In this final conversation, Collin reflects on what came after his return to Christianity, when the urgency to reject or defend Christianity gave way to something quieter and more integrated. Along the way, he explored other spiritual traditions and learned from them in meaningful ways. Those paths helped him name what he values, what resonates with his heart, and what kind of spiritual fruit actually leads to love, humility, and service to others. But rather than pulling him away from Christianity, that broader exploration clarified something surprising: Christianity was still his foundation.
Collin shares why he chose to return to an evangelical church, even while holding some of its theology loosely. What mattered most was not doctrinal perfection, but community - people committed to loving one another, serving others, and walking together through ordinary life. In many ways, he rediscovered what had shaped him as a child: a faith community that provided belonging, care, and shared meaning, even amid imperfection.
At the same time, his journey was no longer confined to a single expression of Christianity. By engaging earlier Christian theology, the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions - alongside the best of Protestant thought - Collin found a deeper, love-centered narrative of faith. His newly-found Christianity, that comes largely from its historical roots, is less about fear, exclusion, or certainty, and more about transformation, grace, and participating in the divine nature.
Together, we reflect on why, after all the questions, detours, and reconstruction, we believe there is no faith tradition that more fully embodies the Resurrection journey than Christianity: a path that does not bypass suffering, but passes through death into new life. Perhaps this new life is best expressed through Paul’s words: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20 NIV)
