Hypocrites?

Question

I believe in God and I pray everyday, I don't go to church on Sundays and yet those that call themselves Christians have judged me. I will admit I have not read the bible from cover to cover but then again hasn't the bible been altered by man over the years to fullfill the belief of man and not God alone. I follow the basic rules, to not cast the stone, to love thy neighbor, do unto others as I would want done to me. SO why is it that "Christians, or GOD fearing people" take it upon themselves to judege others they are the reason I don't attend church I do not wish to associate with hypocrites. So how is it that they can cast a stone, judge another, not love thy neighbor and not follow the basic commandments yet call themselves Good Christians?

Answer 1

Your asking a question asked by countless others, including me. I remember a cartoon from many years ago. The main character was a 50'ish male that spent lots of hours in the local pup much to the chagrin of his wife. One issue showed them walking to church and as they passed the pub he told her, "I think I'll just stop here, I really don't want to go see all those hypocrites". His wife grabs his arm and as she pulls him down the street she tells him, "There's always room for one more". A very sad, but very true statement. I have studied and do have my Credentials of Ministry, I was ordained in 1977. I have never served in a church, I have performed weddings and the renewal of vows.
I have baptised baby's that were ill and not expected to live. I will not baptise a child under 16 otherwise. Before that I do not believe they can understand the meaning properly. Nor do I believe if a parent is of one faith the child must be also.
I have served as the minister of record at two funerals, and my friends and family all know they can call on me for counceling, or just a ear to listen. I will sit with them in laughter and in tears, I will not judge the decisions they make. I will tell them what the bible says and what truths I have learned over time. I will pray with them and for them. I will ask the Lord to help guide, heal, comfort, and teach. I will not bargin with the Lord on their behalf or for mine. I hear to much of Lord if you will do ____, I will go to church, or pray, or quit drinking, or so many other things people are willing to give up during a crisis. Once everything is back to normal, they are too. It is a weakness of men and women. They also know if a couple each come to see me I do not repeat, or hint of anything the other has said. I will not repeat any thing told to me in confidence as a person or pastor unless it can prevent injury or harm to themselves or others. I tell any who come to me in either form, do not tell me in confidence anything you have done illeagal or harmful to another. I am not a priest. I will pray with you about what ever it is, I will pray you can over come whatever. I will call the police though if you come to me and say I robbed a store, or have harmed someone. I will incourage you to turn yourelf in, or help you do so. In this I feel I am being a good christian and person. I too have had the fact I don't serve in a building called a church, given as proof I am not a minister or even a good christian. My response is always the same, I will pray that God gives you the blessing of not being judgemental, and the peace he bestows on those of his children who do not disparage anothers faith. I truely believe it is good to gather in the Lords name and celebrate together, but I do not believe he will turn away from those who truely believe in him "just" because they don't go to church. The Lord says to spread the word, he does not say browbeat others with it. My main thing I tell those I can share with, that living the life of a christian is more likely to turn ones mind toward believing. Your joy and happiness of your relaionship with Father and Son will shine around you and draw those in need of faith to you. By example so shall you lead. You sound like your doing the right things so don't let people bother you because you don't happen to fit their idea of a christian. The minister who was the reason I started my studies was one great orator, and very sharp. Every week he gave a passage from the bible to the people in church that day to be read for the following week. One sunday he gave a passage, the following week he asked for a show of hands how many remembered to read the passage. Hands went up all over. He scanned the church and really tried to make eye contact with all who had raised their hand. Finally he said, all you good folks out there with your hand up this Sunday's sermon is on how bad even little white lies can be, and it is meant for each of you. There is no such passage. There is no
such chapters or verses. If you had actually gone to your bibles to read it you would not have found it. That was the day I heard my calling and started me on this wonderful path. Continue to pray and lead a good life, be an example for others and I'm sure we will find ourselves with the Lord on the day of reckoning.

Answer 2

I think if you have your belief then great for you dont worry about what other christians might judge you on. It has always appeared to me that some people call themselves christians, attend church once a week and spend the remainder six days doing what they want.. But after all they attend church so its ok. I dont see the point in churces tbh, If gods everywhere why do you have to go to one place anyway? If your happy praying everyday to him in your home then good for you.

