Why I Don't Believe: #1 Christians are Hypocrites

I'll be doing a little series of entries on reasons why non-believers say they don't believe in Christianity. The purpose isn't necessarily for me to give an answer to these questions, but just to post my thoughts and opinions as well as examine realities against the Christian faith.

Christians are Hypocrites.

First we should start with what a hypocrite is. The dictionary.com definition goes like this: 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. The definition suggests that hypocrites are fakes, that they are pretenders. It doesn't denounce morals or religious beliefs altogether but suggests that a hypocrite only pretends to have them. Naturally, the fake/pretender will be discovered to be no different, to not possess what they are preaching. Jesus himself calls out many hypocrites, especially in the book of Matthew. He calls out those who give to the needy, those who fast, and those who judge and preach for all the world to see. His criticism is that they are doing it with ulterior motives... mainly to gain approval from men. It is motivated by selfish and personal gain and to attain personal holiness. Their righteousness and moral high ground is based on human attainment, no matter how much they dress it up with God or a Savior. What makes people despise hypocrites is that they assume superiority yet exhibit in their physical sense, the same actions as everyone around them. This contradicts what they claim and they eventually are found out as faulty. The feeling of, "I am above you" drives the non-believer crazy. What makes you better than me? Is that what your God told you? The main point being, the non-believer wants to say, you are no better than me! What this boils down to is the truth that everyone is a sinner just like the next. Why does someone become angered or even personally offended when a hypocrite takes a moral high ground? Is it that they don't believe there IS a moral high ground, a higher level of righteousness, so the hypocrite is a fool for claiming such when their actions don't suggest any different? Or are they offended at the suggestion that they aren't on the morally high ground, that they are somehow not a good person? What brings out insecurity in the form of anger when a persons morality is challenged? (note: this is not an absolute reaction, just a common one)

A hypocrite misrepresents righteousness. The righteousness paraded by hypocrites is one of human attainment, one of physical righteousness. Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". It leaves out the central theme in Christianity. The gospel of Christ that suggests divine accomplishment on our behalf. The root of our righteousness is the righteousness of Christ. In the physical world, one that produces evidence for the human eyes, we are all fallen. No one can live a perfect life. Now should a Christian exhibit change? Sure, we know that in a spiritual sense, those who claim the blood of Christ are now seen as righteous by the Judge. But even in a physical sense, we should exhibit Christlike transformation (Romans 12:2). That in no way suggests perfection. It could be argued that those hypocrites are not Christians at all (though not for me to judge), or that they have a loose understanding of their depravity and the divine accomplishment in the resurrection of Christ crucified.

Also, when a non-believer laments about the hypocrisy of Christians, the criticism is towards the person and their state as a Christian, not directly at the faith itself... mainly, not directly at Christ himself. Human issues are not unimportant and should be discussed sure, but it has no baring on the validity, or legitimacy of the truth of Christ and His Lordship. The illegitimacy of mans actions does not discount the divinity of Christ and who He claims to be. That has to be investigated separately. The Gospel, the Christian faith is based on the fact that Christ died for sinners for His ultimate glory.

All of this in no way justifies hypocritical behavior... Nor am I trying to deny the existence of it. Jesus himself lashed out against it. But the divinity, the saving grace, and the power of the gospel through Christ crucified are still to be found in spite of it. As Christians, sometimes we may be the only gateway, the only real illustration of Christ. It should challenge us be more Christ-like. But only under the pretense that our natural depravity is the same none the less. That we are no better, and no worthier, no less in need than those who curse the name of God.

Striving for Perfection?

