Let’s be honest: a lot of people aren’t running from Christianity because they hate God. They’re running because of how some Christians act in His name.

For many, the biggest barrier to faith isn’t Jesus — it’s His followers.

You know the ones I’m talking about: the loud, aggressive, self-righteous voices who use scripture like a weapon and act like gatekeepers of grace. The ones who act like love has to be earned, that certain people are too far gone, or that being “right” is more important than being kind.

That’s not faith — that’s control dressed up in a Bible verse.

When Christianity gets hijacked by radical voices and used to shame, exclude, or dominate, it stops looking like Jesus. It starts looking like power, ego, and fear. And for someone searching for hope or belonging, that kind of Christianity feels more like a threat than a sanctuary.

And here’s the truth: it breaks hearts. It pushes people further from the very thing that could bring them healing.

Jesus didn’t cancel people. He didn’t belittle them. He didn’t build His kingdom through intimidation or arrogance. He led with compassion. He lifted the outcast. He loved and embraced imperfect humanity.

So if you’re someone who’s felt pushed away from faith because of what some Christians have said or done — I get it. You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. You’re not the problem.

You’re just tired of the noise drowning out the message.

Christianity isn’t supposed to be a weapon. It’s supposed to be a way. A way of love. A way of peace. A way of truth that doesn’t need to shout over everyone to be heard.

And maybe it’s time we stop blaming people for walking away — and start asking what kind of Jesus we’re actually showing them.