The Fan of Christ Who's Repairing Humanity Beyond Religious Labels

What would Jesus ask us today if he returned to a world divided by hatred, judgment, and religious dogma? Regina B. Cates, author of "The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have: A Call to Bravery, Peace, and Love," joins the Gentle Yoga Warrior to explore this profound question through her personal journey from religious persecution to spiritual awakening.Regina shares her experience growing up gay in a fundamentalist Christian environment in the American South during the 1960s—a background that led her to question religious teachings while maintaining deep respect for Christ's essential message of love. Now describing herself as a "fan of Christ" rather than Christian, Regina offers a perspective that transcends religious boundaries to focus on universal principles of compassion, inclusion, and integrity.The conversation delves into why we must confront uncomfortable beliefs, heal through feeling our emotions fully, and recognize that "love has excellent vision" rather than being blind. Regina challenges listeners to consider how religious institutions have promoted the idea that humans are inherently sinful or worthless—creating psychological wounds that make it difficult to love ourselves or others authentically.Perhaps most provocatively, Regina questions why many Christians passively wait for Jesus to return and "save" the world, rather than actively creating the heaven on earth his teachings promote. This perspective shifts responsibility back to humanity—challenging us to become our own saviors by overcoming personal wounds, treating others with dignity, and being stewards of our planet.Though her book centers on Jesus, Regina emphasizes that her work speaks to universal principles that transcend specific religious identities. One reviewer even called it "a blueprint to repair humanity," addressing fundamental issues like women's rights, environmental stewardship, economic justice, and treating each person with dignity regardless of differences.Join this transformative conversation about what it truly means to embody love in action. Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or none of the above, this episode offers wisdom for anyone seeking to create more compassion in their life and in our world.Regina's contact details:https://www.reginavcates.comRegina's book can be find on Amazon and also in most book stores. Send us a message Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showA note for every episode:  we do not necessary agree with all the views on our podcast and leave listeners to make their own mind up with what they do or don't agree with.Why not check out my other new podcast  established in 2026:  Field, forest and Folklore: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2619974 Want to be a guest? Send The Gentle Yoga Warrior a message on PodMatch, here: