The Christian Hypocrisy Unveiled - When Actions Contradict Beliefs

 

In a world ravaged by lawlessness, judgment, illicit practices, and uncertainty, Christianity plays a vital role in the lives of millions of human beings around the globe. It is a religion that preaches passion, humility, and love, guiding its followers through a framework of ethics structured to elevate humanity. That being said, considering the seismic influence Christianity has over people, it leaves open an opportunity to abuse the religion and use it to manipulate others. In the wake of real-world obstacles, a concerning trend sprouts as the gap between Christian beliefs and actions perpetuated by those who claim to live by them. 

This very gap is widely known as "Christian hypocrisy," which can breed mistrust, spark criticism, and undermine the foundations of faith. 

The concept of hypocrisy isn't just limited to religion but is embedded in the human code. That being said, the issue has been glaringly visible in Christianity due to its teachings centering around moral integrity, love, and humility. When individuals profess and proclaim these values but don't practice what they preach, it sends mixed signals, often alienating non-believers and believers alike. This parity between actions and words is foreshadowed by Jesus Himself, addressing it with the Pharisees, criticizing their displays of righteousness when they failed to live by the essence of the Law. 

"Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

-Matthew 23:23-24

One of the main pillars of Christianity is empathy, as is written in the Ten Commandments: "Love your neighbor as yourself." However, when we see Christian scholars ostracizing people of the LGBTQ+ community, spreading hate and resentment, it appears they are only contradicting the teachings they so champion. 

Moreover, as it is written:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal ..."

-Matthew 6:19-20

When we look at the practices of some churches and notable Pastors that have garnered millions of followers, relying on the wealth that will inevitably rust, crumble, and fleet, it testifies to the state of the world and the Christian landscape. 

Where actions contradict beliefs is where faith fails.

So what is the point? Why is religion made so complicated? Isn't Christianity supposed to be about humility, hope, and love? 

Blowing the whistle, hoping for a better tomorrow, author Michael Caputo presents his enlightening book Never Forget What They've Done to Us: Counterfeit Christians 101. The read focuses on the history of Counterfeit Christians in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, exposing truth and exploitation of power by those who "practice" faith. 

Click on the link to learn more.