tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061650.post3206885546107679828..comments2023-10-10T10:43:44.424-04:00Comments on cheaper than therapy: warning, you may not agree with this posting (a bit of a rant on the subject of Jeremiah Wright)DJ Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14597363296679699935noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061650.post-84220570637423031482008-03-18T11:00:00.000-04:002008-03-18T11:00:00.000-04:00Ron,The reason the IRS may be looking into it is b...Ron,<BR/><BR/>The reason the IRS may be looking into it is because non-profits aren't supposed to take sides in a political race. The same thing has happened to white churches.<BR/><BR/>The reason someone like James Dobson, for example, usually doesn't get into trouble is because he (for the most part) stays issue focused. He's not going to get the IRS hammer for saying, "I believe abortion is wrong and so does Romney, so I like him" or whatever. Although I do think he's been getting closer and closer to that line over the last few years.<BR/><BR/>Most religious speakers, including Graham, seldom picks sides based on people, just issues which are greater than just politics.<BR/>---<BR/><BR/>As to Rick's original post, I hear ya. America certainly does have blood on it's hands. And theologically speaking, everyone does. We're all sinners, destined for God's judgement if not for salvation through Christ.<BR/><BR/>But I think the significant difference between what Billy Graham has said and what Pastor Wright has said, is that Wright has painted it entirely as a racial issue. And by doing so, he inherently divides instead of unites.<BR/><BR/>Theology matters here. Because HE chooses to focus on a specific race, he misses the larger, (truly) universal impact of his point—the need for forgiveness we ALL have.<BR/><BR/>And just because some may criticize, doesn't mean it's all "knee-jerk reactionary". The criticisms may be entirely spot on. Just because they show up quickly doesn't mean they're wrong.<BR/><BR/>I think you are on to something very important though—this situation shows the difference between "mainstream whites" and that part of black culture. And that is something we can all work towards crossing, even though we all know it is not representative of all blacks.<BR/><BR/>I just wondering if Pastor Wright is more interested in crossing it or rather enflaming the folks on his side.Porthoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04712381125060234581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061650.post-47199895175643645632008-03-17T18:35:00.000-04:002008-03-17T18:35:00.000-04:00Rick,I don't write in an intellectual high falooti...Rick,<BR/><BR/>I don't write in an intellectual high falootin' style like you, but I feel the need to state the obvious...<BR/><BR/>It may be a feeling that everyone gets from time to time, but it feels like our American society is getting closer and closer to the edge of the abyss. Its 2008 and we are still trying to silence a black man for openly expressing his views. I've heard rumblings that the IRS may look into him since he's preaching politics from the pulpit. Agreed, not everyone shares his views. They have the right to disagree with him. But sending the IRS out sounds like something the "man" would do. Did the IRS investigate Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson? (If they have, I don't know off hand.)<BR/><BR/>Back to the abyss-thing: This year's election has had too much discussion of religion, sexism, racism, agism and probably some -isms I don't recall. Mitt belongs to a religious cult. Hilary - enough said. Obama and now his preacher. McCain's too old. He'll probably be unable to serve two terms. Judgment on this country? United we stand. Divided we, anyone, fall. The hypocrisy is sickening.<BR/><BR/>This election circus is going on while our President is danicng in front of reporters and singing at parties. Can anyone say Nero? (Sorry, Bruce. Too good a comparison not to steal.)<BR/><BR/>The economy is writhing in pain since the morphine drips of tax cuts, rate cuts and government stimulus are exhausted. Bear Stearns, one of the most storied investment banks of my formative years, just sold for $2 a share.<BR/><BR/>All this and more, but it feels like the oil companies, defense industry and generally anyone ultra wealthy, are dancing in the streets. <BR/><BR/>This rant may not actually fit the original topic too well, but the times mandate that we all start pulling the issues out into the light for scrutiny. Besides you used the word "excoriate" in your post and it just set me off.<BR/><BR/>RonRDFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09958563733886646663noreply@blogger.com