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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's problems with his once-and-former pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright, have inserted, or perhaps reinserted, race into the campaign in a serious way. Whatever our feelings about these men, whatever our partisan inclinations, whatever our hopes regarding race relations, racial politics are not going to go away. That's not a pessimistic statement, just a realistic one. This reality doesn't mean we shouldn't work for something better and seek to assure justice and opportunity for all Americans. Ironically, acknowledging a problem isn't going to go away is a perspective that should keep us from disillusionment. As the Scripture says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." (Gal. 6:9-10). Political parties, politicians, preachers--all leaders--will always, eventually, disappoint us. They and we are human beings. As one Black pastor wisely said, "The problem is not the color of our skin but the depth of our sin." Racism no matter who expresses it is not just a Left or Right issue, not a Republican or Democrat issue. It's a Christian issue and should be a Christian concern. And we should remember that race is more than a Black and White issue in America. It's a Red and Yellow, Black, Brown, and White issue. It's broader and deeper than the progressing-but-still-challenging relationship of Blacks and Whites. From a Christian perspective the bottom-line is that we are commanded to "Love your neighbor as yourself" and to model Christ in all we think, say, and do. That's a tall order, but it's right and good, and when practiced by the Spirit's enablement it restores integrity of the soul. © Rex M. Rogers - All Rights Reserved, 2008 *This blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Dr. Rogers or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/rexmrogers.
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Dr. Rex M. Rogers
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