The Parable of Barefoot Christians
By Price Hughes (Edited)
February 16, 2026
On the streetcar, I saw my fellow travelers were likewise barefoot, and at the hotel I found the same. Unable to restrain myself any longer, I asked the manager what this strange practice meant.
“What practice?” said he. I inquired, “Why don’t you wear shoes in this town?”
“Ah,” said he, “that’s just it. Why don’t we?”
I pursued, “Don’t you believe in shoes?” “Believe in shoes, my friend! I say we do! That’s the first article of our creed – shoes. They are indispensable to the well-being of humanity.!” “Well, then, why don’t you wear them?” I asked, totally bewildered.
“Ah” he said thoughtfully, “That’s just it. Why don’t we?”
Though considerably puzzled, I secured my room and went directly to the coffee shop. I sat down by an amiable looking but barefoot gentleman. Friendly enough, he suggested we look around after our meal. The first thing we noticed was a huge brick structure. He pointed to this with pride.
“You see that?” said he. “That is one of our outstanding shoe manufacturing establishments!”
“A what?” I asked in amazement. “You make shoes there?” “Well, not exactly,” said he. “We talk about making shoes there, and believe me, we have one of the most brilliant fellows who talks most thrillingly and convincingly every week on this great subject of shoes. Just yesterday the people were moved profoundly with his exposition of the necessity of shoe-wearing. Many wept. It was really wonderful!”
“But why don’t they wear them?” said I insistently.
“Ah, that’s just it. Why don’t we?”
Just then, I saw through a window a cobbler actually making a pair of shoes. Excusing myself, I burst into the little shop and asked how it happened that his shop was not over-run with customers.
“Nobody wants my shoes,” he said. “They just talk about them.” “Give me what pairs you have ready,” I said eagerly, and paid him. Hurriedly, I returned to my friend and offered them, saying, “Here, my friend, one of these pairs will surely fit you. Take them, put them on. They will save untold suffering.”
“Ah, thank you,” he said, “but you don’t understand. It just isn’t being done here.”
Reflection—And coming out of the city of Everywhere, over and over that question rang in my ears; “Why don’t we? Why don’t we? Why don’t we?”