The Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright Controversy: Christianity is the Real Loser

There has been no lack of heated commentary from both sides of the political spectrum over the comments made by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former pastor and spiritual mentor. In a speech today Obama will attempt to lessen the negative impact this controversy is having on his campaign by talking about race and the historic role of the black church in America. How much good such a speech can do is questionable; Obama's supporters will continue to stand behind him, but those he has lost as a result of Wright's extremist views are not likely to return no matter what he says.

What is certain, however, is that Christianity is the real loser in this whole ordeal. Jeremiah Wright's hated-filled sermons are being seen by millions on YouTube, and even though the media is presenting it in a political context, it is yet another case of a so-called minister bringing discredit to the name of Jesus. Let's ignore for a moment the fact that, from his pulpit, Wright does not love his enemies as Christ commanded. Let's ignore the fact that he's cursing from the pulpit. Let's even ignore the fact that he's talking about politics to the point that by law his church should lose its tax-exempt status.

What cannot be ignored is the message this sends to non-Christians. Many already see Christianity as an intolerant religion as a result of inflammatory statements by people like Pat Robertson and John Hagee. Obama's spiritual advisor has shown that bigotry isn't unique to the right wing of the religious/political spectrum; while this seems to delight neo-conservatives, it should only sadden Christians of any denomination. These events only serve to make presenting the true message of the Christian faith more difficult.