It’s time to talk honestly about the gulf between institutional Christianity and the ideals embodied by Jesus.

With courage and compassion, Regina V. Cates asks thought-provoking questions about why present-day Christianity is often characterized by fear, judgment, and egotism. Imagining Jesus would be appalled by much that is said in his name, Regina points readers toward Christ’s lovingkindness, inclusivity, and humility. In so doing, she challenges readers to align their hearts more closely with Jesus’s teachings and honestly address the harm caused by so much institutional religion.

“God’s loving grace within our heart is the power of light that gives us strength to honestly examine the oppressive attitudes and behaviors alive within much of Christianity—attitudes and behaviors that, to Jesus’s heart, would not be either logical or kind.”

As part of this challenge, Regina initiates thoughtful conversations about topics including sexual abuse, racism, religious and political corruption, abortion, and sexual orientation. Part memoir, part social commentary, and part call to action, this book invites all people of good faith to more fully embody Jesus’s message by taking up his call to love our neighbors as ourselves.

“Let’s demonstrate our love for Jesus by asking and answering the questions I imagine he would ask. . . . I believe to truly follow him, it is imperative we help create the caring, peaceful, and respectful world he envisioned.”