Reclaiming The Way Of Jesus

It can feel lonely to hold tightly to my Christian faith while not aligning with the dominant conservative narrative around me. I often find myself in tension—loving Jesus deeply, yet heartbroken by how His name is used to justify power, exclusion, and nationalism.

Many of the political heroes admired by people I love act in ways that directly contradict the teachings of Christ. Christian Nationalism, at its core, isn’t Christianity at all. I often say they should reverse the name—it’s Nationalist Christianity, using faith as a weapon rather than a witness. We’re called to trust in God, not in earthly power. Jesus Himself rejected fame and control when tempted in the wilderness.

I grew up wearing a WWJD bracelet. If Jesus lived out His ministry today, I’m convinced He’d be seen as radical—standing with the marginalized, challenging corrupt systems, and loving without condition. He began life as a brown-skinned refugee. When I’m disillusioned by the duplicity I see in modern faith culture, I look to Jesus—who never disappoints.

History is filled with pain done in God’s name—from residential schools to “holy wars,” to policies that prioritize guns over people. It’s devastating. I recently heard someone say, “There’s no hate quite like Christian ‘love,’” and it’s hard to argue.

At the core of my worldview is this: I don’t want people to die, and I want them to have what they need to live. That shouldn’t be controversial—but it often is. Even the idea that freedom of religion includes the freedom from religion is seen as a threat.

I still feel lonely sometimes. But I’m grateful for my husband and a few close friends who understand. I wanted to write this down in case it resonates with someone else.

You don’t have to reject your faith to reject toxic theology. Reclaiming the way of Jesus might just be the most faithful thing we can do in 2025.