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Big Fat Problems with Christianity: “All Christians are Hypocrites!”

*Author's note: Here’s the deal:  I’m a Christian.  So obviously when I say “problems with Christianity”, these are things the world sees as issues with the Christian religion.  I consider them more like difficulties, because Christianity is a difficult religion to live, but I also believe it happens to be true.  Occasionally I talk with people about religion, spirituality, etc. and I’ve found that many of them have the same hang-ups regarding their notions of religious truth.  So I figured I’d do a series discussing some of these issues in hopes that it will bring a new perspective to what many people consider to be an antiquated religion.  Bear in mind that I’m no theologian; I’m just a guy who has an opinion and wants to help others discover the happiness that I’ve found in a relationship with God.

The Ultimate Turn-Off

I would have to say that the only thing that turns people off more than a hypocrite is a Christian hypocrite.   In fact, people often cite this as their entire basis to object to the whole Christian religion.  I can certainly understand this perspective, especially considering that Christians everywhere are falling short of what they are supposed to be.  People are inundated with stories of corrupt preachers, perverted priests, plus what they know about their own screwed up Christian neighbors.  There is little question about the fallibility of Christian people, but the real question is whether this is a relevant argument against the entire religion.  Is it fair to throw the baby out with the bathwater?

The fundamental premise of Christianity states that the fallible man needs an infallible God.  It says that we all fall short of His glory, we are all sinners, and therefore all require salvation.  Taking this into consideration, is it logical to form ones opinion of Christianity based on the actions of a people that are destined to fail?  I don’t think so.  In fact, it seems to me that the flaws we see in our Christian neighbors actually validate the Christian claim.

Our first Steps

Have you ever watched a child learn to walk?  Did you judge them every time they toppled over, or did you understand that there was no other way for them to learn?  This simple illustration is the essence of living the Christian life; falling down and getting back on your feet over and over and over.  The problem is that we can see children grow up and mature.  Some become professional athletes, some concert musicians, and so on.  We can see them realize their human potential.  We are patient with the toddler when he falls because we ultimately know what he can become.  It’s a matter of perspective.

Christianity states that we are all spiritual toddlers…that we are all waddling around toppling over and bumping our heads.  The difference is that unlike watching a child mature into an adult, we can’t see beyond this life, which is where we realize our potential.  All we get here is a snapshot of our existence.  So when the world looks out at Christian toddlers tripping over their feet, it bases its opinion of the entire religion on the here and now….instead of what it does for the individual through the eternities.  Is it fair to base everything on that?  To judge an entire religion based on the actions of a toddler?

What about the “real” hypocrites?

So far I’ve essentially described the Christian person who it actually trying to live their religion but still falling short.  What about the people who profess it the loudest but live it the least?  This is a great question and I find great comfort in the fact that Christ addressed this important issue on no uncertain terms.  He stated in Matthew 7: 22-23

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Quite simply…the ones who only live Christianity on the surface are not His.  They are not part of the fold.  But whether a specific individual fits into this category is not up to you or I to decide.  All we need to know is that anything other than this is not Christianity.

There was One who was not Hypocritical

Jesus was all that he professed to be.  He is what all true Christians strive to emulate.  Even though we all fall short, we look to Him as the ultimate example of faith and obedience.  If the world must judge one, let it judge Him.  It is His religion and it only exists because of our shortcomings, because of our need to be saved.  In fact, in terms of religion, it’s the only product on the market that compensates for our shortcomings and provides hope to the hypocrite.  So just maybe it’s worth a look.  As a dear friend loves to say, “There’s always room for one more hypocrite, so come on and join us.”

Have the actions of another person ever effected your relationship with God?