Do you think Christians are in a state of Hypo/ crite/ crisy? :-(
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
Philippines
July 14, 2010 11:49am CST
Please I beg of you, Read the topic before you judge...
that's because....because...
THE TRUTH hurts also
before anything else let me just get that meaning of the words.
hypocrite - a person who pretends to be what he/she is not
hypocrisy - it's the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness / or An act or instance of such falseness.
Here are some real stories.
* 2 years ago my mom requested materials for home mass sacrament because her friend who is a bishop planned to have a home mass in our house. but the priest bluntly denied her request and even saying he didn't know the bishop, but later he gave it anyways. then later, the bishop ( a friend of Pope Benedict XVI) wanted to see this parish priest.secretary how ever, made an excuse of him taking a bath, until he gave in. pretendedly he wave goodbye, but i know he was humiliated.
* Active member of the church, SFC's and the Quire, but Mom told me that she whines about her families failures and money. not treating them Christian like. not practicing what they believe in and that is acceptance and helping those who are in the wrong path.
* My Grandma from US who handles and prepares anything before the mass, even handle some homily responses. donates to the poor and loves gambling at casino but when ever she visits our home. she acts like a dictator and act like our house is her home. she rants when i asked for something but it's not want but for a need. honestly, i don't want her to come back, it's just too much.
* A Rich Neighbor and active in Christian Organizations scolded a person because she was accused of being a bad person. later that lady apologizes and begs to forgive her. she did, but she didn't attend to her offer, because that hated her more than every thing.
Let us be honest here, I know most of us are good people, yeah. some really have done nice work in spreading the word of the Lord either in acts or preaching.
trouble is not everyone is doing "practical application" of what is being told us to do in the Bible. this is a huge problem people, people turning away from the church because of simple hypocrisy, it's not a joke.
[b]
SOMETIMES I CAN BE GUILTY OF THIS TOO.[/b]
before anything else let me just get that meaning of the words.
hypocrite - a person who pretends to be what he/she is not
hypocrisy - it's the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness / or An act or instance of such falseness.
Here are some real stories.
* 2 years ago my mom requested materials for home mass sacrament because her friend who is a bishop planned to have a home mass in our house. but the priest bluntly denied her request and even saying he didn't know the bishop, but later he gave it anyways. then later, the bishop ( a friend of Pope Benedict XVI) wanted to see this parish priest.secretary how ever, made an excuse of him taking a bath, until he gave in. pretendedly he wave goodbye, but i know he was humiliated.
* Active member of the church, SFC's and the Quire, but Mom told me that she whines about her families failures and money. not treating them Christian like. not practicing what they believe in and that is acceptance and helping those who are in the wrong path.
* My Grandma from US who handles and prepares anything before the mass, even handle some homily responses. donates to the poor and loves gambling at casino but when ever she visits our home. she acts like a dictator and act like our house is her home. she rants when i asked for something but it's not want but for a need. honestly, i don't want her to come back, it's just too much.
* A Rich Neighbor and active in Christian Organizations scolded a person because she was accused of being a bad person. later that lady apologizes and begs to forgive her. she did, but she didn't attend to her offer, because that hated her more than every thing.
Let us be honest here, I know most of us are good people, yeah. some really have done nice work in spreading the word of the Lord either in acts or preaching.
trouble is not everyone is doing "practical application" of what is being told us to do in the Bible. this is a huge problem people, people turning away from the church because of simple hypocrisy, it's not a joke.
[b]
SOMETIMES I CAN BE GUILTY OF THIS TOO.[/b]6 people like this
14 responses
@sparquel (121)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Hi LetranKnight25,
There is plenty of hypocrisy in these days and times. My personal belief is the traditional way in which many churches operate; based on man-made rules, guidelines, etc.
Speaking from personal experience, I felt in bondage when I attended under such tradition. The bondage was just too much for me. I needed a much closer relationship with the Lord, and not MAN. I'm no longer under any traditional beliefs. Now, I have a much closer and personal relationship with my heavenly Father than ever before. I absolutely love the freedom I have in my relationship with Him.
Of course we have all sinned and will never be in a position to judge anyone! But I know that I can and do come right to the Lord and ask of His forgiveness. He is my only focus. I am about His daily business and have no time for MAN made anything in terms of Christianity.
