I Want to Be a Red Letter Christian Too

Sojourners has launched the Red Letter Christian network. Red Letter, of course, referring to the words of Jesus, which in many bibles can be found highlighted in red. Now, I've always argued that there is a problem with the red letter idea -- because the original Greek texts didn't have quotation marks no one can be sure when a quotation by Jesus begins or ends. But instead of quibbling let me say I want to join Jim Wallis, Diana Butler Bass, Brian McClaren, and the other featured communicators who are calling on Christians to heed the voice of Jesus.

Too often we simply compartmentalize Jesus as savior. He died on the cross for my sins. I'm forgiven -- born again -- and now I can do as I please. Jesus' words, whether we find them too difficult or maybe incomprehensible, seem to have no effect on our lives. I know that the critics will say that Sojourners is limiting itself and not paying attention to the whole counsel of God. Such rhetoric is really silly, because even though George Bush says that Jesus is his favorite philosopher, he doesn't seem to be listening to Jesus -- and neither is the Religious Right!

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