Childish Ways

The Rev. Rick Warren's much anticipated invocation at yesterday's inauguration concluded with reference to Jesus not once but four times: "...in the name of Yeshua, Issa, Jesus, Jesus." These Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, and English renditions bowed to the diversity of Christians, yet failed the world religion inclusivity test. In the end he was true to his Evangelical worldview.

In his Inauguration Speech Mr. Obama said, "We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers."

In my estimation we have a long way to go to fulfill Mr. Obama's broader vision. I write this as I watch a Wednesday morning National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral. The words and songs, not unexpectedly, are taken from the Jewish-Christian tradition.

I reflect on Scriptural words that Mr. Obama incorporated into his Inauguration Speech, that it is time to give up childish ways. A narrow religious outlook, that fails to embrace pluralism of belief and non-belief, relatively speaking, is childish. It's childish relative to First Amendment rights and it's childish relative to the rich and yeasty faiths and philosophies we hold in dynamic community in the American experience.

A Civil Forum

Last night John McCain and Barack Obama each had an hour to answer the same questions posed by Rick Warren, pastor of the mega Saddleback Church in Southern California. This forum was the first dual appearance of the two presidential candidates to take place in the 2008 Presidential contest.

Mr. Warren emphasized that this was intended to be a civil forum, that is, a discussion conducted in a respectful and fair way.

It also had a decidedly religious and ethical emphasis, with character highlighted.

In my estimation the contrast between the two candidates was remarkable: Mr. Obama's thoughtful and nuanced answers directed to the host; Mr McCain's answers brief but often fortified by a personal anecdote from his storied past spoken to the audience/camera. In terms of getting the message out to the Evangelical audience in the Saddleback church as well as the country, Mr. McCain was effective.

What I found most salient was the nature of the forum itself: Evangelical, yes, but more, the new Evangelicalism Rick Warren represents, what he calls not "pro-life" rather "whole life," meaning a broader outlook than just abortion and gay marriage and narrowly American. In the Evangelical mix, an important component of the electorate, Mr. Warren co-opted Evangelical high ground with his world perspective and and emphasis on civility. In the culture wars of recent decades civility has been hijacked. Whether this tempers the Evangelical tone, remains to be seen; however Mr. Warren has positioned himself and outlook against an old guard.

As the face to face campaign began, it is noteworthy that it began in a Church, with an emphasis on civility.