Commentary: Beyond a black and white election
The Rev. Adam Hamilton
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A UMNS Commentary
By the Rev. Adam Hamilton*
Nov. 6, 2008
Watching Barack Obama’s victory speech and reflecting upon the
significance of his election as the next president of the United States
left me profoundly moved.
In his gracious concession speech, even Sen. John McCain acknowledged
that this was an historic moment, describing Obama’s election as a
"great thing" for the nation. Newspapers sold out across the country as
people snapped up tangible reminders that they were present for this
event.
The election was the fulfillment of a dream and the beginning of a
new chapter in America. This was clearly true when it came to the issue
of race. It was seen in the tears flowing down the faces of African
Americans at 10:01 p.m. on election night as the race was called in
Obama's favor. And it was felt in the hearts of all Americans, black and
white, who have longed for an end to the racial divide in our country.
Beyond the question of race, Obama’s election marks the beginning of a
new chapter in America’s international relations. After years of
declining international public opinion toward the United States, this
change in office symbolizes what many believe will be a significant
change in how America is viewed by other nations—both our friends and
our foes. On the continent of Africa where China is gaining increasing
influence, Barack Obama’s election was hailed with resounding
enthusiasm. In Asia, in Muslim countries and throughout Europe, the
president-elect is seen as a new kind of American leader—one who
inspires hope while leading with confidence and humility on the world
stage. One senses that there is a new day dawning and here, too, race
was a positive factor. Further, his election itself reminds those in
other nations of the promise and hope that America represents.
Yet in the final analysis, Obama’s election was about far more than
race and international affairs. Most who voted for him saw in him an
ineffable quality of leadership that is essential to the task of
leading. Great national leaders articulate a country’s highest ideals in
such a way as to inspire others to sacrifice in order to live into
these ideals. Obama’s election signals his ability to do just that. As
but one example, 52 percent of people making more than $200,000 per year
voted for him, despite the fact that Obama’s plan calls for an increase
in taxes for most of them.
In the midst of times of crisis, the gift of leadership becomes even
more important. A major theme of both the Obama and McCain campaigns was
"change." Most Americans know that what most needs to change is us—"we
the people" need to change. Obama was willing to articulate that in his
campaign. His election is in part a sign that many voters believe he
has the capacity to lead us to change.
“Obama’s election represents the
desire of millions of voters for a president who can see the gray in a
world that is often painted in black and white terms. He is comfortable
dealing with paradox and complexity.” Finally, Obama’s
election represents the desire of millions of voters for a president who
can see the gray in a world that is often painted in black and white
terms. He is comfortable dealing with paradox and complexity. He has the
ability to pursue a conjunctive approach to faith and politics—one that
brings together concerns of both the left and the right into a powerful
third way. This is something familiar to United Methodists. Methodists
have historically had the ability to hold together the concerns of both
liberals and conservatives, to preach both the evangelical and social
gospels, and to attempt to understand and acknowledge the important
positions deeply held by people on opposite sides of the theological or
political divide, bringing them together in what some might call a
"radical center."
A few examples: Obama articulates a personal Christian faith and a
desire to follow Jesus Christ, and he holds this together with a
progressive concern for social justice and individual rights that he
sees as rooted in his faith. He supports the right of a woman to choose,
and he is the first Democratic candidate for president to
write into the Democratic platform a commitment to reduce the number of
abortions in America. He believes that marriage is defined as the union
of a man and woman, and he supports the rights of states to
grant civil unions. He believes that government has an important role to
play in addressing the welfare of the populace and, to the
chagrin of some in his party, he supports faith-based initiatives as
important to addressing the welfare of our people.
The challenges facing our country are great. Barack Obama is not the
answer to all of these challenges. But to the degree that he exercises
his leadership potential well, he will bring Americans together around a
common vision; he will draw upon divergent perspectives in developing a
plan to address our challenges; and he will inspire and lead us to make
the sacrifices and changes necessary to navigate through our present
crises in pursuit of a brighter future.
*Hamilton is the author of Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics, and is senior pastor of the 15,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.
News media contact: Marta Aldrich, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Audio: The Rev. Adam Hamilton
“I think this signals a real change for how other nations will see us…”
“I thought John McCain’s concession speech was remarkable…”
“He articulates a personal Christian faith and a desire to follow Jesus Christ…”
“what he offered was neither completely what you would find on the left, or on the right…”
“The future of The United Methodist Church is going to look like that radical center…”
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Resources
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
The Rev. Adam Hamilton
Seeing Gray: Adam Hamilton's Blog |