I’ve always had a real thing about stereotypes. Maybe it’s because I grew up Jewish in an overwhelmingly gentile community. Maybe it’s because my father told a story when I was young about a kid he knew in school who ran down Jews, only to be shocked when my father said, “I’m Jewish.” The kid responded, “Well, you’re not like those other Jews.” “What are they like?” my father asked.

I’ve carried that burden into my very public ministry. Now it’s Christians who are often stereotyped. We’re painted as less informed, less intelligent, less educated, superstitious, closed-minded, bigoted, hateful, fanatical, severe, ill-humored, intrusive killjoys. None other than our newest US Senator, Al Franken, practiced this kind of pernicious mischaracterizing for years under the guise of humor.

Sen. Franken has not only insulted Christians numerous times and in an amazing variety of ways, including vulgarities, but he’s also mocked what we believe. He wrote a script for Saturday Night Live portraying Catholics as dogs confessing to a priest. It was never used because, believe it or not, the producers thought it would be too offensive.

OK, I’m writing about this because Jesus said we are to treat others the way we want to be treated. So, let me begin by admitting I’ve engaged in stereotyping, and I almost did it again with none other than—–Mr. Franken! You may have seen the article about my congenial, confrontation of his bigoted background just after he was sworn in to the Senate this past Tuesday. I wanted him to know that as a US Senator, he needs to think about ALL the people of the United States now, not just his old audience of Christian-mockers. But, I quickly realized I may have done just what I was admonishing him not to continue doing.

Following my face-to-face exchange with the Senator in the 9th Floor reception room in the US Senate Hart Building, I turned to my chief of program, Peggy Nienaber, and announced we could leave. All that was left was a more formal part of the program where Mr. Franken would stand at a microphone and thank all the key players in his campaign for their help in getting him to this monumental moment. I’ve heard a lot of those obligatory salutes, and we had other things to do.

Then, as Peggy and I were turning a corner toward the elevators, I heard Senator Franken begin talking about his wife, Franni. He thanked her, then choked up and cried for a moment, as he told us all how much he loved her. I’ve been around a lot of politicians—and I’ve seen a lot of crocodile tears, but this seemed sincere. It was touching, and I said to Peggy, “good for him.” It instantly defeated my own stereotype of this man, with whom I continue to disagree on so many things.

I will still challenge Mr. Franken on his policy positions, and, if he keeps it up, on his caustic humor at the expense of good people. Having seen this side of him, though, I’ll do it in a different spirit and with a better appreciation for his humanity.