If I refer to "self-righteous hypocrites," what comes to mind? Well, for many, it's "Those darn Pharisees!", and it's not inaccurate. But ... I think more will think, "Christians." And, let's be fair. There are more than a few self-righteous hypocrites in churches ... and out. But the suggestion is that all Christians -- at least, church people -- are self-righteous hypocrites ... and that just ain't so.
Consider, first, the term, "hypocrite." Let's be clear. A hypocrite is not someone who does the same thing they're decrying. That's not a hypocrite. "Hypocrite," at least originally, was defined as those who pretend to be more virtuous than they are. The term actually comes from the Greek stage where actors wore masks to play various characters. Hypocrisy is a mask people wear to come across as someone they're not. But to be a Christian requires that we confess our sins (1 John 1:8-10). The first act of any believer is to admit their sin condition -- a tacit "I'm a sinner." That's an admission of guilt, not a dismissal. It's a claim of "unrighteous" rather than "self-righteous." For this person to agree that "X" is bad and admit they've done "X" is ... honesty, not hypocrisy. We (humans in general or Christians in particular) are only hypocrites when we say "X" is bad, do it ourselves, and deny it. The other term -- self-righteous -- is a sheer fabrication in the Christian faith. The astounding claim of Scripture is, "[God] made [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor 5:21). By definition our only righteousness is applied righteousness, not self-righteousness. Now, sometimes we may lose sight of it, but the truth is none of us have righteousness of our own.
Christians are accused of things they are sometimes guilty of. "Your religion is a crutch." You'd better believe it. Without Christ we are without hope. "You're all hypocrites." Well, probably too many do sometimes claim to be better than they are, but "all" isn't valid. "Christians are so self-righteous." If they are, they're violating their own beliefs, and if they're violating their beliefs, you can't assign that to Christianity. That's a sinner at work ... which, of course, is the thing we're trying to stop being.
4 comments:
I like RC Sproul's saying on this, "The Church is the only organization that requires the admission of sinfulness to be a part of it." (Paraphrase). Or, if you find a perfect church, don't join it or you'll ruin it. Too often we confuse Christian teaching with Christian action. Just because atrocities were carried out in the name of something doesn't mean that's what the something actually teaches.
This saying also comes to mind: “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners.”
I concur that the proper grasp of the Christian doctrines of hamartiology (man’s core sinfulness) and soteriology (Christ’s saving work) will cure any mistaken self-righteous tendencies. And I like your clarification of honesty vs. hypocrisy (in your second paragraph), which makes me think of the Christian adage, “I’m not perfect--just forgiven.”
The true “self-righteous hypocrites” I know of are among those who embrace a works-based religion. They are trusting in their ability to be a “good person” and earning favor with God through their efforts--i.e. their own righteousness--while purporting to be a Christian--i.e. one saved by the finished work of Christ on his/her behalf. There is often an ardent denial of the sinful nature of many aspects of the adherent’s behavior (i.e. “this is only a venial sin,” “this activity is not that bad”); thus attempting to remove the label of “sinner” altogether. Having come from that exact religious background, I know it takes an entire shift in one’s mindset and a new grasp of truth to truly become a sinner saved by grace through faith and “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).
When I hear the term hypocrite, I tend to think of myself first.
Back in the day Mike Warnke had a bit where he talked about the crutch thing and the punch line was that a crutch is pretty amazing if you can't walk without one. I'll freely admit that Christ is a crutch.
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