Greatest theologian? What about Cardinal Dulles? You mean that this man is a better theologian than His Emminence? Or, as is more likely, is it that theology is only good theology when it doesn't come from us "papists?" I'm sorry to use a gutteral term, but, since you appreciate the "great" theologian Jeremiah Wright, I thought it appropriate to use his type of language.

Sent by Matthew Scallon | 12:27 PM ET | 03-19-2008

Matthew: Not sure what you mean by "papists", but no it doesn't mean I think any one denomination has a monopoly on theology. If you ever attended Trinity or heard a whole sermon, you'd know Rev. Wright espouses theology from all denominations. Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago is a frequent guest preacher there. I was just stating my personal opinion, that's all.

Sent by Kristasphere | 6:45 PM ET | 03-19-2008

I know Father Mike, and I wouldn't exactly say that he espouses authentic Catholic teachings. Though I like the work Father Mike has done at St. Sabina, I wouldn't give Rev. Wright a pass simply because Father Mike preaches there occasionally.

And I have been to Trinity, and, unfortunately, like a lot of Protestant churches, I got the impression that I was welcomed but not wanted. That is to say, while my presence was welcomed, my presents --that is to say, what I brought to the table Christologically-- was not wanted.

In that vein --this may be a hair-splitting issue-- while I agree that the Spirit of the Lord does not limit Himself to any particular people, it would help if you didn't refer to different Christian communities as "denominations." Denominationalism is a product of the Protestant tradition and implicitly excludes Catholics and Orthodox Christians from the arena. This is why I use the term "tradition" instead. It is more inclusive.

Sent by Matthew Scallon | 12:48 PM ET | 03-20-2008

Matthew: I will make that change. Thanks for sharing with me. Are you in seminary right now?

Sent by Kristasphere | 4:22 PM ET | 03-20-2008

Dear Kristasphere,

I'm sure I would do well to attend seminary, but my wife and son would have something to say about that. Perhaps, I'll join the deaconate sometime, since the vow of celibacy is not a requirement.

Sent by Matthew Scallon | 10:52 PM ET | 03-23-2008

What is laughable is the fact that folks who have not had the experience of most of the TUCC's regular congregation is again attempting to disavow us of our experiences. It is not enough to lay stumbling blocks in our path, when we find a way to either find religious support to deal with those stumbling blocks, it appears that the same groups that relish laying those stumbling blocks - will take every opportunity to rend from our midst our religious (coping) support.

Maintsream America you have nothing to fear. It certainly seems that the only time that you care about what happens in black america, is when it appears that you may have to give up even a modicum of power?

How did Clarence Thomas phrase this..."is this another attempt at a "high-tech" lynching?"

All of this really goes to show that, many Americans are completely out of touch...and really dont care about the rest of us, unless somehow they may be even slightly impacted.

Oh, and by the way - as Aristotle said ""It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it" Simply because you are in an environment doesn't mean that you become the environment. In some cases - one has to be in the environment to understand it and learn how to make a change.

It may also indicate why many conditions take such a long time to change, its because, the folks who offer the solutions haven't a clue what they are actually trying to fix.

One very differnt example but that bears the point - is when consultants from north america went to the 3rd world and built buildings on a college campus without windows that required air-conditioning, in a country that had frequent power-cuts. They were paid huge amounts, and the inhabitants were left with an environment that they couldn't easily use. Simply saying - maybe at least one person in that church audience - understood what they congregation was experiencing and said - you know we can change this "yes, we can." Do not be afraid. Changing it will not make your piece of the pie any less.

Sent by writer99 | 5:17 PM ET | 03-27-2008

In my experience most sermons are created to target and coincide with topical issues.

Sent by jean nate | 9:57 PM ET | 03-27-2008