Moving Past Wright, Moving Toward Change

Originally posted: May 6, 2008

Conservative commentator Glenn Beck wrote an article posted on CNN.com recently arguing that "the timing of Obama's move away from Wright is odd."

Well, borrowing from one of Beck's catchphrases, here's what you need to know: A man's faith is between that man and our Lord. A spiritual mentor introduces a man or woman to the Word of God and leads a younger Christian in how to pray, how to persevere, and the like. Nothing more. Commentators like Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity must stop pretending that human beings are paper cutouts shaped by one another's hands. It takes the Lord to shape a character. Furthermore, each of us is capable of listening to another person on the things that make sense and filtering out the rest. We do it all the time. I listen to Glenn Beck on the radio a lot these days even though I disagree with 95% of what he says. But the 5% of what he says that resonates with me has value and I have to honor that 5%.

Now is the time to move beyond the divisiveness that says that you are on this side and I am on this side, and therefore you are entirely wrong and I am entirely right. If you are still playing by those rules, you've got it all wrong.

I'm already moving toward a change of heart and mind and politics. I'm listening even to those I don't entirely agree with. Are you?

James Haywood Rolling, Jr.