Many years ago, I was invited to preach at a Lutheran Church in the heart of Pennsylvania. The church was in a medium-sized city and, as I recall, there were three Lutheran congregations right on Main Street...First Lutheran, Second Lutheran and Something Else Lutheran. I was preaching at Second Lutheran and a grimmer group of Christians I don't think I've ever met. I stood in that ancient pulpit and looked down upon such a frightening collection of frowns, scowls and grimaces that I will never be able to fully shake their memory. Still, I gave it my best shot. I attempted to preach the Good News of God's love in the most loving way I could.

I smiled at them. No response. I offered up a small piece of humor. It was rejected. I reached a little deeper and regaled them with one of my best and most humorous stories. Nary a titter. I began to panic. I'd never faced a group like this before. I was dying. I wrapped it up as quickly as I respectfully could, said my amen and headed for the backdoor to greet this gathering of the gloomy.

One after another, the folks shook my hand and offered the obligatory greetings. Quite frankly all the Good Mornings in the world wouldn't have convinced me that day. Then toward the end of the line, an old codger shuffled up, took my hand, looked me right in the eye and said, "Well, Pastor, I gotta tell ya...you almost made me laugh!"

Almost.

That "almost" describes too much of Christianity, if you ask me.

I can't help but wonder why it is that Christians seem to have less tolerance, less mercy and even less humor than the rest of the general populace. I don't know about you but the nastiest letters I have ever received are often signed, "In Christ".