If people can look beyond the harsh sound bites from the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright and look at least at the PBS interview with Bill Moyers, the clergyman's address to the NAACP and his speech at the National Press Club, they will find:
A highly educated African-American who knows more history than most folks, white or black or anything in between.
A minister with an extensive knowledge of theology and the talent to communicate effectively.
A pastor who has grown a congregation from fewer than 100 members to some 8,000, who are involved in a long list of social as well as spiritual ministries to the community where they are located.
A preacher whose social and world outlook is pretty mainstream in the predominantly white denomination — United Church of Christ — of which he is a part.
A black pastor many of whose views of the church, American society and global situations which, in my experience, are not shared by a majority of black clergy and their flocks but which are congruent with those of many white liberals within and outside the church.
Whether or not you agree with his version of history, his explanation of current events or his interpretation of the Bible and its message, Dr. Wright and his comments should prompt all of us to think about who we are and the basis of our beliefs and world view.
