‘Gasoline on the Racialist Fires’: Baptist Leader Slams Obama, Sharpton & Jackson‘s Handling of Trayvon Martin’s Death
- Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:12am by
Billy Hallowell
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The response to Trayvon Martin’s death has been a fierce one, as some African American leaders like the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson have spoken out fervently. But Richard Land, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) public policy arm, is condemning these black leaders‘ comments in the wake of the teen’s death as “shameful.”
Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (AP)
As The Blaze previously reported, Land has already called Sharpton and Jackson out for exploiting the case to “gin up the black vote for an African American president who is in deep, deep, deep trouble for re-election.” Obama, too, has been the center of Land‘s criticism over Martin’s death, as the SBC leader said that the president has “poured gasoline on the racialist fires” by speaking out on the matter.
Considering Land’s less-that-subtle comments, some black faith leaders in the SBC — the nation’s largest Protestant denomination — are claiming that Land may be setting back efforts to attract non-whites to the group. But the faith leader isn’t backing down from his controversial comments on the matter.
While Land says he understands why the case has brought out passions in African American leaders, according to the Associated Press, the white faith leader also defended the notion that people are justified in seeing you black men as threatening. A black man is “statistically more likely to do you harm than a white man,” he said.
“Is it tragic that people react that way? Yes. Is it unfair? Yes,” Land said. But it is understandable.”
Rev. Dwight McKissic, a black pastor at the SBC-affiliated Cornerstone Baptist Church is Arlington, Texas, is standing up against these remarks and seeking repudiation.
“I think his (Land’s) statements will reverse any gains from the rightful election of Fred Luter,” McKissic said, going on to claim that he plans to submit a resolution at SBC‘s annual meeting asking for an official repudiation of Land’s comments. ”If they don’t, we’re back to where we were 50 years ago,” he said.
Land’s comments come as the Southern Baptist Convention is trying hard to diversify its membership and distance itself from a past that includes support of slavery and segregation.
Last year, the denomination for the first time elected a black pastor to its No. 2 position of first vice president, and the Rev. Fred Luter is expected to become the first black president of the Southern Baptist Convention at this year’s annual meeting in June.
When asked about the concern that Land’s comments hurt the effort to attract non-white members, Luter said, “It doesn’t help. That’s for sure.”
Land made the comments about Sharpton, Jackson and Obama during his weekly radio show. His broader point was that there has been a rush to judgment, with many people convinced that shooter George Zimmerman is guilty even before he goes to trial.
Below, listen to Land’s show and hear him discuss the Martin case and his comments about African American leaders like Sharpton and Jackson:
While SBC presidents are elected for one-year terms, as the head of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for 23 years, the outspoken Land is arguably the most powerful person in the denomination and certainly its most visible spokesman.
Land counters that he has been working for racial reconciliation for his entire ministry.
He was one of the chief architects of a 1995 resolution by the Southern Baptists apologizing for their role in supporting slavery and racism. Since that resolution, black membership in the SBChas tripled, Land said, going from about 350,000 in 1995 to about 1 million today.
While he recognizes that his comments may hurt black membership within the SBC, he said he was not setting back the quest for racial reconciliation.
“Part of racial reconciliation is being able to speak the truth in love without being called a racist and without having to bow down to the god of political correctness,” he said.
Land told The Associated Press that he has also criticized white religious leaders, including Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, when they behaved in ways he considered irresponsible.
And he said he thinks McKissic’s resolution will fail.
“I have no doubt, based on the emails I have received, that a vast majority of Southern Baptists agree with me,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (82)
TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:38amWhile Richard Land is not my favorite person because of his weak stand on Islamic radicalism and his smooching with a president that has divided this country more than any other in our history…but what he said in this radio address is absolutely true. It is saddening that black churches are allowing radical people like Farrahkan/Wright to come into their churches and further racism rather than heal, fostering violence rather than peace, demanding lies to be truth…all of it reeks of deception…why?
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:08amI agree, but AL and Jesse will be walking with canes before too long. And this may be their last opportunity to participate in a full blown riot, before they have to be wheeled around to be in one.
And looting the 1%‘ers stores in a hover round chair won’t be so easy. You’ve seen the crowds a good looting can generate.
Report Post »hereandnow
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:23amJust because you are black does not make you an African American… ask any other “black” person in another country. It’s the same as being white does not make you a European American. Claiming to be African American is a claim to be non-American… it is an oxymoron. It is intended to be divisive… initiated by some of these so called leaders claiming to be helping the black culture using their heritage as fuel to the fire. We all need to stop calling ourselves by anything other than Americans (including “The Blaze”)…. good luck on that one, eh?
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:32amYou folks forget The Rev. al Sharpton owes 1.2 million in back taxes and if we have a National Emergency in Oct. – no election and no new president – won’t have to pay! At the same time he is getting donations to his home church set up in his home – tax exempt. As long as he can grab a mike the money keeps rolling in.
Report Post »drbage
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:40amMaybe, they should also listen to the words of Dr. Watkins from Syracuse University who basically told the parents of Trayvon Martin that they should step aside and go back to their life so that he and the Rev Team could handle the situation. He further was appalled that they would appear on TV and admit that the shooting might have been accidental.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 1:19pmThey still can’t believe Zimmerman is a Hispanic Democrat………oops
Report Post »howdeedo2U
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 1:25pmThere’s always a glimmer of hope….this link is a pip! Gotta hear this!
http://fredcoxcorner.blogspot.com/2012/04/unrelenting-comment-on-trayvon.html
Report Post »watchmanwatch
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 3:48pmWhile I too agree Richard is not my spokesman or my favorite person either I find it a shame that our society is still so filled with hate for another race…
If I am not mistaken GOD created all the races on the 6th day and he was very pleased… So what is it with Farrakhan and many others talking about Jesus, etc. being a black person; like who cares and did Christ ask the people he saved to be of a particular race??? I think not… So why is it there is so much hate with black on white and white on black??? I really do not understand; there are no all white restrooms, water fountains, etc. any longer; that was a mistake on any race doing that to another race; but let it go for Pete’s sake and why waste this precious time GOD gave us here to breed a hate filled society….
Oh well I know it will shake out some way or another; but there are two things I would like to see; Obama to be kicked to the curb this next election; and the Sharpton, Farrakhan, and Jackson to become color-blind… Oh well we can always hope… But I do not trust any of the ones mentioned in a crap house with a muzzle on…
Report Post »gsplgtr
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:38amIf (black) members of the SBC can‘t or don’t understand that it was Sharpton and Jackson that initially brought race into this, they are blind. All they would need to do is listen to the UNDOCTORED 911 call where thepolice dispatcher aske if the teen was black latino or white. what was Zimmerman’s response….”I think he’s black”. At the time of the call even Zimmerman was unsure of his(Martin’s) race. That is an honest evaluation.
Report Post »That being said, the church has been infiltrated by social justice types who water down the teachings of Jesus and are more enamored with political power than the truth of the Gospel
Listen_then_think
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:37amMy son had a tae kwon do teacher who was American black, I really liked the guy right up until a few weeks after I had known him I asked him what he was writting. BIG mistake…. His masters thesis, and whites are the cause of all blacks problems. Blacks can‘t make it in the world because of the white mans’ oppression, but if a black man does make it, it’s because the black man had to bow down to the white man. So they are damned if they do or don’t. The guy was so negative he started in on me every time I saw him after that, only took me twice before I never went to talk to him again and shortly after that he quit being a tae kwon do teacher. Instead of being positive with a “can do” attitude, he was mean, vindictive, vengeful and full of hate. That is what obama, sharpton, jackson and ferrakhan are teaching. Can’t stand to be around them.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 4:50pmAnd what made Herman Cain such a threat that they had to dig up liars to defame him.
Report Post »Balpit
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 4:01pmHerman Cain learned a very valuable lesson from those people: if you’re black and running for office, you better not be republican.
Report Post »ARSILHOUETTE
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:33amRev. Dwight McKissic: it is not the words of the SBC that is/has set back the efforts of the church, it is individuals like you who defend and even encourage Jackson and Sharpton to be the spokespersons for your race and religion. Not since Dr. King has there been any black church leader who has had the guts to try and bring all races together. There was a time when we “whites” were encouraged by the thought of there being a united America but it faded quickly when you, Rev McKissic LET the Black Panthers and radicals like Jackson and Sharpton speak for you.
Report Post »littlefish
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:27amA young Brown Man kills a young Black man . . . .
the first thing MSM and Sharpton does is re-color the brown Man White . . .
Man do they have power
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:24am.
I’m as Sick of Black This & Black That, as I am of Gay This & Gay That………….
The only group that can’t be racist, is White people…….
Report Post »bree001
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:24amInstead of spreading lies and hate, the media, president, etc… should talk about programs that the church and communities ( not government ) try to implement to keep young people out of trouble. That’s right they hate anything good. Where was this kids parents when he was going around doing all these bad things? Suddenly now they care about their son? http://www.brendasblog7.com/home-page
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:31pmThe president speaks before he knows what is going on that he would have a son just like Trayvon. Our president should know the facts before he speaks, which he does not. He is an empty suit speaking and never tells the truth about anything. I believe that he is responsible for much of the racial unrest that we are experiencing.
Report Post »obersaber
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:23amSeperate drinking fountains are a thing of the past but apparently it requires separate belief systems to appease the races. In a religion with but one God, how can this be?
Report Post »spfoam1
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:23amSome black faith leaders in SBC say that Land may be setting back efforts to attract non-whites to the group….Why would any group want to include others who would physically beat them down or kill them if given a chance? This is like expecting Israel to “include” hamas and hezbollah.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:17amThere isn‘t a thing wrong with Land’s assessment. He spoke the truth so is immediately repudiated by McKissic with the underlying threat of play ball our way or we’ll leave.
If the black ministers and congregants of the SBC cannot see the race mongering going on in Martin/Zimmerman case and prefer racism over the truth I say let them leave.
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:24pmOne has to ask, why blacks cannot be fair. When blacks kill blacks do they get upset. No. When blacks kill whites, do they care, No. When a half white/half mexican defends himself against a strong young black that is really bad and they cannot say or be honest that the black may have been at fault. Why and when will they ever be fair and honest? I am disgusted with jackson and sharpton and their elk. I know there are blacks out there who are good and nice and these two pitiful excuses for peace makers, rable rousers ruin everything for the rest. Trayvon Martin’s mother makes more sense than these hateful mean rable rousing bunch. I’m tired to death of them.
Report Post »waspanglosaxon
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:44pmThe main thing to read between the lines on every headline about this case is simply that Blacks are simply looking for something to riot and raise hell about. It’s always this way. Only in the South, where the White men know how to handle them, have there never been any race riots. As Albert Schweitzer said, there have to be two levels in White/Black interaction. ‘Equality’ is a nonsensical misnomer and is only part of the White man’s vocabulary.
Report Post »KNaggieland
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:09am————————————————————————————————————————————————–
“I think his (Land’s) statements will reverse any gains from the rightful election of Fred Luter,” McKissic said, going on to claim that he plans to submit a resolution at SBC‘s annual meeting asking for an official repudiation of Land’s comments. ”If they don’t, we’re back to where we were 50 years ago,” he said.
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
So he thinks the statements will set the SBC back 50 years but he does not say they are inaccurate or outright false statements. So this “man of God” is actually saying is they (the church body) must maintain appearances and avoid controversy rather than speak the truth. I think avoiding an ugly truth would set the SBC back 50 years. I think condemning a man for speaking the truth would set them back 100 years!
Let us pray that evil has a hard time finding good men that will remain silent while the people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Barrack Obama, Eric Holder and Eric Holders “people” aka the NBP are out spewing their hate and stirring the pot.
If people leave the SBC for other churches that is fine, if innocent blood is spilled because men who knew the truth stayed silent that is truly sinful.
Report Post »Atilla
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:27amAfter all the BS it’s the “collective” that must be maintained. Like the Catholic Church rather than call the cops on the homsexual/pedophille priest the Vatican threatens the Bishops with beinbg bounced if they turn the deviats in. Same principle here.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:05am.
Report Post »All Africans are Racists………..
Atilla
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:21amCertainly the vast majority are.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:26amI have widely traveled the World… and every Nation is Racist & Class Divided… even Russia & China!
Report Post »TWO BITS
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:04amOn average, I view televised news about 15 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening. In the course of one day, I saw four attorneys, including Alan Dershowitz, discuss the deficiencies of the case against Zimmerman. They also said the state is ethically required to display evidence that is favorable to the defendant.
Report Post »The political exploitation of this case is disgraceful, and Mr. Land is correct in pointing that out. The radical racists like Sharpton should ponder the consequences of bearing false witness.
ThePostman
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:02amGee, I thought that calling for a lynching was the act that set us back 50 years.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:19amNo… Obama’s hand in this will set back race relations 100 years.
Report Post »robert
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:26amRace relations have already been set back, if they were ever at an acceptable point, which is highly doubtful, and the reason for it is the anti-white attitudes that run rampant throughout the black community, based in nothing but pure, unadulterated hate.
Report Post »USPATRIOT101
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:32amHow about the leader of the New Black Panthers describing me (blond hair blue eyed cracka) as the enemy for the shooting of trayvon, meanwhile the guy who pulled the trigger is from Peru. I stopped caring about this case at that point and just plan on protecting myself during the course of this trial.
Report Post »RoqueGerig
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 3:21pm@Patriot. I’m blond (well bald now @ 53) and blue eyed and with you 100%
Report Post »Atilla
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:01amComments by the alleged constitutional scholar should cause the Judge to throw out the case. It‘s so clearly prejudicial as to be a pathetic commentary on obozo’s legal expertise. Another example of affirmative action’s unconstitutionality. Black racism gone wild.
Report Post »BobtheMoronsp
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:59amObama is attempting to start a race war so that he can declare martial law and suspend elections indefinitely. It’s going to get a lot of innocent black people killed and probaly put an end to America.
Report Post »FN-FEDUP
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:57amshoot them all
Report Post »swimfishy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:27amYou should not speak like this it makes you look like a Jackson or a Sharpton from the Conservative side and we don’t behave like that.
Report Post »Rodney777
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 1:05pmswimfishy: get your head out of your azz! These apes need to be caged up all of them! Just watch the news you will see them acting apish all over! The Black community does not even try to clean up there own. When Bill Cobsey tried they turn on him.. Pastor Manney tires to help the apes turn on him also..
Report Post »So FN-FEDUP is just stating what can help solve the problem….lol
HKS
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:56amSadly Americas first black president has proven to be what everyone feared, a racist.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:44amThese comments would hold a lot more weight if they came from America’s 1st black president. The only comment he has made served to fuel the fires instead of squelch them. Obama could have done a lot of good for race relations in this country, but he has chosen drum up social unrest in hopes of political gain. What a total lack of leadership this man has displayed.
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:52amAnd the idiots still worship the ground he walks on. Sickening that they are stuck on stupid.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:54amHey Gonz, that is his usual tactic as the former community organizer. Merely synonymous with rable rouser.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:42amobama has done more to divide this country on race and class than anyone. These two things are going to be his legacy.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:07amLet‘s all hope his legacy isn’t “the American Mikhail Gorbachev”.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:34amOh yes “white guilt” in full display here!!! Looks like the counter point to Richard Land, is threaten him with “white guilt” and “black attendence”!! I have several black friends that agree 100% with Land’s statements as told in this story!! But, you will find the ones that will “lock step” with their “brothers and sistas”…….
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:43amIf there is “White Guilt” for using a Slavery System… then there should be a “Black Guilt” for starting the System (re Anthony Johnson, 1652, and African Tribal Wars)!
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:24am‘WHITE GUILT” dont make me laugh. Im dam glad slavery happened. My ancestors made a lot of money off those troglodites.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:33amLooks like… the Black Liberation (Slave Reparations) Movement… just ran into the White Baptist (Slaveholder Support) Movement!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:27amI think the ” anti-capitalists” behind the grooming of Barack Obama chose cleverly. The obvious vulnerability of race in America was an issue they could easily exploit . And they have exploited race ever since he took office in their goal to destroy our capitalist economy.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:37amVery well stated
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:37amThe Communists are known for… creating long term Plots… but if this is true… then they would have had others alike Obama as alternates!
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:45amlukerw
Report Post »we don’t know who is in the wing waiting to jump in when he is defeated, I would bet there is one.
antiencenom
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:56amLukerw……you must be speaking of Mit Romney,or Newt Grinch,or 7/8 of our gubment officials.
Report Post »Ayla_me
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:22amI wish The Blaze would do more reporting on the mentally handicapped man who was shot by a driver, while walking his dog. Did the shooter (who was black) ever get arrested?? Please….this story needs as much coverage as the Martin case. I am afraid that every story on Martin only fans the flames of discord more and more. It is sad, but I can’t even recall his name. Same with the woman killed by a black man, just prior to the Martin incident…the one Maxine Waters couldn’t recall the name of, either.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:30amMaxine need to keep her BIG mouth shut. Every time she spews this kind of rhetoric, people are reminded that SHE WAS NEVER brought before that ETHICS committee as promised. SHE’S A CROOK AND SHOULD BE IN JAIL!
Report Post »Bluesube
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:32amgreat point
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:17amThey did not want to miss an opportunity to capitalize on this tragic event. The Sharpton and Jackson along with most of the blacks in Washington need divisize politic to stay rich and in power.
Report Post »lionB
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:30amI agree with you
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:42amRacism is quite the lucrative cottage industry for the select few such as Jackson, Sharpton, etc.
Report Post »