is so funny. My
girlfriend and I went in and we started looking for a place to sit.
When we entere the pew area... the right side was full, there was no
place to sit and on the left there were only about 15 people. We
asked a lady standing there if there was something special going on
that we should know about since we were trying to find a church.
Do you know what she said? lol
She said, oh you probably don't want to sit on the left, that side is
only for sinners!
AND WHAT SHOULD THE MORAL BE: HUMMM
WELL, OF COURSE, SINCE WE DIDN'T AGREE WITH THIS, AFTER THE
SERMON...W
were college girls... Almost the entire sermon when talking about
sinning and this and that the preacher directed to the left side...
(we stood in the back...lol
Okay, so if I was Obama... I would have just stayed.. But I wasn't
and I knew this was wrong and we never went back. And we told as
many people as we could!
----------
OBAMA STAYED FOR 20 YEARS AND GAVE A DECLARED $25,000 LAST YEAR
ALONE!
Posted at March 16, 2008 2:54 AM in response to Source: Obama Tells
Donors That Losing Pennsylvania By Less Than 10 Points Will Be
"Victory"
I don't really watch T.V. so I missed most of this Wright kerfluffle. Thus I was very curious to know what the preacher said that was so dang controversial. I imagined all sorts of mortifying things...b
Clinton voted for the Iraq war even though a substantial number of her peers voted against it, 137 I believe. For the past 5 years liberals/p
Senator Obama,
You have proven yourself to be a great speech maker, now, why do you, want to disenfranchise the voters of Florida, where you and Senator Clinton, were both on the ballot, it is fair, due to both campaign's not going to Florida to campaign. The voters did get their information from somewhere. So, why wouldn't they be counted and seated at the Dem. Nat'l. Convention??? Could it be, because you lost there by a large margin? Especially, when, the the decision to change the date voters would go to the polls, was done by the Republican controlled Government? As for Michigan, a re-vote should be held, to be fair to you. I find it funny, that your name was on Florida's ballot, but not on Michigan's? Either way, a re-vote should be done, because as the "great uniter" you should know clearly, that this Country, is called the United States of America! Not the United States of America, minus two!!! I beleive that (it has been said) your campaign, is working hard to block such a re-vote, due to the vote victory by Hillary Clinton, by such a wide margin in Florida, and Michigan, too, but to BE FAIR, a re-vote should be done in Michigan,(stated again!) . Stop saying you are the great "Uniter" if you won't count the will of the voters in two states. To me, for whatever reason, is hypocritical, and unjust. Rules are ment to be broken, in the face of injustice. If you do not agree, that not counting the voters will in two states is unjust, then, you are not who you claim to be. Let the voters be heard in Florida and Michigan to show you are a fair and just man. Not just a man, who does what is convenient, and possibly is hiding behind the rules, rather then hear the voters...e
You will get representation. They will split the delegates 50/50.
Why do we have to examine the religious backgrounds of any political candidate? What ever happened to seperation of church and state?
I am a white middle- class female. I was raised in the Bible - thumping Heartland of America. But I am not a Christian. In fact, I am not religious at all. I am a well - educated, morally decent, law -abiding, volunteering, charity - donating, animal - rescuing citizen who thinks it is a personal choice what a person believes in and it has no correlation with good and evil.
Why do we assume that the way to pick a good political candidate is to look at his/her church affiliations? I want a capable political leader, not a spiritualist or a Guru. I want someone with the courage and skill to raise this country out of the gutter where it currently resides. I want all of the things these politicians keep promising us but never deliver.
I want...
A cleaner, greener, safer country for my young son and his future children who will someday inherit it
Fair wages and benefits for American workers
Equal rights for all citizens
Healthcare, great educations and plenty of food and toys for all children
Better treatment and support for our elderly
Solar energy and electric cars
I want corporate rapists and pillagers to be held accountable for their gluttonous crimes instead of being given positions of power.
( I'm a leftist liberal Independent if it wasn't obvious yet)
If a politician can do a few of these things then why would I care how he/ she worships? I don't give a monkey's left testicle if he/ she worships the Christ, Buddha or the Flying Spaghetti Monster(tm). If they could accomplish all of those things... I wouldn't care if they belonged to the Church of Satan... as long as I don't have to witness the goat sacrifices. (That's humor, folks).
