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Christians are all Hypocritical: Truth or Myth? An Open Letter to Those Who Revile Christians
Christians Are All Hypocritical: Truth or Myth? An Open Letter to Those Who Revile Christians
I often hear those hostile to Christianity express the belief that we Christians are hypocritical and too judgmental. These critics complain that Christians rigidly judge and criticize the beliefs and behaviors of others as they engage in the very behavior they claim to detest.
They are nearly universal in their objection to evangelism, which they often describe as pushing our religion on others. They perceive it as being harangued, even bullied into accepting the Christian worldview.
Unbelievers are outraged that we believe only those who accept Jesus as Lord can be saved and go to heaven. This belief, they say, creates a hierarchical system of division and exclusion, making it inherently harmful. But what if the Christian worldview is the ultimate truth? Would our "bullying" then be seen as a rescue mission rather than an attempt to indoctrinate?
Unfortunately, those who complain about Christians are unable or unwilling to even consider the idea of the Christian worldview as truth. Consequently, they are unable to fully understand that for Christians that view is the truth by which we we live our lives. In light of that belief, our proselytizing and evangelizing are not bullying but selfless and loving attempts to save others from eternity in hell.
One does not need to agree with Christianity or consider its worldview valid to be tolerant of Christians or view Christian evangelism charitably. One only needs to understand that Christians believe in the Christian doctrine and take seriously their responsibility to bring the Good News to the world.
The Great Commission was among Jesus's last words to His disciples before He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. He told His disciples to spread the good news of the Gospels to all nations.
This, then, illustrates that what non-Christians are experiencing as harassment, Christians intend as a rescue mission in obedience to God's command. According to our belief, this "harassment" is a sacrificial act of love.
Christians are not oblivious to the scorn and anger directed at them as they attempt to share the gospel. They do not enjoy being laughed at, made fun of, or, less often, verbally or physically assaulted. No, they continue to obey God despite it all as an act of love toward God and humanity.
I cannot deny that some Christians are hypocritical and judgmental, nor will I deny that all Christians behave hypocritically and judgmentally sometimes. Why? Because we are not perfect, we are human, and all humans struggle with sin. As Mature Christians, when we recognize our hypocrisy and judgment, we first apologize to anyone affected by our behavior. Next, we admit our sin to God, asking Him to forgive us and help us do better. But what happens when we don't recognize our behavior as unacceptable?
In that case, we must be open to the wise counsel of a brother or sister who brings sinful behavior to our attention. One of the acts of service God appoints to us as Christians is to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. When we witness the sinful behavior of a fellow Christian, we are mandated to bring the behavior to their attention gently and lovingly. It is not an act of judgment or rebuke but a service to the sinner that they may repent and be forgiven. And as Christians, we must accept all gentle rebukes graciously and without defensiveness. If we are unsure whether the behavior was sinful, we can take it to God in prayer.
But wait, I want you to understand that being forgiven by God is not as easy as it is sometimes portrayed. I often hear...
I often hear those hostile to Christianity express the belief that we Christians are hypocritical and too judgmental. These critics complain that Christians rigidly judge and criticize the beliefs and behaviors of others as they engage in the very behavior they claim to detest.
They are nearly universal in their objection to evangelism, which they often describe as pushing our religion on others. They perceive it as being harangued, even bullied into accepting the Christian worldview.
Unbelievers are outraged that we believe only those who accept Jesus as Lord can be saved and go to heaven. This belief, they say, creates a hierarchical system of division and exclusion, making it inherently harmful. But what if the Christian worldview is the ultimate truth? Would our "bullying" then be seen as a rescue mission rather than an attempt to indoctrinate?
Unfortunately, those who complain about Christians are unable or unwilling to even consider the idea of the Christian worldview as truth. Consequently, they are unable to fully understand that for Christians that view is the truth by which we we live our lives. In light of that belief, our proselytizing and evangelizing are not bullying but selfless and loving attempts to save others from eternity in hell.
One does not need to agree with Christianity or consider its worldview valid to be tolerant of Christians or view Christian evangelism charitably. One only needs to understand that Christians believe in the Christian doctrine and take seriously their responsibility to bring the Good News to the world.
The Great Commission was among Jesus's last words to His disciples before He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. He told His disciples to spread the good news of the Gospels to all nations.
This, then, illustrates that what non-Christians are experiencing as harassment, Christians intend as a rescue mission in obedience to God's command. According to our belief, this "harassment" is a sacrificial act of love.
Christians are not oblivious to the scorn and anger directed at them as they attempt to share the gospel. They do not enjoy being laughed at, made fun of, or, less often, verbally or physically assaulted. No, they continue to obey God despite it all as an act of love toward God and humanity.
I cannot deny that some Christians are hypocritical and judgmental, nor will I deny that all Christians behave hypocritically and judgmentally sometimes. Why? Because we are not perfect, we are human, and all humans struggle with sin. As Mature Christians, when we recognize our hypocrisy and judgment, we first apologize to anyone affected by our behavior. Next, we admit our sin to God, asking Him to forgive us and help us do better. But what happens when we don't recognize our behavior as unacceptable?
In that case, we must be open to the wise counsel of a brother or sister who brings sinful behavior to our attention. One of the acts of service God appoints to us as Christians is to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. When we witness the sinful behavior of a fellow Christian, we are mandated to bring the behavior to their attention gently and lovingly. It is not an act of judgment or rebuke but a service to the sinner that they may repent and be forgiven. And as Christians, we must accept all gentle rebukes graciously and without defensiveness. If we are unsure whether the behavior was sinful, we can take it to God in prayer.
But wait, I want you to understand that being forgiven by God is not as easy as it is sometimes portrayed. I often hear...
