When I was a kid, lots of people told me I was going to hell. Some were friends, teachers, even relatives. It always seemed sad to me that they couldn’t imagine God as big enough to love everyone. And I never believed I was bound for damnation.

My guess is that many of you were also told similar things when you were younger. If so, you might understand why I am surprised by the friendship I have found with a Baptist minister. Rev. Dr. Jason Hentschel. Jason is a scholar, a historian, a pastor, and a neighbor. A few weeks ago, his congregation welcomed me to spend time with them. I hope you will make Jason welcome as we explore the similarities and differences of our traditions and wonder out loud about the good we might do if we could be vulnerable enough to work together.