The past 7 years is a stunning example of what happens when religious beliefs and fear lead a person to choose a president. It doesn't get much more despicable than the current administration.
Leave religion and spiritual beliefs out of politics. Let's use logic and reason instead.
It's interesting that the MEDIA and ALL these folks who write so passionately about Obama leaving his church, have not raised such a cry to CLOSE DOWN all of the CATHOLIC CHURCHES, JERRY FALWELL'S MINISTRY in VA, JOHN HAGEE MINISTRY in Texas.
Why aren't these same voices hollering to want to know WHAT THE RELIOUS BELIEFS ARE OF MCCAIN, CLINTON--WHO ARE THEIR PASTORS? DO THEY ATTEND CHURCH?
So many are hollering if Obama is a Muslim or Christian---WELL, WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF MCCAIN OR CLINTON ARE RELIGIOUS PERIOD.
WHY IS THERE THIS DOUBLE STANDARD?-ONE STANDARD FOR OBAMA, AND A LESS, "don't ask no questions" standards for McCain or Clinton?
We happen to be at war with Muslims. Thats why people are more interested in obama's religion. Most people don't want an enemy running our cuntry. Its our duty to dig up stuff on him. as he has bveen caught in so many lies, and all about his religion. If he didn't have to lie about it, maybe people wouldn't be so untrusting with him. And his wife! I can't wait until the whole truth comes out about him. I bet i will still see people fainting when he walks in, because of thier ignorance. But the truth will come out. And one of these times, his lying , karismatic speeches are going to get him booed off the podium, as people are getting wise to him and it will happen. i am just excitedly waiting the day I can witness it! As for the other candidates
We are not at war with Muslims. We are at war with terrorists who happen to be Muslim. Most Muslim's are not horrible people. You talk about Obama supporters and "their ignorance" - I think you are showing your ignorance.
As for "the truth that will come out", if you know these truths why don't you share it with the rest of us?
Think about this, If Obama was Muslim, his wife would not be aloud to speak. You know that in that country women are second class citizens. I just don't get it.....how anyone can stretch the obvious truth and bend it to make it be what they are tyring to peddle.
I can easily accept Obama's word that his pastor's words do not reflect his own; however, from what Michelle Obama said earlier about not having been proud of her country until now, it seems that those hateful words DO reflect her beliefs.
The main difficulty with this issue is that days ago Obama claimed not to have heard these harsh sermons. We know that is not true and today Sen. Obama admitted that he had been aware, had heard , the sermons. We have had enough of a President who lies and this is the last time for Obama for me. He has lied repeatedly throughout the campaign (Rezko was only a client for whom Obama had done 6 hours of legal work; now we hear the truth and it's not pretty.) There have been so many lies told and for that reason-not race-that I cannot vote for him.
You should read her thesis. Her beliefs regarding this country are long held ones. "Princeton - Educated Blacks and the Black Community" by Michelle LaVaughn Robinson. I can't find the link to the 4-part PDF file, but will post when it's found again.
There was a link on Politico, but that's not where I downloaded my copy.
Obama has a good speech writer but in no way does this solve the problem he has with associations to people who hate whites and America and other associates who are alledgedly corrupt. He has a problem making good choices in my opinion. I will not be voting for him. Also, I am angry with the media for not exposing this whole issue BEFORE the American citizens voted. It is too late now for the other Democrats who had to drop out of the race because many people were fooled into voting for Obama. I believe it to be a fact that if this TRUE story would have come out last year (in total) Obama would not be in the race today. It is not the democratic way to keep the truth from voters!
Would you instead vote for a person who has associations with people who hate African Americans? Do you believe that ANY of us in this country, regardless of whether we are politicians or not, regardless of whether we know it or not, are not associated with racists?
