Remember the uproar over Rick Warren being selected to give the invocation at next week’s swearing in ceremonies? I wonder how those same people feel now.
Personally, I was very conflicted by the whole Warren situation. My family emailed about it … this was my contribution to the discussion:
I don’t agree with Prop 8 and Warren does, so at first I couldn’t understand why out of all the pastors in the country, Obama would choose him. But I also know that Warren‘s church has done a lot of good things in the community to help those in need. I would never belong to his type of church, but I don’t have anything against people who do. I thought Obama should have chosen someone to give the prayer who was more open-minded the challenges facing the gay community. Or at least, not chosen someone who was so clearly against gay rights.
Then I got to thinking. I cannot understand — and have very little patience for — people who vote based on a single issue during an election (e.g., people who cast their vote based on gun rights, or abortion or even homosexual rights). So, I guess I can understand why Obama wouldn’t exclude a potentil pastor based on one position he holds. Overall, Rick Warren seems to have his heart in the right place. I totally disagree with him on one main issue (and probably have minor disagreements on other issues, but that’s besides the point for this argument). It’s an interesting pick and one that has forced people to think about inclusion, religion and where they stand. Sorry for the long, complicated answer — but it’s a complicated question.