Wright's sermons fueled by complex mix of culture, religion

[RamboLiberal]

-----

Wright's preaching, which mixes theology with the often-troubled history of race relations in America, is in the "prophetic" tradition, one of many that have evolved in black pulpits.

Shocking words like "God damn America" lie at the core of prophetic preaching, said Rev. Bernard Richardson, dean of the chapel at Howard University. "The prophets in Scripture . . . their language wasn't pleasing to hear, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that," he said.

Some pastors and scholars criticize Wright for not moving beyond the struggles of the civil rights era. Others say his messages are too divisive and political. Some say he just goes too far.

Wright "goes beyond the bounds. That's why it's so hard to translate and why excerpts don't do well," said Rev. Martin Marty, a retired professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School. "In today's world, where you can debate these things instead of blast away like the prophets did, it's sort of an alien language for most people."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-wright-sermon_29mar29,0,5174146.story

[claypigeonb]

1. Footnote

What the highly respected professor Martin Marty fails to note, however, is that it is not an alien language for some people, most of whom, of course are black, but a few of whom, like yours truly, just happen to be white. The Old Testament prophetic tradition has survived and is understood and relevant to some elements of modern society. And it is not about hate; it is about a call to repentance...and, ultimately to foregiveness and restoration.

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. Propaganda.