Parsley, Islam, McCain and 21st Century Rasputins

Jeremiah Wright and Obama, Parsley, Hagee and McCain, Rasputin and Nicholas II (via Tsaritsa Alexandra), Thomas More and Henry VIII; the convergence of politics and religion stem from the historical corridors of Mesopotamia to the cherry blossom gardens of Washington D.C.

The ubiquitous relationships in the Presidential campaigns speak more to the target constituency rather than spiritual direction. Jeremiah Wright speaks against white America, while Hagee condemns the Catholic Church and Rod Parsley calls for the end of Islam. Ironically, the candidate that transcends race, Obama, sat at the feet of an Afro centric minister while the candidate that in 2000 repudiated the Evangelical establishment now submits to evangelicalism on steroids.

While I acknowledge Parsley’s, Hagee’s and Wright’s, constitutional right to freedom of speech, at times freedom of silence can speak with greater clarity and in a more vociferous manner. These spiritual leaders need to focus more on the greatest religious asset in the faith arsenal of the American experience; religious pluralism.

At the end of the day, our nation repudiates the idea of guilt by association. However, if Presidential candidates continue to seek spiritual guidance, let the guide by one of righteousness and justice rather than confrontation and exceptionalism. For what it’s worth, the best advice is not to call for the end of Islam, the Catholic Church or white America but simply stated, McCain, Obama and Clinton can experience spiritual enrichment by following this simple truth by the Prophet Micah: Do Justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God.

While all God’s children say Amen!

By Samuel Rodriguez  |  April 2, 2008; 2:17 AM ET
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