Answer 3

it is true that many people who call themselves christians cant seem to be able to leave judgement up to god, or whoever they say they believe in...i myself am a christian, but i dont believe in judging other people because i know that i make the same mistakes everyday...it happens its called being human...being a christian in no way makes us 'better' than others nor does it give us the right to judge the things they do or dont do...
i dont beleive that being a christian simply involves going to church every sunday...thats just a load of rules they try to put on us..i believe its having a relationship with god..and that doesnt require going to church every week..i go because i enjoy it...
anyway dont let people like them make you feel bad, because you hit the nail on the head, some people are hipocrites..we arent all like that, tho it can be hard to find someone who really believes the things they say and not the people who just say them but dont follow them.

and dont be fooled...not every christian has read the bible from cover to cover...i dont think thats what it was intended for...i think its what turns alot of people off...i myself read certain parts at certain times depending on whats going on in my life at the time..its not a novel that you just pick up and read from start to end.

i know you wont like this, but as someone else said, the bible mentions that the only way to heaven is through having a relationship with jesus christ..not just being 'good' ...i rekon you should maybe check out a different church..sounds like youv hav a skewed sample of what christianity really is...anyway good luck with whatever you decide to do, god bless

=] this was an interesting question, it deserves a star.

Answer 4

Faith is not a logical exercise. Belief in something that you can and will never prove exists is illogical, idiotic.

Morality, which is what you're describing here, is not the product of religion, it is the product of society. Society evolves, so do the accepted morals and ethics.

On that note though you can't call yourself a christian unless you adhere to the christian doctrine, church, bible clases and all.

If you believe in a deity and but reject some or all of the dogma, you are agnostic... a great big step up.

At least as an agnostic you can explain why you believe what you believe, which is a huge leap above, 'because the bible says so... faith... I spoke to jesus'... and so on...

Answer 5

Some people believe differently.. that's all. According to the Bible though, your good deeds and "works" can't get you where you want to go. The "only" way is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can be the kindest, most gentle person on Earth, but untill you accept Jesus as Savior and ask for forgiveness and repent of your sins (For all fall short of the glory of God), you are still lost. Sorry and I'm sure to get some thumbs down for this, but that's what I believe.

Answer 6

well, i agree with you.....you said it all and i don't know if there is really an answer other than the way you see it and say it for me. i am with you and understand what you are saying, but we have all these people who say and think other wise. a minister once said when there is a group of more than one person in a dwelling it can be called a church. you do not have to go to a "church" to say you went to church...you can also worship on your own in your own way and God will hear you. so why do all these other people judge????? because we do not put on the show like they do? great question and i am so glad you asked it.

Answer 7

I believe it is easier for people to judge others than judge themselves so they use the Bible, while written by men, to make other people think they are offending God. Some people find it easier to use religion as a crutch, too, rather than coming up with their own reasons for what should be right and wrong. Please try and not be too hard on them because they can't really hurt you unless you let them. At least you can recognize hypocrisy and also know that humans are imperfect.

Answer 8

Most of these people don't know any better. Organized religion fills their heads with lots false ideals. Many so called christians go to church every week, just as they were raised to, but never read the bible. They let their religious leaders do all the thinking for them instead of reading the bible and reflecting inward to find out what it all means.

Answer 9

Hypocrite is the word that many people come back with when they don't understand what you have, some are just jealous, and don't want to admit they may be wrong, it is the most used word against Christians by people who don't understand because they themselves haven't found God yet, and when you think about it, we are not to judge, The Lord is our judge.

Answer 10

This may or may not help.. Spirituality is a very personal thing and no one should ever compare their relationships with their divine. Ultimately we each will account for what we believe and what we have done.

Their bible states that they will be known by their fruit. In this case their fruit is oppositional to what they teach. Christians are to be known by their love. You can dislike an action, yet love the person. You are called to do so.

Answer 11

Church is about loving fellowship with imperfect people coming together to worship a perfect God. It has many benefits. But ultimately, the true church of God is not a physical building. It is the body of Christ. And you are part of that. So let no one judge you. But do trust in the Word of God. As it is written, "The truth will set you free."