The Weaponization of Christianity in a polarized world

The Open Trail

Why Is the Name of God Used to Justify Hate?

We're walking through an era of loud absolutes.You're either with me or against me.You're either righteous or corrupt.You're either the chose

n or the enemy.And if you disagree, you're canceled, condemned, or cast out.

It seems everywhere we look from war zones to politics to church pews the name of God is being used, even weaponized, to justify violence, pride, abuse, silence, or division.

But maybe this isn’t new. Maybe the misuse of God’s name has always been one of humanity’s oldest habits dressing our own desires in divine robes.

So what happens when the name of God gets hijacked to promote hate?

What happens when Christianity becomes known more for power plays and purity tests than for mercy and open arms?

The Pebble

The uncomfortable truth is we’ve all seen it.

• Nations go to war claiming God is on their side.

• Mass shooters scribble Bible verses before committing atrocities.

• Pastors in gold-trimmed suits fly private jets, while quoting Jesus, who “had no place to lay His head.”

• Religious voices condemn the sinner, yet cover up their own sins.

• Faith becomes a fence, not a door.

Somehow, somewhere, the barefoot carpenter who washed feet, lifted the marginalized, and wept for His enemies got replaced by figureheads who demand loyalty, wealth, and uniformity.

And we wonder why people are walking away.

But here’s the tension: God hasn’t changed. Only how we’ve represented Him has.

The Footprint

At The Barefoot Gospel, we’re choosing to walk a different trail. No shoes. No masks. Just grace.

We believe the Gospel the good news is not a sword to divide, but a bridge to reconcile. It’s not a political talking point, nor a membership badge. It’s the radical idea that God stepped into our mess, not to crush us, but to walk with us.

Jesus didn’t walk through Gaza with tanks. He didn’t walk into temples with arrogance. He walked with tears. He walked with compassion. He walked with open hands — and yes, eventually, pierced feet.

In a world addicted to sides, His Gospel offers something deeply subversive: belonging, even before believing.

You don’t have to choose between love and truth. You don’t have to pick a side to be seen by God. You don’t need credentials to walk with Christ.

The Invitation

If you’ve been hurt by the Church, If you've seen the name of God misused, If you're tired of labels, politics, and spiritual performance…

Welcome.

We’re not here to convert you.We’re here to walk with you.

This space exists to strip away the noise and return to the barefoot simplicity of Jesus:No ego. No walls. No theatrics. Just grace, courage, and honest steps.

Let’s walk together.

👣 Barefoot Gospel