When writing a book, you often have to cut material. This article is a section that didn’t make it into the final printing of A Sharp Compassion, but I think it still matters. It is taken from the chapter on affirmation and examines how the church has been tempted to avoid what offends. In 1957,...

On the wall in my office hangs a framed print of an ancient Roman etching. You won’t find it in a museum. I’ve never seen it for sale in an art shop. I had to print the image off the internet. It is believed to be the oldest known depiction of Jesus and his crucifixion....

The Pew Research Center recently found that 53 percent of Americans believe “people saying offensive things” is a major problem in our country. However, Pew also found that another 65 percent of Americans believe “people being too easily offended is a major problem.” That means a significant number of people think both statements are true;...