Liberation theology carries a dual message of deliverance

Liberation theology carries a dual message of deliverance

EDITOR:

In the March 20 Vindicator, two How He Sees It articles caught my attention: “Black liberation theology has its appeal” by Harold Jackson of The Philadelphia Inquirer, an African-American writer, and “Blacks should listen To Cosby, not Rev. Wright” by Cal Thomas, a Caucasian writer.

Each had his view on the recent controversy concerning presidential candidate Barack Obama and the remarks or message of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s pastor of many years.

I can certainly identify with Jackson’s article because in the ’60s and ’70s, as an African-American pastor, I was privileged to attend several conferences on “Liberation: A Black Theology Of Liberation” taught by Rev. Dr. James C. Cone, a professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Dr. Cone’s second book was billed as the “first Black Theology ever written.”

During this period in history of discrimination, segregation, and racism in the United States, most of us black pastors and preachers were encouraged to attend these seminars, to be enlightened as to our approach to the Christian Gospel and message of Jesus Christ.

In my interaction with Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant clergy, I expressed the fact that as an African-American pastor, my message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not merely that of being delivered from sin, but also that of deliverance from the bondage of racism, discrimination and segregation.

As to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago, I personally know him — and his father and mother. We belong to the same Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention of Washington, D.C. Although Rev. Wright was pastor of the United Church of Christ, he identified with our Baptist Foreign Convention. I attended his church several years ago.

REV. LONNIE K.A. SIMON

Campbell

There is only one Word

EDITOR:

In regard to the article “Black liberation theology has its appeal,” sad to say, Harold Jackson is right. Why it appeals to some, maybe even many is because it feeds self pity, self-centeredness, our flesh. It is all about self, which has been the stumbling block for all of mankind since Adam and Eve. Maybe we should have an “overweight theology” for people like me who are overweight so that I could live in self-pity and in anger toward McDonalds for making me this way. Liberation theology is from man, not God.

A pastor is called to teach the word of God, to equip the believer, and to make a positive difference for Jesus Christ. A man-made theology cripples people. God’s theology, His Word, strengthens the believer who is open to it. Sad to say, many church-going people today are being crippled by the person behind the pulpit. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about becoming like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions to the glory of God our Father. Man-made theology behind the pulpit, draws people away from God not closer to Him because it is about self and not God.

Pastor JOE CONGEMI

New Creation Fellowship

Columbiana

Who helps neglected dogs?

EDITOR:

Why do we even have Animal Charity/The Humane Society? Are they not for helping the helpless, abused, neglected animals? Animal Charity/The Humane Society was called numerous times to Fernwood Avenue in Youngstown because three beautiful dogs were not being fed. The dogs were also being locked up for 3-4 days at a time in a windowless shed without food or water and to lay in their own feces. The dogs were rapidly losing weight. They were also crying day and, yes, all night. The condition of the dogs were obvious to anyone who had seen them.

One day last week, one of the dogs died of starvation. One down, two more to go. As I write this, the dog is laying in a plastic bag at the curb.

I thought Animal Charity/The Humane Society was the voice for all helpless animals, the very last hope for animals in despair. Who should we call if there is an animal in need? The animals are waiting for an answer to that question. But hurry, they don’t have that long to wait.

ROSEMARIE HALL

Channahon, Ill.

X The writer’s mother lives on Fernwood.

Want to fight? Fight drugs

EDITOR:

Someone once said “The trouble with public education is that it is too public.” The superintendent of Warren schools is getting paid a nice salary for doing her job. She should stick to her guns and continue to enforce the current rules about fighting.

The Warren pastors would be of more help if they would put their true energies in trying to curtail the drug trade and the drug related murders in the area.

JOE J. BUSH

Boardman