President Elect Barack Obama stunned the, "sinful side of the American Community" yesterday by announcing that Pastor Rick Warren will lead the invocation during the Presidential Inauguration! Of course, all the gay-rights, abortion rights, and other "mainstream American cultural groups" are throwing a hissy-fit. (I hope I spelled hissy right!)I just hope Obama does not back down to the negative pressure to drop Warren and choose someone else.
Good choice Obama, now stick to your choice!
3 comments:
I know that you and I have very different world views, and it is for that reason that I quite often try to check in with your blog to get an alternative viewpoint to my own.
You should be aware, though, that many of us on "sinful side of the American Community" (as if the entire American community does not own its share of sin) have not been "throwing a hissy-fit" over the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation.
In fact, there has been a great deal of discussion among gay activists on this issue with many voices expressing views both in support of and in opposition to President Elect Obama's choice.
In fact, it is my understanding that there are many in the evangelical community (the sinless side of the American Community, I presume) who have been critical of Pastor Warren for accepting President Elect Obama's invitation. I do not presume to generalize that since some evangelicals have been critical, that all (or even most) share those criticisms.
I have no fear that Obama will "back down" and choose another person to deliver the invocation. During the many months of the Presidential campaign, he consistently showed courage and leadership when it came to reaching out to people of all beliefs and ideology. There was, you may remember, a similar imbroglio with regard to gospel singer Donnie McClurkin and his place on stage at numerous Obama rallies.
I look forward to hearing Pastor Warren's invocation on inauguration day (though I most certainly disagree with him on many but not all issues). I equally look forward, incidentally, to hearing the benediction prayer, as it will be offered by Rev. Joseph Lowery, who is a prominent civil rights leader who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and who is also an ardent supporter of gay and lesbian equality and marriage equality for all Americans.
I also, with great respect, look forward to continuing as a reader of your blog. Even (maybe especially) when it includes ideas of yours which run counter to my own beliefs.
Anonymous,
I wish I could respond to you in person on your own blog (if you have one). It is wrong of me to group Americans into "the sinful side" and others. All of us do have our own share of sins.
There are probably some issues even I would disagree with, when it comes to Pastor Rick Warren.
Thank you for your comments.
Mr. E:
Thank you for your kind response to my comment.
Although I am not currently active as a blogger, I am an avid consumer of blogs, and I enjoy reading your perspective and your thoughts.
I never for a moment really thought that you really believed that some people are sinners and others are not. Perhaps I should have taken an hour or two after reading your post to cool off before I submitted my comment.
Just so you know, I have been every bit as quick to stand up to other bloggers who have accused Rick Warren of being a divisive hate monger.
I hope that you (and other bloggers) will continue to share your diverse perspectives on the world around us.
I'll still be here, reading and commenting when I am compelled to do so. When I do put myself forward in disagreement, I will attempt to do so in such a way that is not disagreeable.
Please know that I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
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