A Renewed Christianity: A Vision of Love, Justice, and Reconciliation

People often ask me, “What is your dream or desire for Christianity?” I feel compelled to share the quiet longing that has lived in my heart for so long—a deep yearning for a renewed Christianity. Why quiet? Because I often ask myself, “Who am I to dream of such things?” I do not consider myself as important, but simply and humbly, I share this as a dreamer who has spent 31 years walking alongside those on the margins of society, sharing in their struggles, listening to their pain, and learning from their resilience. Yet, in our crucial time of polarization, where divisions run deep and my own faith—Christianity—is often misused to justify injustice, I find it necessary to write this again. I do not write this as someone who has all the answers, but as someone who believes that Christianity must regularly revisit its core: love, humility, justice, and reconciliation. And in all these years, one desire has remained steadfast within me—the hope for a Christianity that truly embodies the love, justice, and humility of Christ.

...in our crucial time of polarization, where divisions run deep and my own faith—Christianity—is often misused to justify injustice, I find it necessary to write this again. I do not write this...

With all my heart, I long for a Christianity that:

1. Within all its diversity, is willing to work together and accept one another despite differences.

2. Believes in dialogue with those who think and believe differently, without losing its own identity and convictions.

3. Sincerely and truly believes that unconditional love is inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, as the greatest sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

4. Shares the Good News with others in a loving way, not out of arrogance or with a “we-know-better-than-you” attitude.

5. Believes that signs and miracles are still possible today but does not elevate them above humility and the message of Jesus Christ.

6. Opposes the commercialization of the Gospel. The Gospel is not a product but Good News.

7. Engages in justice and cares for the poor, the oppressed, the orphans, the widows, and the immigrants.

8. Defends and protects human rights, regardless of religion, belief, conviction, or orientation.

9. Tolerates no form of fear-based theology or manipulation in the name of the Holy Spirit or Jesus to gain wealth.

10. Believes in the Bible but rejects abusive and manipulative preaching and misquoting of Scripture.

11. Refuses to use the Bible as a tool for merciless condemnation.

12. Speaks out against all forms of racism, discrimination, and injustice, starting within its own ranks.

13. Chooses to be bridge-builders and peacemakers between Jews and Palestinians, between Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

14. Respects other cultures and religions while also maintaining a critical stance toward inhumane practices within them—including those within Christianity itself.

15. Fights against the witch hunt on people from the LGBTQ+ community. Instead of preaching hatred, chooses to love them and treat them as neighbors.

16. Cares for the environment and the well-being of creation.

17. Believes that the world was created out of love (Creatio ex Amore) and that creation itself is a written testament of God.

18. Believes that leadership is a service to humanity and the body of Christ (the community of believers)—that leaders should serve rather than be served, sacrifice rather than demand sacrifice. Leadership should be based on love and genuine commitment, not on rank and titles.

19. Respects traditional churches and organized religions but believes that the church consists of people and their relationship with Jesus Christ/God and with one another.

20. Believes that the church is not a “building” but a manifestation of God’s love for others.

Perhaps I am naïve, or some for sure will call me a heretic, and some may say, “But isn’t this already happening?” I hope so. Yet, I know that the path of faith is not one of arrival but of continual journeying—a pilgrimage of love, justice, and grace. I do not claim to have reached the destination, nor do I walk this road alone. But I press on, holding fast to the hope that Christianity can truly reflect the heart of Christ. And so, with every step, I remain on this journey—imperfect, searching, and ever longing for a faith that heals, unites, and restores.