I could not agree more. The press has created this situation and I'm sure that many of us who had an inkling of some of his questionable associates and other issues have been emailing the press constantly to come forward with this crucial info to no avail. It is not race that is the problem as much as it is Obama's lies to hide the truth,i.e. he never heard the sermons, now he admits he had. Rezko was only a legal client for whom he did 6 hours of work. The truth? Obama has been his friend for 17 years, has received donations of $250,000 not the amount he claimed earlier, $150,000. The list continues ad nauseum and it is too bad. We have had enough of the Liar in the White House; let's not elect another, black or white. But, thanks to the media, can we correct the difficulty at this late date? The press apparently wanted this situation in which black pundits are now saying if the election is taken from Obama they will not vote for any Democrat! It is 2000 all over again-the press "gored" Al Gore relentlessly and we have GW as a result. The press has more power than any other source and if used in this way, the outcome is disaster.
If you knew he had questionable associates why didn't you research it yourself instead of relying on the media. How many media critics make misstatements, and lies? If you were not a Obama supporter you probably never will be. I hope that the voters get what they want.
No one can sit around and wait for someone else to research a candidate for them. You have to do it for yourself.
You have got that right! But at least it is coming out now-even though none of our candidates are worth the vote. We definatly don't need this guy in office, whoever -or whatever he is! And Michelle being first lady, I bet she is not quite as proud of her country today as she was the ONE day she was interviewed after her husbnd won 10 caucuses in a row. I am sure she thought she was on her way to being the first black woman to live in the whitehouse. I am sure thats not true, maids, butlers...
What would a typical conversation be like between Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright? Wright preaches to a full crowd of people attending mass, with words of hate and racism against the Black community. He's even said that America deserves the hardship in which many people are experiencing this very moment. Is Barack Obama so out-of-the-loop, that he continues to claim that he is completely clueless regarding the obscenities coming from his own "uncle"? Jeremiah Wright condemns America in one of his sermons. Michelle Obama, the wife of Barack Obama, said in a speech that she was not proud of America until now, the year 2008, because her husband was running for the presidency. Is Michelle Obama's own thoughts due to Jeremiah Wright's influence? After all, Barack Obama doesn’t even wear American flag pin. Barack Obama, you’re the biggest disappointment in this country who dares run for Presidency who have ties with Farrakhan, Wright, Rezko, and many more till it surface who you really are and what you’re hiding that many Americans don’t know, if you truly believe in Jesus’ teaching you shouldn’t support Live Born Baby Abortion.
I now believe that Obama is just a Manchurian candidate groomed by Wright and Farrakhan to advance their anti-American, racist, political agenda. Now it makes sense to me why the Chicago Tribune called Obama ‘gutless’ because he never took a stand on anything in his early political years. I believe the reason he didn’t was because they (Wright and Farrakhan) didn’t want Obama to do anything that would jeopardize his getting to the point of running for the presidency and ruin their plans to change America. Obama isn’t lying when he says that he wants to change America. But it’s not going to be a change Americans like.
There is medication for paranoia, it doesn't have the stigma that it used to and may be of help.
Too bad there isn't any medication for ignorance. Sounds like you could use a little.
That scenario, Obama as a Manchurian candidate, is more ridiculous than the America gave AIDS to black people statement. At least there is a history of criminal infections being perpetrated against black men. (Tuskeegee experiments) Something like that actually did happen so it's not that far fetched. But your assumption is based upon nothing. Apparently, you think Obama, Farrakhan and Pastor Wright are psychics. They knew that he might have a chance to become president years ago, right? Right. Makes a lot of sense. If they had that much foresight; If they were that smart, wouldn't they have known enough to distance themselves from Obama earlier? Wouldn't the pastor have known to shut his yapper? I don't care if I sat next to the pastor for 20 years while he made those nutty statements. I'm wise enough to know that he was just talking crap. Barack is a hell of a lot wiser than I am. That pastor's words didn't send our soldiers over to Iraq. Farrakhan didn't sing the praises of NAFTA then deny it. We lost soldiers and jobs and trillions of dollars because of the war and NAFTA. We lost NOTHING because of Farrakhan and pastor Wright's words. Barack is no manchurian candidate. He is not a racist. He is just an honest decent man who has devoted his life to helping other people. Anybody that honestly thinks Barack is anything other than a good man (not perfect but good) who is trying his best to make positive changes for the good of this country is off of his/her rocker.
