I like to set the radio on "Scan."

But I sometimes tap the button to halt the station-hopping when I hear Adrian Rogers.

Rogers was a big deal Southern Baptist preacher for many years. He died in 2005, but a local radio station airs recordings of him in the afternoon.

I first encountered him about 30 years ago, when I lived in the South. He's probably one of the 10 most socially conservative people I have ever met -- and there is robust competition for that status.

I was working on a feature story about people's early-morning routines. And Rogers cheerfully answered a few questions. He couldn't have been nicer.

But I never heard him do his thing until long after I had moved to Spokane.

Let me tell you. He was one terrific speaker.

Great voice. Superb delivery.

I don't think I share a single one of his big beliefs. And I find his vision for what America ought to be utterly appalling.

But man, could that guy deliver a sermon.

So sometimes I listen for a few minutes. His message is wasted on me, but I enjoy the sound of his speaking.

And I like remembering when talking to people with whom you do not agree didn't always have to be a fight.

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