In search of a messiah
Okay. So, mixing the faith and politics, I was a BIG TIME Obama supporter! Bumper sticker, buttons, voter registration drives and even an Obama action figure for my son (yes, I said action figure). But, something continues to dog me about the movement for change that elected him to serve as our 44th P.O.T.U.S. It seems that many were in search of a messiah, not a president.
Clearly, folks don’t think he’s Jesus or any second coming. But, consistent with the more traditional Judeo-Christian (Hebrew Scriptures/Old testament) concept of a promised, prophet-king as son of God who would care for the widow and the orphan, instituting God’s reform agenda, many believe the President-Elect fits the bill. My caution for this (small ‘m’) messiah is that this role is never completely filled in this realm.
The good King Hezekiah comes closest in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament tradition. This youngster on the throne gathers a team of religious leaders and brings strong reform. He’s spoken of in high regard because he follows the prophet’s counsel. But in the end, the realities of political expedience and national survival lead him to compromise with the Assyrian empire.
The projection of a faith-construct on any political leader is a dangerous one. It is my prayer that those seeking a messiah look for the capital ‘M’. And allow their president-elect to be the politician he will need to be…For their aspirations and for his ability to meet them.
Starsky Wilson, 33, of Spanish Lake, is pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ in North St. Louis and a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary. He is a board member for the Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls, the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, University Children's Center and Neighborhood Houses. Wilson is married to Dr. LaToya Wilson and is father to two young boys. 
Obama’s messiah image was more of a brilliant marketing move than trying to turn his campaign into a religion. He is a charismatic person who was able to work people up into a frenzy and passionately support him. It was effective in getting him elected. It is also a disturbing elevation of a politician into an image of something greater.
I hope that the marketing stops now that he is elected. He has an important job to do, and he has many critical decisions to make. (He also has a birth certificate to find)
Religion and politics do intersect since the morals enforced by our religion guide many of the laws that are put in place for the greater good of the citizens. Politicians do not always listen to religion, and do not always use a sound moral compass to guide them, but religion is there to support them. We do not expect or want a politician to force their religious beliefs on others, but we accept that the good things about their religion will often guide them. It is unfortunate that Obama did go to a church that seem to preach more hatred than kindness, and I hope that he has set aside those hateful teachings and is now guided by God.
Thanks Think. I’m with you most of the way. But, I would encourage you not to judge Trinity UCC on what you’ve heard in the media, soundbites, etc. Most folks who attend or have attended there have found it to be an affirming and hospitable expression of God’s love for all people. I hope the President-Elect does not set those teachings aside.
The final phase of the campaign, shifting expectations.
Along these lines, I’d like to suggest that one or more of the posters here could come up with a posting that explains Black Liberation Theology to the uninitiated. I have a feeling we’re going to see and hear quite a bit of it over the next 4 or 8 years.
Some aspects that are of interest to me are:
The preaching tradition, call and response, etc.
Where does this theology fit within the spectrum of Christian teaching?
The role of scripture (particularly the Old Testament Prophets)
Other aspects that are important?
Thanks
StarskyW,
I am sure that there are very good things that came out of that church, but Reverend Wright is not one of them. Sorry, but that is the truth. He is a hateful man and a racist. Perhaps his motivation was honorable, but the things he has said make me cringe.
Already we are going from a big M to a small m messiah whose “role in never completely filled in this realm.” If Obama can get the economy turned around, not lose the wars, keep us safe from terrorism and socialism, we can thank him and turn him out of office in four years. Otherwise, in four years with the audacity of hope, we can elect someone who will.
Think,
You are incorrect, Rev. Wright isn’t a hateful man nor is he a racist.
My greatest hope concerning that entire ordeal is to see these two men come back together as brothers in Christ and forgiveness as God would desire, NOT AS YOU AND YOUR KIND DESIRE.
Remember God’s Word and what He states concerning like situations concerning the sound bites of Rev. Wright and all that followed afterwards, you know His Word telling us how He hates those who spread strife among brothers? (Prov. 6:19).
D. Walker,
I agree with everything in your post except the following:
“NOT AS YOU AND YOUR KIND DESIRE.”
I see no difference in that remark and, “That one!”
Respectfully and in my opinion, your sharing is much more powerful without it.
Your last paragraph says it best Pastor Wilson. Obama (or any other elected official) is not a savior, no matter how good a job he may do. There was only one man that could save us all, and he died about 2000 years ago.
The lessons of King Hezekiah have been played over and over again in world history. Promises are hard to keep, and the realities of the world make “reforms” hard to implement.
Good word!!
Another,
You are so right. It is the very thing that I still struggle with, but have come a very long way in that struggle, “control of the tongues” so that all my words are uplifting and encouraging to everyone no matter how they behave or how they think.