OK, everyone...let's take a deep breath.
P-E Obama has asked Rick Warren to offer the invocation at his swearing in. There it is. There's sort of a hubbub about this in progressive/GLBT circles today.
Do I particularly like Warren's theology? No.
Do I think he's been an obstruction for GLBT folks? Yes.
Is it possible that this is a statement about our relative position on the Obama Chain of Influence? Maybe, but not necessarily.
Do I think we should raise a great big stink about it? No. And again, NO.
Here's the thing: if this administration is going to have a chance at reformation of the political process, we all need to accept that we're not going to get everything we want. And that, particularly as Christians, we need to remember that Brother Warren IS, in fact, a member of the same Body of Christ as we who disagree with him. That living together and working together and learning each others' stories is the only real way forward. That we have an opportunity to extend that broad welcome that we're working for ourselves. AND that a rant at this moment is probably not going to be helpful in the long run, when we want to address the issues that REALLY affect us, like legislation.
I think Lee Stranahan's got it right.
Patience, people. WHATEVER happens, Obama's election is a step forward. If he's the leader I hope that he is, he will do as little pandering to ANY interest group as possible (and that includes mine), and more bridge-building between disparate groups. He will likely not do this perfectly, but I'm willing to give him a chance.
It's early. Breathe.
UPDATE on 12/23: This is kind of cool.
7 comments:
Thanks for sharing your point of view on this, Choralgirl.
I am less than thrilled that he chose Rick Warren to lead the innvocation....sigh...but I also understand the strategy of reaching out to the Evangelical Conservatives....I am just tired of that being the only real Christian voice that America hears...over and over....as if Christianity is speaking in monotones instead of a symphony....so, I would have prefered this to be an opportunity for someone else to pray....
Agreed, Mompriest, really.
I guess I'm also tired of the primary GLBT voices in the media being angry ones. We have reason to be, but it's becoming a defining characteristic, and I'd like it if the GLBT community were more multivalent, as well.
yes, I understand that Rick Warren is about the most famous evangelical in the country. But I also agree with Mompriest, that we Christians need to speak in a symphony, to help people to know that Christians speak in a lot of voices...
Thank you for your sense of balance. I appreciate it so much.
See, this is what I'm hearing from everyone, and I intellectually understand it - I really do. However, on the other hand, as a pagan straight ally, I am offended on several levels by Warren's selection. Why is it that, every time there is a move to "reconcile" things, it always seems to be at the expense of someone who has invested a great deal? There is definitely a time for a sense of balance, but allowing Warren to provide the invocation gives the illusion (or is it?) that Obama views Warren as a legitimate spokesperson for his religion.
I am tired of the government being used as a mouthpiece for conservative Christianity, or religion at all, and giving this sort of religion a voice is unacceptable in my opinion.
However, it also has already happened, and I don't have any buyer's remorse about my vote, so.
choralgirl, you give me hope with this kind of thinking!
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