I do not believe that God sent Jesus to die a horrifying death on the cross. Despite the many elaborate theories that have been presented over the last two thousand years, I join the many who find such an idea both terribly primitive and absolutely appalling. I do believe that God sent Jesus to tell the truth and for that reason he was killed. Jesus was killed because we didn't want to hear what Jesus had to say. Jesus was killed because he called into question the way we were living and the manner of our thinking. Jesus was killed two thousand years ago just as Jesus continues to be killed today by all of us who are afraid of the truth.

And we are afraid of the truth. We know, for instance, the truth is that violence begets violence. Thousands of years of history have shown us that picking up the sword or the gun or the hydrogen bomb has created far more hatred and animosity than peace. We know that...we're just afraid to admit it. After all, this is the way we've always settled our disputes and look where it has got us! We are one of the most armed citizenry in the world. Handgun sales have gone through the roof. Do you feel any safer? We know the truth that real meaning and purpose come into our lives when we give parts of our lives away. Whether it is our money or our talents, all of us have experienced the immense joy found in acts of charity and grace. Still, we don't like to be reminded of it. Indeed, I can always feel the tension rise round the congregation when we start talking about the annual fund drive. We all know the truth that fundamentally we are no different than the peasant in Tanzania, the soldier in Iraq, the illegal immigrant from Mexico, we are all the same, all children of the same heavenly father. We know that, but when we are called to live out that truth, we start looking for someone to blame, someone to kill.

I believe the ultimate truth is God loves me and you unconditionally. This is the good news...but it is decidedly bad news too. It is bad news for all of us who want to compartmentalize God. It is bad news for those who want to force God into loving them more than others. It is bad news for those who are seeking a kind of heavenly hierarchy that has their brand of believing being rewarded while others are condemned.