The controversial comments of a presidential contender's pastor cause a
furor, leading some to question, what’s the role for faith in
a
politician’s life?
It’s been more than 15 months of endless
campaigning. The contest in the United States between Democratic
Senators Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama is one that won’t be
settled
until the Democratic National Convention takes place in August.
But
as the months wear on, it's clear the race has been all about change,
hope, experience, and character. And now
“character” questions of a
different kind are being raised.
Just what influence will the character of Senator Barack Obama's pastor
have on this race?
THE
CONTEXT
His
name is Reverend Jeremiah Wright. And he’s been hailed as a
national,
black pastoral leader. One of the top 100 preachers in the U.S.
Until
his recent retirement, he was—for 36 years—Pastor
of Trinity Church of
Christ in Chicago. It’s a church with a long history of
liberating the
oppressed. Feeding the hungry. Supporting recovery for the addicted.
Helping senior citizens in need. Over 70 ministries to help people.
It’s
a church he became pastor of when there were only 87 adult members.
Today it boasts more than 8-thousand. Including presidential hopeful
Barack Obama.
Reverend Wright has been Obama’s pastor for 20 years. He
officiated at his wedding. Baptized his children.
But
some of Reverend Wright’s comments and teachings have been
labeled
highly controversial; causing people to question his patriotism and his
wisdom. And now, in a split that’s no doubt painful for both
men,
Senator Obama has publicly denounced the man he once described as
“like
family.”
Tony Campolo is an evangelical leader, sociology professor, co-pastor
of a Black Baptist Church and a former Spiritual Advisor to President
Bill Clinton. He joined us from Calgary, Alberta.
Mark Noll is a professor of religious history at the University of
Notre Dame. He's the Author of America's God and
What Happened to Christian Canada? Mark
Noll has been named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential
evangelicals. He joined us from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
Whether because of the demands of the job, a recognition of the need
for wisdom, or something else, it's likely that for as long as there
have been politicians, they've been reaching out for spiritual
guidance. And when it comes to American presidents, more of them have
reached out to Billy Graham than to anyone.
Today, we explored the idea of soul care for politicians. Despite the
controversy of pastors and politicians, here's an insight I'm taking
home. Soul care can happen in the lowest social situation, or the most
powerful office in the world. It's serious business. It involves
trusting that your hopes and fears do matter to God. Then, soul care is
letting people who know God, know you. Together, you process spiritual
growth. Think with me for a moment about who speaks into that spot in
your soul? People are fallible, aren't they? Interesting that Jesus
said he would never leave us. But then He invited people to carry that
gift of his presence in his famous teaching, "love one another." And
that's where the controversy is - a perfect God asking imperfect people
to care for each other. Soul care. Is it missing for you? We would be
honored to help you find out more about caring for your soul. We have a
team in place here at Listen Up, ready to catch each inquiry coming in.
Write to us, at listenup@listenuptv.com. We'll help get you started.
Listen Up with Lorna Dueck is available ON-LINE in a variety of ways.
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On April 30, 2005 Lorna was privileged to receive an honorary Doctorate of Christian Ministries from Canada's largest Christian university, Trinity Western University. Lorna was recognized for the witness and leadership that Listen Up TV has provided in public messaging: "a leader in the voice of evangelical life in Canada."
