Why does it seem that most church going christians don't practice what is preached?

Question

I believe in God but organized religion has given me a bad opinion of a lot of people. A lot of double standards. If I missed church because I had to work (in a restaurant) people looked down on me, yet those same people eat out after church every Sunday. When I was single, the singles groups were "dating" groups, full of drama, gossip, the women talked about other women behind their back, the men compared notes on the women. I found myself "out" of the group because I wasn't there to find a "good" Christian man. Even my mom, who is in church every time the doors are open, is gossipy, critical, sometimes a snob.
My general experience is they put on the clothes, go to church to show everyone what a good Christian they are, do a few good deeds for the church(tithe, do some volunteering, pray, etc.) Once off the grounds, out in the world its back to being rude, self-serving, critical people.

Answer 1

Because they think that by going to church, it already makes them a better person without them working towards it. And you're right about all those things; I used to be a devout catholic and I gradually woke up from all the brainwashing and began to think on my own.

Answer 2

Its funny you should mention all those points i find it the same with most churches i have gone to. I think it just boils down to the fact that humans are petty self centered people for the majority and when belonging to a group you feel as if your **** doesn't stink as bad as another. And if they can single out someone or a couple people that make then look better by putting those few down they will. But your point is why i tend not to go to services but rather read the bible at home and relax away from the drama of stupidity. And to add to that i was reading some other points most churches and or organizations end up like that. No getting around it.

Answer 3

No Christian might want to ever declare to be perfect - i will quite basically admit that i'm no longer perfect and no longer regularly in all probability to be so. i'm a sinner clone of absolutely everyone else. the version is that i visit admit after I've sinned and make an apology. and then attempt my stunning now to not commit that sin back. Even i'm getting annoyed with the pious self-righteous those who declare to be perfect and by no skill sin at the same time as genuinely they're only as undesirable as something else human beings, each from time to time worse. I also want someone to discuss to me after I've carried out something incorrect and enable me comprehend that I easily ought to repent each from time to time - and thats what i attempt to do for others.

Answer 4

What you mentioned is a good example of the hypocrisy going on in many organized religions. Some people feel that if they just believe in Jesus they can be "saved". However that is simply not enough for even Satan knows that Jesus exists! Believing in Jesus likewise requires more than saying sincerely that you believe him but by also through knowledge and acceptance of the Word of God.-Matthew 15:7-8 "True Christians" would want to apply what the Bible says and let the Bible guide their everyday thinking and conduct. This is something that we should strive to do at all times which is not easy. This is better than just putting on a front which Jehovah disapproves of.

Answer 5

I hear you, I've observed the same thing, and wished I hadn't. Christians would glibly say: We are not perfect, just forgiven.
It's a sad and a poor witness for the Christian Church. There are some that are real and really good people. You have to find them out of the haystack. Some grow, others just feed compulsively, and don't know what to do with what they feed on. Most fall into the later category.

Answer 6

Sounds like you're experiencing what I like to call...humanism. Many people seem to suffer this affliction. It makes them act out in ways that are natural to humanity. It gives them the ability to ignore reality, be invisible to themselves and lack consideration and just plain respect. In all seriousness, I personally believe it is the religion that allows them to behave this way. Most christians or catholics feel that they will have their judgement when they die...which allows them to feel like they can do whatever they want now. It is probably the most hipocritical religion in use today and unfortunaly it is also the most popular. These people will not change for you. They won't even change for them. I would just recommend that maybe you stop attending these group functions and worship on your own time. The church should always be open. Go when it's empty to pray. There's nothing wrong with that.

Answer 7

It is because we are all sinners and we all sin, but that shouldn't take away from the Good News of the gospel or of Christ saving work on the cross. If we are not sinners then what did Christ die for?

I will agree they are wrong in what they are doing we are called to be good examples and they are not. Maybe you need to find a new church one that preaches the Word.

I'd suggest a good reformed Church like the Orthodox Presbyterian, Reformed Presbyterian or The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

Answer 8

I believe in God and Jesus and live the way that I think they intended for me to live. I treat other well and forgive those that do not do the same for me. However, I am not religious. I do not go to church every Sunday and I do not watch the church channels on cable TV. There are many people who pride themselves on their religiousness and to me that is offensive to God. I have known many people who have 'found Jesus' to save their souls. To me, that is a selfish act and they are not worshiping God and Jesus for their sake but for their own. They just want to make sure they get into heaven. I've been asked be a particular group "Why don't you want to find Jesus?" - Well, I never lost him. I just don't go shouting his name wherever I go while judgeing those who don't.
Well - I didn't really answer your question, did I? My guess is that so many people need to feel better than others and churchgoers are not exempt from that.

Answer 9

I agree with some of what you say. I am a Christian and I am pretty disgusted with most of the churches in America. What ever happened to actually LIVING by the principles we hear preached at church. A lot of people are very hypocritical. However, to be fair... ALL Christians are hypocritical. We preach certain moral principles and we still sin. That doesn't make us horrible people... it just makes us people. Human.
I believe much of what the church is intended to be has become twisted in society and has compromised a lot. The Christians that draw all the attention are the ones you refer to. There are MANY true Christians that peole don't ever hear about.

Answer 10

WOWSER!

You got it.
What can be done about it?
The deacons and their wives are talking about you when your not there.
If you miss church the leagalists are coming up to you and saying, where were you.
They have a check list at the door.
They preach give me the money.
Tithing and so on.
They read out of the old testament most all the time.
Why? They don't want you to know the truth of it.
They put the law on you.
They put the guilt on you.
They put the legalism on you.
They put the we are right, they are wrong on you.
What the hey?
True religion is within you.
It is inner, not outer.
It is a growing thing, you don't get it all at once.
Read Your New Testament and request God to teach you the Truth.
From Him is where you are going to get it.
I did the church trek.
I have seen it all.

Answer 11

I think you're right. Once people are in a group, group politics will, more likely than not, become more important than whatever it was they gathered there for. It's good that you have faith. You don't have to go to Church to believe what you do, and if going to Church makes you unhappy, you shouldn't go, or you should start looking for a Church that you do like.