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.
No comments:
Post a Comment