Excuse me! You are known by the company you keep. A speech cannot distance you from the stain of anti-American, hate-filled demogoguery that you've associated with for 20 years. But, surprisingly, by all views, Obama actually brought the Reverend closer to him as his "father figure". While admirable to support his friend, mentor, spiritual advisor and "father" figure, he forfeits his opportunity to lead America. He did not allay fears, on the contrary, he heightened fears that he what he says in the campaign is not how he feels inside. Add to that his reticence to "come clean" on his "not sitting in the pews" denials and the Tony Rezko connection that gets tighter and tighter, and his campaign is over ... it's just a matter of time. Poor judgement, little experience, and a liar.... not exactly someone to trust for President.
Absolutley! I have commented the same way in other forums. He will change America all right. He will enslave the white people if not behead them first. Thats one thing he isn't lying about. CHANGE. But i garentee you it won't be for the betterment of our country. only blacks.
Barack, I defendedI you on my democratic Hillary Blog, (Spirited Dona, Democratic blog), on this point. I believe you "were" looking at a different side of your pastor. I believe Barack did not know --starts my title. Most disagreed , but some understood i meant to be fair! I ask you and Hillary for more compassion and sense of humor! The election plight is hard upon us all! God Bless America is a song I sang after 9-11 to comfort myself . To me, no great American could loose this song! I have not heard your Love for it! I was disappointed you could not forgive our party elder, Geraldine, now Hillary supporters have nothing to give back in grace. She was the first minority I ever voted for. I cannot think what has made her staements on minority convuluted. You will always be intelligent, and have supporters. I am off the American thing, who cares if your're American on St Patrick's day ! I only care if your're Irish! Good grief, man, where was your Irish Whup a** scarf , like Hillary's?
I won't bring my kids on a Sunday to hear God's word if they are that angry and at times hateful.
That's not Christian. Farrakhan got a life achievement award from this church. That is just one more time he should've quit. Wright went to Libya and naturally Obama knew this..
Most churches do good deeds. Naturally with a membership of 8000 they have enough money to help the community and give the good pastor a good salary.
Instead of feeding the parisioners the victim card. They should play the pull yourself up and be proud card. Those sermons would not sell as well. These sermons simply cause anger and a divide. How will the kids ever assimilate after hearing these types of sermons. Wright is NOT MLK. In Dreams of my father he calls whites "crackers".
Obama could've joined any number of churches. Why associate yourself with hateful rhetoric.
This speaks from and of the heart. His speech wil be irrelavant . B and Michelle have played the race card from day one. When it's convenient they use race.
He does not have the courage of his convictions. If Hillary had a Pastor that uttered this type of hate, she would HAVE to resign her run.
He is a politician and will say whatever is needed to become president.
http://art
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Good thing this firestorm happened now, and not in October. I believe Obama should be our next President, but this is going to hurt him. Mark my words, someone (probably with the initials HC) is going to find a witness willing to swear that Barak was in the pews during some incendiary sermon, nodding his head. It's no help that the church is now screaming that Wright is being crucified. That's worse than Hillary whining about being called on first in the debates.
Nope, too late ... Obama admitted as much himself. First he lied, then he tried to fool us, and now he "maybe" comes clean. This is a trustworthy man to become President. He can't even come to grips with his own anti-American indoctrinations.
It's Hillary's fault...I knew it! Thank God for the Huffington Post. NO ONE ELSE has the courage to blame Bill and Hillary Clinton for everything bad that has ever happened in America.
You nasty, smug posters who act like you found Jesus and the rest of us will be left behind come revelation day are worse than right wingers. At least they attack Democrats and don't turn on their own.
Barack is not THE ONE ... even if Oprah says so. Jesus doesn't believe that White People invented AIDS, I'm sure. And I don't think Jesus wanted innocent people to be vaporized on September 11th. And Jesus loves Jews, I'm sure.
Barack,
- always play offense, not defense. Attack the source. In this case, NYT and Kristol. Remind people about their goals, about the role they played
- do not play on the territory your worst enemies want you to. Do things on your own terms
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