After taking his oath of office President Barak Obama addressed the nation and the world laying out his plan for the next four years. He diplomatically called Bush out on his lack of leadership and poor decision making. He let the American people know that our financial woes had a lot to do with our own unabashed greed and made it clear we share in the responsibility and the tasks at hand in order to clean it up. He laid the ground work for our international diplomacy by letting the countries around the world know that while we won't bully, we won't be bullied or terrorized either. "We will extend our open hand to your clenched fist" that profound statement speaks directly to his approach and style. And then, he made the most inclusive statement in his speech: "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers". Never before has a president referenced any faith group but Christian in their inaugural speech. And just when you think we are on the right path, it is interesting to see who takes offense with this inclusive recognition of our countries religious diversity; the black clergy. The same folks that stood shoulder to shoulder with Martin Luther King fighting for civil rights for blacks in this country don't seem to think that those same rights and recognition should be extended to those that believe other than they do.... Bishop E.W. Jackson of the Exodus Faith Ministries in Chesapeake, Va. stated that with that one line, the president "seems to be trying to redefine American culture, which is distinctively Christian," He went on to say "The overwhelming majority of Americans identify as Christians, and what disturbs me is that he [Obama] seems to be trying to redefine who we are.’" And then further stated that President Obama had no right to imply that all beliefs lead to the same end -heaven, paradise, the hereafter with GOD.
Where does Bishop E.W. Jackson get off? If Bush had identified our country as one of overwhelmingly white people or ancestors of European decent, folks would all be up in arms. But what is the difference. Just as our country is not all white, that we are a melting pot of races and cultures we are not all Christians. We are a land of Christians and Jews and Muslims and Hindus and yes there are also non-believers. Because people don't like the fact that not all of us identify with Christian beliefs should we ignore who we are as a collective population. Newsflash - no faith/belief or religion has the hold on GOD. We believe what we believe because it is what we were raised with, what we are comfortable with, and what best represents what we believe as a higher power or, lack thereof. Unless you have died and had a verifiable conversation with GOD don't tell me my non-Christian beliefs won't lead me to paradise. I believe in GOD and while I may not subscribe to your dogma, practices or rituals, I pray, I believe Satan and hell exist, I practice charity and forgiveness... so, tell me why wouldn't my path lead me to the same end as a Christian?
Bishop Jackson who are you to define what is our countries religious characterization? Practice what you preach and get off your high horse. Because once we get this race and religion thing squared away I am sure you will find another reason to discriminate or exclude...like those of us with hazel eyes v. brown eyes or maybe those of us that lock our hair vs perm and press will be ostracized.... Tolerance comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and religions. Let's spend our time focusing on the issues of a crumbling world economy, war, genocide, hunger, and illness that affect all of us and leave our spiritual decisions and beliefs out of it...
Amen (to change)...
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