The "Reverend" Wright is at it again. This time he seems to be throwing his man, Barack Obama, under the bus by insisting in a speech before the National Press Club that anyone who disagrees with his hate filled sermon that has received such notoriety is directly attacking the black church. It is as if he is determined to be THE spokesman for black churches in America. It seems to me there are people who struggle with a form of religious narcissism where a little bit of authority has gone to their heads. These folks just do not get it and it is admittedly a struggle many of us who serve in leadership sometimes have - the refusal to recognize the vast difference between authority and power.

Authority is NOT power but authority REPRESENTS power. Authority does not act as though it is the power. God is the power and the office of the preacher is authority that represents that power. When you are pulled over for speeding the police officer represents the law but he is not the law. As a representative of the law he holds authority. It is when that officer abuses his authority that such things as excessive force and corruption come into play. Likewise, preachers are God's spokesman ONLY insofar as what they speak is Biblically true. And there is nothing Biblical about the black liberation gospel.

I just recently interviewed some of my black members who have made the journey from deep seated prejudice against some of them to a freedom in Christ that transcends race. It is time we put this power hungry, mind controlling, and vindictive political preaching to the grave. I appreciate the many black evangelical men and women who are stepping up to the plate and denouncing this kind of abuse of authority. Today, I heard a political analyst make this statement: "Reverend Wright is a racist and represents everything whites in America fear from the black community." I believe he has a point.

Wright does not speak for the blacks I know, nor does his preaching even begin to approximate the true Gospel. In fact, I find it inconceivable that Wright would now purchase a $10 million mansion for himself (in an all white neighborhood by the way) and at the same time somehow try to insinuate himself into the fabric of the life lived in poverty by so many African American people. Are you kidding me? Wise investments are fine and preachers do well to wisely invest. But where did Wright (and Benny Hinn for that matter) get $10 million to indulge in this way when for the past 20 years he has been the pastor of a church made up of many poor people?

It's sad, sad, sad that this minister cloaks hateful racism in Christian language. Such declarations stink of the abuse of the pulpit.

Romans 16:17-20 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. [18] For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. [19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters