Church Fight Caught On Video

Recently I posted a video of an incident that took place at a church here in North Carolina. I could explain the video's content, but it wouldn't do it justice. So if you haven't seen it, then I'd suggest you take a look at it before you read the rest of this blog. (watch it directly from my blog, or click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdynJSTsOPA

This video sparked a very interesting discussion about the current state of churches in the Black community. Here are a few of the comments I found most interesting. The first of which belongs to me:

I miss the "civil rights" era of Black churches. It was more about community, fellowship, togetherness, a safe place to worship and exchange ideas. Now it seems to be more about money and power. I think the mega-churches have done a huge disservice to the Black community, & that's what turns a lot of people away from the church. Back in the day what made a good pastor was how well he spoke the word of God, not how much money he has or how big his church is or how many books he's sold.  -T DeMon Spencer

Comment #1:

The lady at the end said this is GOD's house but what she fails to understand is that GOD does not live at every church you see. Pastor Donnie McClurkin made that so clear at a service he did on Southern University's campus last Friday.

Comment #2:

This has to be THE MOST embarassing situation I have seen to date. Clearly, this is nothing more than a worthless power grab by those that have NO CLUE of what the true church "ekklesia" represents.

Once again, we have people that are more interested in practicing religion and "playing church," having made a complete ass of themselves once again. When, oh when, will these people learn?!

Comment #3:

I saw Pastor Donnie McClurkin preach at Southern University last Friday and you are just saying what he said. But in a nutshell. He blasted those Baptist preacher with all their man made religious crap. I mean it was awsome. His preaching was awesome.

Comment #4:

Hate to say it but its true....and it didnt use to be that way, thats why the black community is in the shape its in now. Too much mess going on in the "LAWDS" house. I was brought up in the church, sunday school, BTU (baptist training union) say no to drugs, youth choir, young adult choir...EVERYTHING lol. As I got older I saw how SOME church members were. How many are hypocrites and judgemental. I still go but not as much, I stay home and have my own personal relationship with God.

Dr. King And Prop 8?

This has been such an exciting week because the Federal court struck down the gay marriage ban (aka Prop 8) in California. This is a huge victory for Gay Rights in the state of California, and also for the entire country. Even-though the ruling was made in a California court by a California Judge, it still sets legal precedence. And legal precedence can be used and cited in any state, and even in a Federal court. Right after I got the good news, I stumbled upon a short youtube clip taken from one of Dr. Martin Luther King's speeches. Call it fate or serendipity or a sign from a higher power, but either way, this wasn't just a random coincidence. It was very clear to me that I was meant to share it with my blog readers and frame it in the proper context so even those that have opposing views, can still see the logic in my argument.

I've heard this speech hundreds of times, and yet I still get chills every time I listen to it. I'm posting this video because I see a very present correlation to the fight for gay rights that's going on in this country right now. I think it's very sad that many of my fellow African Americans fought so hard for racial equality, but still can't see the injustice in denying equal rights to the GLBT community. I know there are some people that feel uneasy or even offended whenever the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's gets compared to the present day Gay Rights movement. And I'm sure some of those people would consider it complete heresy to even associate Dr. Martin Luther King with anything having to do with Gay Rights. If that's your belief, then fine... you're entitled to form your own opinion (even if that opinion is a product of ignorance perpetuated by hate and cloaked in intolerance lol). I'm not saying that one movement has a greater social relevance than the other because comparing the hardships of each is irrelevant. Although we've made huge progress on the road to racial equality, we're still not there yet. And the fight for Gay Rights has a long and hard road ahead that we must travel. I strongly believe that if Dr. King were alive today, he would be a great ally to the GLBT community and would fight right along with us.

I challenge anyone who reads this, to watch the short clip, and then honestly tell me that they can't see the connection and how it can apply to the Gay Rights movement.

President Obama Speaks at GLBT Pride Reception

President Obama spoke at a White House reception marking GLBT Pride Month on June 22, 2010. I know some of his campaign promises concerning gay rights are taking a little longer than we would like, but I have absolute faith that he is going to fulfill every promise that he's made to the GLBT community. Watching this speech gave me chills at times because I realize just how close we are to equal rights and total equality, and I realize how monumental it is to have a sitting president publicly announce his support for ending ALL gay & lesbian discrimination. This president understands that religious ideology has no place in a democratic government. I hope and pray that, that type of government ended with George Bush, never to be seen or heard from again.

For more info about issues concerning GLBT rights, please visit the sites below:

• Freedom To Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/
• American Foundation for Equal Rights http://www.equalrightsfoundation.org
• North Carolina GLBT Equality http://www.equalitync.org/

My New Hero New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

This guy is my new hero. I wish more politicians would follow his example, and start "keepin' It REAL".

FINALLY! Chris Brown speaks for the first time live in video.

FINALLY! We get to hear from Chris Brown. I wanted to wait until tonight to post this so I could share my opinion and observations along with the clip. But, this is way to compelling to wait, so I decided to do a 2-parter. Please check back later tonight or tomorrow to read the rest of this blog.

Take a look at my new design showroom at http://www.wix.com/Privlidge/Portfilio-June-2009