A Challenge to Understand

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. has had a remarkable few days, including Friday's appearance on Bill Moyers's Journal (Mr. Moyers was sympathetic) followed by Monday's appearance before the National Press Club.

On the latter, Rev. Wright was a Jekyll and Hyde. On one hand he demonstrated his scholarship as a contemporary theologian; and, on the other hand, he postured and appeared arrogant , if not narcissistic, to many during a Q and A with the press.

Rev. Wright continues to be a political vexation/liability for Barack Obama's political campaign.

In my estimation Rev. Wright's message is a challenge to the nation, as an element in the hoped for dialogue of race in America. I maintain that the burden, for historical as well as contemporary reasons, is to seek understanding of the so-called black church and black liberation theology. (The church and the theology do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.) This is a rich opportunity for learning as a citizen and progressing as a society, that is, if we see the larger scheme: the message and not the messenger.