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I agree. I think this poem explains a little bit more, too:


3nodding When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Well, some people just can't give up that pesky optimism.

Seriously though, hypocrisy is one of the largest problems facing Christianity today.

"Gentleman, it seems we are not all in agreement."
"I disagree!"

MST3k, "Space Mutiny"

Yup.


That isn't honesty about our sins, though. That is the epitomy of hypocrisy, or should I say acting? We all know that the Greek word that's translated hypocrite is actor. It's been transliterated over. That's not such a bad thing, but it does us good to think about what being an actor means. Actors DO things, they aren't supposed to BE them (though there are debates about that in the theater world). Also, in the Greek version of acting, you wear a mask. You only have to inflect your voice in a certain way. You could think the tragedy you were performing is ridiculous, but as long as your voice was the right tone, you'd be fine.

Christianity is about taking off the mask. It's about relating to other people's imperfections. If we are honest about our sins in a HUMBLE way, then it will be seen as sincere. What you pointed out is an example of pride.

You're right. And there's where our greatest opportunity is. When we as Christians hear non-Christians point out the hypocrisy of Christians, rather than shy away from it we need to own it. We need to acknowledge our own hypocrisy. We should acknowledge that we are trying to live according to God's standards but that we are flawed, we aren't perfect, and we aren't any better than any one else. The fact that God uses us anyway and loves us anyway is profound, and the fact that the church can still do good for God when it is filled with hypocrites is a testimony of how powerful God is.

Yes, that's probably right. But honestly, I don't know how much mentioning that would actually bridge the gap. Pointing fingers, even if it is genuine, won't help someone to stop being so frustrated at the hypocrisy we as Christians exhibit.


I'm not quite sure I get your point. If you mean society is telling us that we ought to be more "tolerant" of others and stop shoving ourselves around like we're the only way, there may be some truth to that.

It's not that we shouldn't acknowledge that Christ is the only way to God, especially when He said so Himself. It's not that we shouldn't evangelize. It's that when we do it, we are often too prideful about it, and I don't think that will convince anyone of the truth of our God. Every critique deserves its evaluation. And though society is a bit extreme, they are right in that we ought to be a bit more humble.


That's true. Being IN this world but NOT OF it isn't easy. There's a fine line we walk, and we are apt to go to one extreme or the other. Society wants us to be in and of the world, and there are Christians who are so concerned with being different than the world that they extract themselves in the process. But when we can find that line and walk it, it is worth it. And in general being a Christian isn't easy, but also worth it. =)

There wouldn't be so many hypocrites if Christianity wasn't so socially acceptable in this country. If someone professes to love Christ in a place like China, where you'll be killed if the authorities find out, they're most-likely telling the truth. Sometimes I wish America was more like that, but then I realize how stupid a thought that is-an unreasonable sacrifice.

Being a Christian means being a follower of Christ, a believer in Christ and an imitator of Christ. That means showing love and compassion. That means obedience to the Father. That means standing up for what is right. But, we are human. That means we sin. We are not perfect. That is why Jesus came in the first place. He came to reconcile us to God, His Father. So, yeah there are a lot of hypocrites in the world. You will find them inside and outside the church.