People To See, And Places To Go
May 7, 2008

Regardless of the content of Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s sermons, speeches, and interview responses, the challenge that he and other provocative voices pose is this: how deeply are we willing to question the fundamental assumptions upon which we base our lives? We are not ordinarily willing to think outside our basic assumptions; nor can we. We have things to do, people to see, and places to go. There are good reasons not always to be questioning the beliefs on which we base our lives.  However, if we never allow ourselves to be challenged by the suggestion that our approach in some arena of our lives is dangerous, unjust, or wrong, then our complacency may well lead us to personal, national, or even global ruin. A certain spiritual, psychological, and mental discipline is required to hold oneself appropriately open to the possibility that one may be wrong or allied with some evil. Because we are easily able to choose to dwell in comfortable echo chambers of our own prejudice, I often wonder whether we will be able to discover what uncomfortable realities we must acknowledge for our health or even our survival.

Regarding Rev. Wright
April 28, 2008

Rev. Wright is a preacher in the tradition of the prophets, who have provocative things to say that irritate the the privileged. When the biblical prophets confronted the leaders of Israel, the voices of privilege did not deeply reflect on their message of judgment. Instead, they condemned the prophets and continued to call for God’s blessing on their unjust and idolatrous practices.

White people in the US, like people of privilege throughout history, will not gladly hear those who articulate a challenge from the outside of their culture of privilege. None of us likes to hear a word of judgment. 

It is difficult for many to hear the truth that may be carried in the provocative message of Rev. Wright.  But America needs to hear the voices of those who challenge the American presumption of justice and righteousness. To dismiss such messages reveals an implicit idolatrous assumption that somehow America is above God’s judgment.

No nation is above judgment. Americans should take time to deeply listen to what Rev. Wright has to say and entertain the possibility that we are in deep need of repentance because of the violence and racism that infects our nation.