For those of you who have watched the movie "Remember the Titans" (one of my favorites... but I am biased) there is a scene during halftime of the Championship game, where one of the team leaders, Julius gives a speech. Coach Boone who normally demands perfection from his team, is dejected, feeling like he has been too harsh, and tells his team at halftime, that they are trying their best, and that its good enough. Then Julius says (paraphrasing), "with all due respect coach, it ain't alright. You demand perfection from us. Now, I know we aren't perfect, I'll never be perfect. But we've won every game up till now so this TEAM is perfect. And if its the same to you coach, we want to keep it that way". They go on to win in spectacular fashion and stay perfect. That got me to thinking, what is it that makes sports such a captivating force? Is it simply that we get to relax and get away from our troubles? Surely that isn't it because some fanatics get more stressed out from watching their teams play than relax. I can personally attest to this by the way. Some get downright depressed (poor Lions fans). What is it about sports that makes us so invested and interested? When we see a pitcher at the bottom of the ninth, needing one more out to attain that perfect game... now say in a world series clinching game 7. It doesn't get more captivating than that. Or watching your alma matter go undefeated and beat another undefeated for a national championship. Those moments and events captivate people in a way that very few other moments can. Perhaps.. and its just my theory... it is because we are allowed to be a part of something bigger. An event that has defined pinnacles and achievement. Where the term perfection can actually be achieved in a tangible way. The pitcher may not be perfect, the pitches may have not been perfect... perhaps he caught a break or two. But within the rules and confines of the game, that pitcher is trying to achieve perfection... the pinnacle of sports. Championships symbolize the pinnacle of sports, and as fans, the more invested we are, the more we feel like we are part of that journey and that we get to have a piece of perfection. An average Joe with a dis-satisfactory job, a boring life can root for their home team, and when they win a championship, it is momentary euphoria... having reached the pinnacle together. To me, it is evidence that we are drawn toward perfection, drawn towards something greater, something higher... something to quench and satisfy. Because many of us, when we examine our lives... at some point or another, we are painfully aware that something is missing, that we dont measure up, that we are somehow depraved. We can convince ourself that we aren't through materials, relations, logic, knowledge, etc... you fill in the blank. but eventually we become aware at some point. And so we are captivated by the thought of perfection. There must be more than this! Such a depressing thought in it of itself, but may times, this is also the basis for salvation. The awareness of depravity and more importantly, sin... and the need for redemption... the filling of that which we lack... but cant quite put a finger on.

Tony Dungy Retires.

The Buccaneers used to be the stink of the NFL. I still remember their horrid orange uniforms where the only good thing they had going for them was a running back named Eric Rhett. Tony Dungy turned them from perennial losers to consistent playoff contenders. The Colts went to the playoffs every year under Dungy, posting double digit wins each year. They eventually won the super bowl in 06. But it wasn't till I read his book "Quiet Strength" that I started paying any attention to who he was beyond a football coach. Both as a Christian, but more so as a sports nut, its good to see positive role models who represent the faith in a positive way... who use their platform to make sure they let their actions do the talking. If Tony Dungy was the sole representation of a Christ Follower, then he'd fail miserably. There would be plenty of blame to find. I think many fail to see that fact. But as a sinner saved by Grace, and as a steward of a big platform, hopefully his life will be an encouragement to many. Hopefully people will see a difference between He and other coaches (particularly those with cameras on the sidelines :P). Its this difference that the world so desperately says Christians lack, as evidence of the faith.

The Universal ?

84% percent of the world claims a religion of some kind. And most of the remaining 16% have a stance specifically against it. It is and arguably has been the most influencial idea/practice in human history. Cultures are based on it, laws are made because of it, and in some cases, lives are given or even taken in the name of it. For as long as man has existed, there have been questions that we could not answer. Some of those have been answered through mans intellectual and logical progression through history... but if anything, progression and growth have left more questions than answers.

For many, religion, deity, a higher being, the supernatural, gives meaning to the unknowable... It gives meaning and comfort to the fear thats greatest for logical man, the supreme creature on earth: namely, what we dont know, and cant know. Apathy can run its course only so long before the questions face us... what are we doing here? and what happens when we leave?

Without opinions and commentary on particulars, its agreeable then, that these questions are, and have been universal in all cultures, societies, and countries throughout mans existence.