The continuously played sermons from Jeremiah Wright have rightly shocked much of the nation. But given the stature he’s held in theological circles – both among blacks and whites – I figured there was something more to him than these clips. Surely other sermons would be less controversial, if we could only have access to the other DVDs.
Well, it turns out that the other portions of the controversial, often-played clips themselves have a context that we haven’t yet seen yet. It’s called: what did Wright say before and after the incendiary remarks played over and over? Finally, some brave souls who attend and defend Trinity United Church of Christ have posted lengthy You Tube clips of two of the controversial sermons that provide context for the incendiary snipets.
For the “Chickens Coming Home to Roost” clip, see the fuller version here.
For the “God Damn America” clip, see the fuller version here.
The sermons are, indeed, controversial. And they are, indeed, fiery. They also do, in fact, condemn the actions of the American government and American culture over time. But they are far less incendiary and “anti-American” when seen in full.
Do yourself a favor and see what the media is hiding.