Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright and the Black Church

As I write this, I am watching Sen. Barack Obama's speech. He's talking about his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the preaching that has now become an issue in his campaign. But Obama is also talking about who he is and what his unique racial legacy means.

We need to decide if we want to revise, or somehow revisit, the conversation we had this morning about what constitutes proper speech in a religious context, and how much political leaders need to be held accountable for what their spiritual advisers may say or preach.

Our guests this morning, if I say so myself, are some of they key leaders in contemporary religious thought: the Rev. Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners; Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., of Hope Christian Church (you recently heard both of them on this program talk about how the evangelical movement can refresh itself), the Rev. Renita Weems, a blogger and a major voice among progressive religious leaders, especially among African American women, and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue, here in Washington, D.C. (you have also heard before on this program talking about whether baseball should have "religion" days, and modern matchmaking services).

We debated all weekend about how to respond to the Jeremiah Wright story. We were troubled that so much of the conversation we were hearing seemed not to understand or acknowledge traditions of the black church. And yet, one must recognize that a presidential campaign is not a private affair, and all relationships and contexts in which these candidates operate will be scrutinized.

Our question: what's legitimate speech? ... What's not? ... What crosses the line?

And, who gets to decide?

I think we'll let the conversation stand.

I also hope you'll enjoy the conversation with newsmaker U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The Democrat is the first woman elected to the Senate from Michigan. We spoke with her in honor of Women's History Month, and her own accomplishments.

Plus, another woman making history Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. A new documentary tells the story of her first year in office.

... I'm still listening to the Obama speech. Tell us more about what you think.

And, tomorrow, we'll start talking about the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. We have stories for you ...

Michel Martin

3:35 PM ET | 03-18-2008 | permalink | comments (12) | e-mail post

 

The Faith Vote ... and Tension in South Africa

As Lee mentioned earlier, whirlwind day yesterday. And another one today.

Yesterday, I moderated a discussion at the National Press Club, tied to a new book by leading evangelical leaders Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., a pastor and frequent commentator on public policy issues. You will have heard both of these men on many news outlets, including this one. They have teamed up to write Personal Faith, Public Policy. The book takes a fresh look at some of the leading public policy issues, and calls evangelical Christians to recommit to values and to look at values issues more broadly. It makes the argument that Christians may have allowed themselves to become too closely identified with one political party, and have not embraced the full gamut of issues that Christians should be concerned with.

My question to them: are you saying your failings were in areas of public relations (failing to be understood), or of works (failing to do justice by focusing too narrowly on a narrow set of issues)?

Anyway, deep discussion. We were joined at the event by David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network, the Rev. Jim Wallis, the internationally known author of God's Politics and author of a new book, The Great Awakening, and the Rev. Sam Rodriguez, leader of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (you would have heard him on this program before).

Tomorrow, we'll try to bring you a reprise, or a condensed version, of the conversation.

Just below is the video we talked about in our roundtable of South African students. If you are a sensitive person, it takes a strong stomach to watch. Just be warned. And, it's in Afrikaans so you have to infer what is being said (unless, of course you speak Afrikaans).

Finally, did you love our fashionistas. But how about that whole thing with giving up your Capri pants and boot cut jeans? I am so mad.

And peach is out? Harumph.

I am wearing a peach sweater today in protest. But the capris? ... They've made me think twice.

Michel Martin

4:55 PM ET | 03-13-2008 | permalink | comments (4) | e-mail post

 

Christian Leaders Under Investigation: Fair?

Lee, here...

It's grey, cold and rainy here in Washington. A group us of just returned from outdoors after gathering sound elements to bring you for Monday's program. Monday is Veterans Day and we're working to bring you reflections and perspectives that will probably differ from what you might hear elsewhere. I can almost guarantee that you'll find Monday's program quite interesting (hopefully, that's always the case).

Today's program... I think the conversation between Michel and the two ministers -- the Rev. Marcia Dyson and the Rev. Harry Jackson -- was full of insight. We asked them to talk to us about a recent decision by Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa on the Senate Finance Committee, to investigate six televangelists who are under suspicion for questionable spending and opulent lifestyles. Learn more about the investigation here (pdf).

Listen to the perspectives of Dyson and Jackson and let us know what you think. A few questions:

Do you agree with the investigation?
Are these six individuals, and their ministries, being unfairly targeted?
Should the government be involved in investigating the financial matters of religious institutions? Or, does the bold stance and political influence of evangelicals open them up to such scrutiny?

Interested to know where you come out on this.

Finally, in case you thought the guys in this week's Barbershop were just kidding when describing the ad with the dancing groundhog, think again:

Enjoy your weekend!

Lee Hill

4:32 PM ET | 11- 9-2007 | permalink | comments (7) | e-mail post