Weekly Words

Can We Critique Obama?

Anyone who is deeply involved in the inner culture of Fellowship of Love Church, will tell you that it is a deeply critical culture. Though it is constructively critical, it is critical nonetheless. This has not always been the case. Just like all cultures, the defining traits, characteristics, values, and practices are in part taught, nurtured, and groomed. Such is the case with the constructively critical nature of our church culture. When we first began, it was extremely difficult for me to get our Executive Team to feel comfortable critiquing my sermons. The members of our team had grown up in cultures where the Pastor was to be revered and respected, thus, offering public critique was seen as disloyal and disruptive. Week after week I would ask for criticisms of my preaching and week after week I was given blank stares and shoulder shrugs expressing, “I thought it was good.” Finally, one day I had to say something that amounted to this: “I am not a perfect preacher, and I want to be a better preacher. Unless you expect for me to unconsciously slip into becoming better, I need you to tell me when you think I am bad or wrong, and I will have to trust that you are telling me what you think is best. If not, the kind of support you are giving me will cripple my growth.”

At this very moment, I am writing within hours of hearing the news and the budding debate about Barack Obama being selected for the Nobel Peace Prize. And, I must admit that I am torn between excitement and fear. Though there are some valid arguments for other candidates and against Obama, I do understand and support his selection for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a world where many countries have closed their mouths and plugged their ears to international conversation about diplomacy, global moral responsibility, and how to live together peacefully, it IS an achievement to open doors of conversation that have previously been closed. In a nihilistic world where many people have given up on America as anything but a rich, greedy, and imperialistic gangster and given up on the possibility of world peace, it IS an accomplishment to give international hope about the possibility of world peace. This incalculable achievement and invaluable accomplishment places Obama in the conversation of Nobel Peace Prize winner. Yet, in spite of my personal view, I do not consider critique of Obama on this matter or others as only a sign of disloyalty, lack of patriotism, or “haterism” as many of us do.

This is why I am also afraid. I am fearful that supporters of Obama will take the same attitude and disposition that the executive team at Fellowship of Love took towards my preaching. If we Love Obama, and all he represents, we can not view critique of Obama as disloyal and disruptive. We also can not disregard any and every one’s objections and criticisms of Obama as propaganda from those who just don’t like the fact that he is our president. As great a president as Barack Obama is, I hope we can all agree that he is not and will not be perfect. In the midst of imperfection, Christian Love must always want the best from and in everyone. Therefore, Barack Obama needs our support and Love, even when that Love comes in the form of constructive criticism. If we are afraid to critique him, then we will be resolved to cripple him. So, can we critique Obama? I believe we have to ….

Humbly in Christ’s Love,
Pastor B.A. Jackson