I pondered this situation since I heard the announcement and as much as I want to support others who call for President Elect Obama to not have Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inauguration I can't seem to get upset about it.
I understand the reasons behind the call it's just my focus is not so much on Reverend Warren as it is on the thousands upon thousands of people who sit in churches Sunday after Sunday, year after year, and absorb a message that teaches them they are wrong, an abomination, going to hell, need to change, and other dogma that has nothing to do with what our Creator intended.
Mr. Warren and others are entitled to believe whatever they like. Including that one can love someone while claiming they have to "change" to be accepted by God.
One must remember the bible was used to promote the slave trade.
Many churches and Pastors were actively involved in using humans as cargo while trading goods and bringing people to this continent.
The "Curse of Ham" was perpetuated for many years as the reason that people from the African continent were enslaved. As descendants of Ham, Africans were fulfilling biblical lineage by their suffering.
In scripture, I Peter 2 admonishes slaves to follow this credo,
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
There is nothing in that scripture that tells people to liberate themselves from the bonds of slavery. Thank goodness for prophets and visionaries known as abolitionists that found other scripture and more likely the chapters written in their own hearts that lead them to freedom.
Just as scripture, the church, and religion was used to keep people enslaved it has been used to bond those of us who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning.
One can not discuss the often used texts in Leviticus that labels us abominations without also questioning why women aren't sent out of the city during their menstrual cycle or people are allowed to eat shrimp.
There are many people who have and will commit suicide because of these misinterpretations. I honestly don't think it's the intention of Rick Warren or anyone else for this to happen, but again he is not my concern.
My concern and compassion is for those many who don't know that God not only created us to be as we are but loves us because of it.
If someone wants to boycott the Inauguration because of Rick Warren's participation I understand but as for me I will be seeking ways to help people discover that which has been endowed upon us by our Creator. That we live openly and honestly. Walking in our own truths. Unashamedly as God intended...
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