The uncomfortable truth: following Jesus beyond political camps

We live in a time when offense is easily taken and truth is often avoided. As a minister of almost ten years, I have done my fair share of offending others in the name of Jesus. Jesus was a master at critiquing society and the norms within. He also critiqued the religious leaders of his day. To be sure, neither liberal nor conservative was safe from his teachings and moral commands. If you emphasize compassion, the Gospels might remind you of the sacredness of marriage, the sanctity of life and the call to flee from sin. On the other hand, if you've prided yourself on traditions, the Gospels would push you to caring for the poor, loving your enemy and accepting the foreigner. If your allegi