Extra chairs were brought in by the dozens to seat the unusually large congregation for chapel service on Sunday, held in the Cramton Auditorium.
The overwhelming turn out was unquestionably due to the captivating presence of Dr. Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., the senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL.
After guest choir Performing Arts Under the Lord (PAUL) performed a spirit-filled Hymn of Preparation , "Born to Die," Rev. Wright began his sermon.
"We live in a day in age where we have become accustomed to user-friendly commodities, including Christianity," Wright said. "We look for a stress-free religion, with twice the sin but half the guilt."
The Reverend said many people look for a religion that will meet their needs, make them happy, and possibly make them rich. He suggested that these people buy into the Burger King theology of a "have it your way" religion.
Wright continued his sermon by comparing President Bush to the biblical King Rehoboam.
"President Bush confuses people into thinking the flag is what should be worshipped," Wright said. "That is government-sponsored religiosity."
Government-sponsored religiosity, according to Wright, is a covered-up political agenda; the government wants Americans to have complete faith in the United States, when in fact the government has ulterior motives for its actions.
"Until you are willing to spend as much money on AIDS and education as you are on searching for Osama bin Laden, then I'm going to keep preaching what I'm preaching," Wright said. "As soon as you are willing to develop every child's brain instead of destroying Saddam Hussein, then I'm going to keep preaching what I'm preaching.
Wright discussed other issues such as affirmative action. He condemned the President's anti-affirmative action views.
A thunderous standing ovation concluded the sermon.
Students like, Carissa Smith, a freshman business management major, enjoyed the service.
"I felt that it was very informative," Smith said. "He did a good job connecting with the youth."
Wright received his bachelor's and master's degree from Howard University. He is the author of several books, two of them entitled, " What Makes You So Strong" and "A Black Congregation In A White Church." The Reverend is affiliated with the Black Pastor's Conference, and is currently taking part in the Board of Directors for the Black Technology Project.
