The Christian message is quite simple, but very profound:
God exists and loves creation. There is a path back to unity for all beings.
Unfortunately, this message has been distorted and complicated over the centuries. It has become one in which political factions vie to own the Christian message. Many have been hurt by those that claim Yeshua's (Jesus') message for only the few that fit some imgineary list of criteria. But.. if you read his own words in the Gospels you will see that Yeshua never limits the Kingdom of God to only those that fit the religious dogma of the day or the social strata of the elite. His message is for all beings without limitation.
A popular TV personality recently said that if you're a Christian you need to follow what Yeshua said and did. If you believe in hate and violence you are not a follower of Yeshua, but merely a fan. I couldn't agree more. To use Yeshua's name to promote violence, hatred, bigotry, and religious intolerance is so anti-Christian that it is almost laughable (if not so painful). I can't imagine how anyone can read the words that are attributed to him and come up with any other message than love and acceptance.
Yeshua did what no other of his time did - he hung out with social misfits, those considered unclean, and women (who were seen as little more than property in his culture). He shunned those that followed religious ideals for only the appearance of spirituality.
I know that I am far from perfect and am sometimes a poor image of the Teacher, but I want to be like him and love without bounds. Please join me in true Christianity which has nothing to do with a set of rules or doctrine and everything to do with opening our hearts to all beings everywhere.
