3 Reasons People See Christians As Hypocrites
I’ve had conversations with countless people – even in my own family – who see Christians as hypocrites. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “hypocrite” in these two ways:
- A person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion.
- A person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
“Your words and actions don’t align”
I’ve asked people who feel strongly that many people who call themselves “Christians” are just hypocrites this question: “What is it about the person or persons that cause you to see them as a hypocrite?” And typically the answer I get goes something like this: “They pretend to be all Christian-like and religious, yet I see how they treat their kids and how they are at work. They’re a totally different person.”
Is it that their actions don’t align with their beliefs? Or could it possibly be that their beliefs don’t align with their actions? Hmm.
From the Christianite worldview, perfection is the objective ,and living in a way that your imperfections are concelaed is the means. Like the Pharisees in the first century. Whitewashed tombs! Hypocrisy from this worldview would mean that my life is not as “perfect” as I claim it is (or should be).
From the Christ-follower worldview, however, authenticity which leadas to repentance is the objective, and living in a way that is honest and transparent about your fallenness and inability to be worthy is the means. Hypocrisy from this perspective (if it exists) would mean I know, believe, and speak of God’s grace and mercy in light of our sin and shame, yet continue to beat myself up, self-condemn, and live in the shame that Jesus has. already paid the price for. f
I believe there are far more of us who are “hypocrites” from the second perspective than the first — failing to live in the freedom and hope provided by Jesus Christ. May that not be said of you.
“Jesus can’t be the only way to heaven”
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
john 14:6 niv
Many have trouble with this primary truth from scripture. I hear others say things like, “If God is so loving, why would He send people to hell just because they don’t know Jesus? and may never have even heard of Jesus?”
Through that lens it might appear that God is being explusive. I tend to see it in the opposite way — that He is being gracious and inclusive. Because without God’s free gift of grace offered to us the Jesus Christ, no one would have a means to be redeemed and made right in their relationship with Father God.
In my opinion, this verse might only be seen as hypocritical if a person does not know, love, and trust God and his unique nature. Christian counseling can certainly help you gain clarity on this in your life.
“Who are you to judge?”
I believe that a third way Christians are often seen as hypocrites is when we stand on scripture in light of a contrary or worldly perspective. Many will see this as narrow thinking and judgemental. For example, abortion. It’s one thing when two intelligent humans debate their opinions and views with one another. Neither is actually right or wrong, as they are merely speaking from their perspecxtive.
However, when we speak or teach lovingly from God’s word, it’s no longer two people’s opinions clashing. Now it’s one person’s opinion clashing with God’s truth. In a society where absolute, eternal truth is growing absent, truth itself is becoming more and more relative. Relative to one another’s. Relative to your life experiences. Just relative. It’s this type of worldview that contributes to nearly endemic issues with anxiety and depression in our society.
The defender of truth in Christ will often be seen as a hypocrite. Others may say things like, “You think you’re the only one whose opinion matters.” “You think you’re always right.” “You’re narrow thinking and judgmental because you don’t leave room for the myriad opinions and perspectives in areas where the Bible speaks clearly.