The Neo-Reverend Ike

"Although the New Birth congregation sponsors many valuable social service ministries I do not perceive that the congregation or its pastor have been on the front line of the struggle to transform conditions for the poorest of the poor in Atlanta or in the nation. Indeed, I think that it is fair to say that the Bishop represents a new style of pastoral leadership. I refer to it as the 'entrepreneurial ecclesial executive,' who embraces capitalism and prosperity while urging followers to be pious and hard working. By contrast, King called for fundamental changes in the way capitalism operated, and demanded that a just society protect the 'truly disadvantaged.'"

Note: The curator of this blog regularly waxes apoplectic over what he considers the less than desirable state of "Modern Black (Religious) Leadership" Fortunately Dr. Franklin takes a much more measured and scholarly approach... along with the high ground.