“The brilliance of Jesus’s political strategy is that he doesn’t grab us by the shirt and shout opinions in our faces; rather, he invites us to share a meal and listen to subversive stories.” Dan White, Jr., author/podcaster

I love that so much. 

I think it could be said of his spiritual strategy as well. Authentic Christianity is quite revolutionary. Even AI, with all of its downsides, gets it. “Jesus’s teachings were revolutionary because they fundamentally flipped social, religious, and political norms, prioritizing love, humility, and inner transformation over power, legalism, and violence.”

Recently, I had occasion to share some things I believe politically. They are…

Integrity, character, and virtue matter.
Each person has dignity and worth.
Truth, honesty, and rationality are non-negotiable.
The US Constitution and due process under the rule of law are paramount.  

With a slight revision, these are borrowed from Principles First. They’re also the core principles of the organization I’m part of, Principles Over Party.

But personally, on a spiritual note, I add one more.

The teachings of Jesus are pre-eminent. 

And man, are they subversive! You can’t worship both God and money. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Put others before self. Serve the poor, which btw, is equivalent to serving him. Forgive people. Call out those who are externally pious but whitewashed tombs inside. Challenge fundamentalism that leaves out love and grace. Champion the marginalized and outcasts. Exercise humility. Show mercy. Welcome the stranger to the land. Seek first the kingdom of God. Be a beacon of good works. Count the cost. Fear not. Choose the narrow path. Invest in goodness. Wash one another’s feet. Go and make disciples. Have faith. Judge not. Love your neighbor as yourself. Treat others like you want to be treated. Hunger for righteousness.

See what I mean? Does this sound like what we’re hearing all around us? It does not. But it gives opportunity to talk about the teachings of Jesus, which are so subversively attractive. People are craving authenticity and goodness. Jesus’s words are hard, but we’ve received a promise. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matt. 5:6