I would have it no other way! I am very happy with my personal relationship with the Lord and will NEVER put myself into a traditional church setting again!
Every Christian needs to live their life as themselves, and not put on facades to try to please man. God is whom all Christians should aim to please. Christians should have peace with themselves in their personal relationship with God. My strong belief is it's about me and God, and NO ONE else. That works for me!
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
22 Jul 10
Hello spar,
that's the problem with traditional churches, it's too boring now, but the church is aware of that. they actually created a game that has something to do with the church sacraments. although it isn't that good yet but it's a good start that church is keeping up with todays technology.
@Hatley (163773)
• Garden Grove, California
14 Jul 10
Letran good discussion. I imagine at times we may all have
been guilty but I have tried to think about the practical
application of what I learn when I go to church and try not
to profess one thing but do something completely opposite.
I do not preach but I do try to help here with others who are
worse off than myself. I am slightly handicapped but I can still'
help someone out of a chair, or bring a more comfortable chair
to someone in a walker, I can and do take my roommate who is
losing her memory back and forth to meals and whatever else
she needs. We all must help each other really.All little things
but sometimes people need the little things they cannot do for
themselves.No letran its no joke but I hate people looking down
their noses at me and acting holier than thou; is this being Christian?
to snub someone who does not go to the same church? We all worship
'God but we do have different churches.
2 people like this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello Hatley,
you have done it great hatley, God bless you for what you did for those people. sadly, it takes a bad experience for people like them to realize that they should redeem and do something good for once in our lives. sad to say, most christian are so slow when it comes doing the right thing, always either too late or when it's not worth seeing anymore. but am glad i've known people like you who still do good things.
@Christmas2006 (1661)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Once a non christian knows we are a christian they will judge every thing we do. We aren't perfect and we make mistakes but we are forgiven. It is like climbing a ladder with the top in heaven. We fall and have to start over but we learn. and go on. Jesus always forgives us if we are sincere in our repentance. We are in this world of sin, but we are not a part of it. Our lifes should be showing that and if it isn't then we need to be starting over on that climb.
2 people like this
@6precious102 (4043)
• United States
16 Jul 10
You're exactly right. Maybe that's why the Apostle Paul told us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our spirits. The only way we can renew our spirits daily is to get into God's word so we'll know what that good and perfect will of God is.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
22 Jul 10
Hello precious,
of course, it ain't easy at all.takes time. i have read articles that atheist is turned back into the faith.
@kharlav (1667)
• Philippines
15 Jul 10
any person can claim that he or she is a CHristian and that he knows God but it is very clear in the bible that anyone who continues to sin is not from God but is of the devil.
John 3: 6 says "You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. Whoever remains in him doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him." and verse 9 and 10 says "Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother."
works are not the basis of knowing God neither does going to church, attending all the prayer meetings and being so active in church. Without the true love for God these all becomes religious. all you have is religion and not Jesus Christ.
1 person likes this
@TexLadyPj (1328)
• United States
20 Jul 10
Herro kharlav
Wow, we studied that very verse last night in our Bible study. Although I had read the verse many times, last night it became what we call "revealed word' It quickened in my heart. It is no longer head knowledge, it is becoming a part of my character. God is working in my life and moving head knowledge to heart character. It is such a beautiful, sometimes painful, process.
God bless you
Prosperous mylotting
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
22 Jul 10
So, what now? what happens to people who didn't have Jesus Christ and only has religion. so, you won't give a damn if they just leave to another religion or be atheist? this is exactly people leave christianity not just hypocrisy but also people verse it's bible text on them.
but i guess it depends on how the person understands it. godbless
@kharlav (1667)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
@ texladypj: that's good to know. sometimes or most of the time, taking God's rebuke and accepting it changes us. Yes, I agree. it is always not easy to really follow God. The path is indeed narrow. God bless.. Continue pressing on to God.
@Letranknight25: Of course I care if people leave Christianity. I believe that they really do miss out a lot of being a Christian. I dont think that people leave Christianity because people "verse it's bible text on them" but maybe because they dont really know God. Priest and pastors preach through the bible and even quote verses. Its just the same way as I am doing. Christianity is still alive until now because of the bible. WE did not only rely on hear-says. For even preachers of the word read the bible and study them so that they have something to preach about. Its their basis of what they are going to preach. Isn't it?..
