I felt that Bishop Curry not only went on too long, but also that he would have done the bride and groom and the audience more justice by not having made any gratuitous reference to 'slavery.'
Even if it was to, questionably, seek to demonstrate the assumed 'power of love.'
To speak of 'slavery' in this context, would have had the effect of causing all conscious black persons present, whether both or one of their parents are black, to be reminded of the enslavement of black people in the past.
A practice which, as Aljazeera has reminded us, is still a very big 'cottage industry' in places like Pakistan, India, and parts of Africa.
But with the distinction that this time, it is not white people who are enslaving black people. But Africans, Arabs, Indians and Pakistanis.
Neither is the practice and history of slavery has ever being restricted to only one 'race' or ethnic group enslaving another 'race' or ethnic group. It has also been about intra-racial and/or ethnic enslavement as well.
So, yes, I did felt that Bishop Curry had erred big time, and had stepped out of line, as it were.
Probably in his misplaced analogy between what had gone on in the Antebellum South of the United States of America, and what was happening in front of him.
As he gazed upon the beautiful bride and dashing groom Prince, and told them that he 'must get them married', but not before tarrying some more on his 'once in a life time' sermon.
Now, having had another look at Bishop Curry's sermon, and browsed through his full sermon.
As well as having time to reflect on my thoughts about him, as he seemed to aristonised his sermon, as well as straying into problematic and unnecessary areas.
I am pleased to same I was wrong in being so harsh in my feelings about this man.
There is, after all, not much, if any doubt that Bishop Curry is an accomplished and very knowledgeable preacher and religious scholar.
He is, based on what I saw of him during the wedding and in the media, a very good and likeable entertainer. He came over as being a charming, smiling and engaging man, with a flair of his own.
To be continued!
No comments:
Post a Comment