A question about co-called 'Christians'?

Question

Note: this question does not refer to any individual, nor do I accuse anyone specific so please try not to take offence at this question. If you do take offence, please reply politely and not confrontationally.

I was wondering why it is that so many of these people that call themselves Christian exhibit, in fact, personal traits and characters completely at odds with the core teachings of any faith. Many of them are selfish, condescending, close-minded and ill-informed, with only a tenuous knowledge of the religions they supposedly follow. Has anyone else noticed this extremely hypocritical behaviour, or am I alone?

It is almost as if these people are members of some elitist club that has nothing to do with salvation- rather it is a social membership, much like (I imagine) the freemasons.

I have no wish to offend those true believers who may even make up the majority, but would just like someone else's opinion of those who preach religion but know little of it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Christianity is full of contaddictions!!

Answer 2

There are many who call themselves Christian but through their actions and words show otherwise. A Christian should show the fruits of the Spirit which are:

Galatians 5:22-25
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

That being said, Christians are humans with all the same faults and frailties as anyone else. We sometimes fail. We should, however, ask forgiveness when we fail. Some Christians are new in their faith and, like children, need to be corrected - with love.

Please accept my apologies for anything I might say or do that is not Christ-like.

Answer 3

Yes, at times we are selfish and condescending -- we're the first ones to admit that.

But what is your proposed for these human failings -- should we abandon our Christian faith so as to avoid hypocrisy?

Is our occasional selfishness and condescension really what you're worried about -- or is the real problem that we believe in a religion that teaches things you don't want to hear?

I'm always wary when Person A accuses Person B of being "closed-minded" and "ill-informed."

That's because these are usually code words for "this person doesn't agree with me!"

These words are often thrown around only when someone else holds opinions that differ from those of the person throwing them around. Hopefully that's not what you are doing here.

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Answer 4

Well honestly, I think so many people appear like "bad Christians" because Christianity is a system of such high moral standards. Didn't Jesus say, "Be Holy, as I am Holy"? I mean that is quite a high moral standard. The book of Isaiah says our righteousness is like filthy rags, so how can I possibly be like Christ? Still, I would rather be in a religion with high moral standards, and not quite meet the mark, rather than be in a religion with low moral standards and keep all of them. In other words, though I don't mean to offend though I anticipate I will, better to be a hypocritical Christian than a steadfast Muslim/Hindu/Atheist, etc etc etc. I think the morals of Christianity are the best mankind has ever known, so I follow it even if I can't quite meet the mark.

Answer 5

I am a christian and I think that one of the biggest things is that most people say they are something but have not truly tried to follow the faith whole hearted. That is one of the biggest problems today with faith is that most people like the title but don't like to take up the responsibilities of the faith. In this we find most of the people who show the characteristics of someone that is not faithful. But don't get me wrong just because they are the way they are doesn't mean they don't have faith. Many people also have a ways to go to actually get to the point of taking up their responsibilities. Well with anyone you talk to, you only know so much about a person until you actually walk in their shoes. So ask the person and the response you get will further confirm or disprove you first impression of that person's character.

Answer 6

I believe a lot of the negative behaviors that you mentioned are found in some people that profess to be Christians, but walk in the flesh, and not the Spirit. Christ died on the cross so that ALL may receive Him, not the elite, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. It saddens me that some churches are more like Country Clubs and Hotels for the saints (in their minds), instead of the spiritual hospitals for the sinners. We must also remember that this behavior was even seen in biblical times. Judas walked with Christ, yet he was the one that betrayed Christ with a kiss.
I am a Christian, to me that means I am a Christ follower, and because I profess that, I know that others watch to see if I am walking what I am talking. A quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi has had a great impact on me personally "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

Answer 7

The answer to your question is "free will". God gave us free will and, as you have noticed, many choose to use it without knowledge. I think many of the people you talk about are doing more harm than good. The only way to teach someone about your religion is to know your religion. I am a Lutheran and currently studying to be a pastor. I don't offer advice on anything I don't have the knowledge of. When it comes to faith many people are searching for guidance and these people that say one thing and do another are very poor examples of leaders and shouldn't try to help. They should leave the "Holier than thou" attitude out. If people want to lead, they should lead by example. Not by empty words
Christians need to remember we aren't better than others we are just saved, and should live like it.

Answer 8

Quite right.
It is not just Christians but a lot of religious people that say they are part of a faith but take more pleasure in attacking others than living by the doctrines of their faith.
If Christians, Muslims and Jews lived up to their beliefs then the world would be a much better place.

I'm not religious but having read the Bible I probably know about their faith then most of the so called 'Religious'

Answer 9

When I look at myself I consider myself a christian however I am not christ so I still have many flaws and failures and sin. However I do agree hypocrisy is awfull. I therefore always hope and pray and try to change my ways.

A lot of so called christians are just calling themselves christian because it suits them but don't bother about their behaviour. Those are not christians people like me that are bothered and struggling I would call Christian-wannabee and I pray that one day I will be fit to be called a Christian not by people but God.

Anyway I guess I still care because when I think of issues about myself and societt ofter I feel God moving in my heart. Many times giving me a sad feeling in the sense that it shows me my thoughts might be wicked at that moment or happy when i am sad and it reinforced the fact that God is still with me although i am not worthy of it. I hope you are not pur of by God - Jesus. I am many times put off by church like behaviour which is Holy on Sunday but all teh other days it's just like everyone else.

It's my struggle to. A quote I saw in a film FIRST KNIGHT is that when King Arthur replied to someone that was feeling wicked and was still loved by the king was " I take the good with the bad (not the evil one) because I can't love you in slices." I guess Jesus does the same and more, if you are responsive to Him he will in due time purge you and change you but you must continue active as well it's a partnership. I hope it makes sense. God blee you my friend.

Answer 10

Human nature. I'm not perfect, and I sin. Just because I am a Christian does not mean I am with out fault. I also get a little tired of those who seem to enjoy pointing out when a Christian makes a mistake (everyone does) . It's as if some hold Christians to a higher standard than themselves. There are bad apples in all groups, simple as that.

Answer 11

A person's religion is no predictor of moral character. The prisons have a higher percentage of Christians than regular society, and a lower percentage of atheists.

Religions, like Christianity, like to pretend that they invented morality, or are, at least, the authority on what is moral. They aren't. Morality came around long before them and has changed much from their old book of rules. They don't even follow all what their book promotes, instead just picking and choosing what they like. That's a good thing, because there are some really bad examples in the Bible.

Religion, in fact, makes a person morally lazy. It spoon-feeds them what to consider right and wrong, but discourages them from thinking about why it is right or wrong other than "God said so". This makes it difficult for them to have a reasoned discussion about the real issues in context with modern society. Their morals are based on rote, not reason.