I was listening recently to an interview with Reverand Gardner C. Taylor,
“the dean of American preaching”, mentor and advisor to Martin Luther King. He said that Dr. King
was the only ” spiritual genius ” this country has produced. A striking statement.
First because undoubtedly true, second because of the juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate concepts.
Webster defines genius as exceptional intellectual and creative power. Our cultural predeliction is
toward the intellect. Genius lives in the left brain of scientists and sometimes in the right brain of artists.
Spiritual power, inspiration, enlightenment comes from above. God decides if we are worthy, pure in heart and soul,
and pours it in, with little or no regard for our intellectual prowess. Science versus religion, oil and water.
But a spiritual genius- this person has climbed to the peaks of truth by will , by imagination,
and by the rare melding of mind, heart and soul into a unity which can pierce the veil
and bring back the message we need to hear.
Yes, Dr. King was our spiritual genius. Duke Ellington our musical genius.
And let us pray that one day history will confirm that Barack Obama was our political
genius.
