There is a story circulating about Clarence Jordan, author of the Cotton
Patch New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm
in Americus, Georgia. He was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister's
church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and
luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a
spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple.

"That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars," the minister said with a
satisfied smile.

"You got cheated," said Jordan. "Times were when Christians could get them
for free."