Aligning with the
Red Letter Text
Many claim the name, but do they follow the words? Exploring the gap between modern political Christianity and the actual teachings of Jesus.
See The TeachingsThe Disconnect
In many modern Bibles, the words of Jesus are printed in red
ink.
Today, a significant portion of political rhetoric cloaks itself in Christianity while
advocating for policies of exclusion, retribution, and wealth accumulation.
Be The Red exists to tether faith back to its source. The
sections below
present the prevailing political stance alongside the direct commands of Jesus.
Latest Reflections
View AllWhy "Be The Red"?
The Question of Context
We know the concern. It is a question often asked by thoughtful critics: Does focusing on the "Red Letters", the recorded words of Jesus, mean we are ignoring the rest of the Bible? Some worry that this approach detaches Jesus from His Jewish context, or pits His teachings against the writings of Paul and the prophets. They fear that by elevating the Gospels, we might treat the rest of Scripture as secondary or irrelevant.
The Lens, Not the Limit
At Be The Red, we believe that focusing on the words of Jesus is not about subtraction; it is about orientation. We do not set aside the "black letters" of the Old Testament or the Epistles. Instead, we believe that Jesus is the "Word made flesh", the supreme revelation of God to humanity.
The Red Letters are not the only words in the Bible, but they are the filtering words. They are the standard by which we interpret the Law, the Prophets, and the Apostles.
Living the Words
The message in those red-lettered verses is radical. It calls us to a life that often looks different from the culture around us, and sometimes, different from the religious institutions we are part of.
We aren't here to create a new theology that discards history. We are here to recover the authentic call of discipleship. We believe that if our theology supports laws or systems that contradict the way Jesus dealt with people, we have missed the point.
"His words are not just suggestions for a spiritual life, but the blueprint for a Kingdom life."
The Core Teachings
Select a topic below to explore the contrast.
Modern Rhetoric
"Prosperity is a sign of favor. Poverty is a failure of character."
Jesus Said
"Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
"You cannot serve both God and money."
Deep Dive: Wealth & PovertyModern Rhetoric
"Secure the borders. Foreigners threaten our resources and culture."
Jesus Said
"I was a stranger and you invited me in."
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me... to set the oppressed free."
Deep Dive: The StrangerModern Rhetoric
"Peace through strength. Retribution is justice."
Jesus Said
"All who draw the sword will die by the sword."
"Blessed are the peacemakers."
Deep Dive: ViolenceModern Rhetoric
"We must legislate morality and judge lifestyles to save the nation."
Jesus Said
"First take the plank out of your own eye."
"Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone."
Deep Dive: JudgmentModern Rhetoric
"The Bible is clear: Homosexuality is a sin. We must protect traditional marriage and condemn these lifestyles."