The word Jesus stuck in my throat like an elephant tusk; no matter how hard I choked, I couldn't hack it out. Those who professed the name commanded my pity and wrath. I began researching the Religious Right.. Ken Smith encouraged me to explore the kind of questions I admire: Ken and his wife, Floy, and I became friends. I started reading the Bible. I read the way a glutton devours. I counted the costs. And I did not like the math on the other side.. Then, one ordinary day, I came to Jesus, openhanded..
