Rev Wright, Etc.

As I listened to Rev. Jeremiah Wright over the past few days, I began to wonder.

I wondered about Rev. Wright's hatred. I could certainly understand Rev. Wright being angry, but it is really difficult for me to understand Rev. Wright's hatred. I wonder why he calls down God's damnation upon this country. I can understand someone being angry at what the US has done, but why would anyone want God to damn the US? It's the hatred I don't understand -- especially from a Christian pastor.

I also wonder about Rev. Wright's divisive comments. Aren't Christians supposed to be about reconciliation? Does it really serve the cause of reconciliation to make comments that divide and alienate?

I also wonder about Sen. Barak Obama. Can it really be possible that Sen Obama -- who sat in the pews of Rev. Wright's church for 20 years, who had Rev. Wright as his spiritual advisor, who was married by Rev. Wright, who had his kids baptized by Rev. Wright -- not to know about Rev. Wright's hatred and divisive spirit? Why did Sen. Obama remain?

I'm pretty sure I would know if my own pastor held views of hatred and divisiveness. I would certainly confront (lovingly and graciously) my own pastor if I found hatred. But, if my pastor persisted in hatred and divisiveness, I would find another church.