The Question: How should Barack Obama have responded to inflammatory remarks made by his former pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright? Are you responsible for what your spiritual leader says from the pulpit?
The media's coverage and comments made by some political commentators and politicians demonstrate the extent to which the focus on religion in the presidential elections and in politics in general has gotten out of hand. Politicians exploit the religious question both using it to garner votes and to raise questions about opponents. Barack Obama has had to deal with those who would make his connection to both Islam and Christianity an issue.
I am very close to family members, friends and a number of religious leaders whom I admire. Does that mean I agree with everything that they say or how they say it? If we adopt that criteria, then candidates would be better off not going to their church, synagogue, or mosque or, if they do, making sure they only do so where religious leaders are dull, safe bureaucrats and not strong leaders.
The situation is compounded when the religious leader is an engaged social critic, even a prophetic voice. While one may agree with many of the things said, one can strongly disagree with the message and the language of many other messages.
The important point here is not to identify a candidate with everything his/her preacher says and allow the candidate to issue any clarifications they deem necessary as indeed Barack Obama did so today, strongly and clearly.
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