@stefanisaiah (167)
• Philippines
14 Jul 10
I will not use that word. Being Christian is not easy, being a follower of CHRIST is not easy. We are living in this World, and a lot of temptation for us to commit sin. No Christians is perfect like Christ. Everybody is trying their best to be a righteous. As what the Bible want us to do. Let us not focus in this issue, let us focus in our salvation. Instead of checking for others, start checking to yourself. Start making a corrective action from ourselves. Before we mind the others.
2 people like this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello stefan,
Everybody is trying their best to be a righteous
Why not just do good things with out whining here and there. bein righteous is easy said and done in most occasions but sometimes, some people can't help but do bad things with out them knowing it. well, why don't you check yourself too instead? am only saying this because i know a lot of my catholic brothers and sister who don't do practical application, and still have the guts to go to church and do the same thing.
besides, i have been checking myself very much and that's specifically why i made this discussion.
@TexLadyPj (1328)
• United States
20 Jul 10
Herro LetranKnight25
What a fascinating enlightening discussion. So many different responses, many heart-tugging. God is teaching the difference between head knowledge (pharisee) and revealed knowledge, heart-felt. As I reread scriptures now, I feel a "quickening" in my spirit. I learn a new way of living my life as a Christian. I won't go on any longer, so many people already said the same thing. It was a joy to read this discussion. I appreciate the time and courage you took to post it.
God bless you
Prosperous mylotting
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
15 Jul 10
I always thought a hypocrite was someone who has no desire to be a Christian, but goes to church either because he has been told it looks good or to make trouble such as when the Jews when to hear Paul preach and plotted to drive him from the synagogue.
It is what you say that one professes beliefs, etc. that one does not possess, but it is more then that. It is the desire to not want to change. So if there is a member of the church treating someone badly, and he goes to the elders or the priest and says "I should not have said that to," or "I should not have made ====wash the floor by herself" then that person is not a hypocrite because that one desires to change, but that is one of the hidden sins that that one is fighting against/
But usually in that case, one sees change for the better.
However in the other case, the hypocrite gets worse and worse and discourages others not to join the church, because in most cases, he or she is louder then most.
This is of course Satan's work as he is trying to destroy the church and to keep the church from growing. However his desire is doomed to failure, because the ones who leave the church are probably the ones who were hypocrites in their hearts as well. I am talking about the true church that adheres to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello Suspensful,
It doesn't need satan to do the dirty work because WE are making these decisions ourselves, we can't just put satan as an excuse for doing evil. that's why we have this swear and promise that we will reject or rebuke satan during our confirmation, and yet we still do it. Satan's failure will result only if we make the right choice, even if we don't remember the things taught in the church, just remember the basic things that is good.
@grecychunny26 (9482)
• Philippines
16 Jul 10
Christian are in the state of being hypocrite. They are the ones that messing the their religion. I am Christian myself and get annoyed when seeing someone like that. Like a certain priest of our church. That was holy week and he said do not eat meat. But I saw having steak. He was the one who said be kind to poor people, be generous to them, help them, but I saw him shouting at a poor beggar because this beggar was blocking his parking space. I don't know if that was funny or what. I am catholic and I admit I do not always go to church every Sunday. i only follow what is God's rule and that's was it.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
22 Jul 10
Hello grecy,
I don't to church that much either but i do my best to apply what has god taught us. i never believe that preachers do what they are telling us. as for me, i just listen to the preaching and not the priest,God is the true role model and not some preacher.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
15 Jul 10
Obviously that is fake Christianity. There are fake Christians and there are those who are genuine. What is a Christian then? I mean genuine Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ. If one is follower of Christ, he must be a new creature, the old nature should pass away and all things about him become new. He must walk in the newness of life. So if he is a hypocrite before, he should surrender that sin to God. His sinful life and tendencies must be replaced by holiness. A Christian must strive to be like Christ day by day. His life must reflect Christ. Of course the transformation will take place little by little. It will a struggle with his own flesh but with the help of the holy spirit, he will gain victory over sinful attitude and living. Those who are in the same hypocrite kind of life can never called Christians. Not all who go to church and claim they know Christ are Christians.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello Salonga,
does that mean I'm a fake Christian Too, knowing that I can be like this sometimes. have you done something that was completely out of the Christian ways?
I am not saying they should be considered fake christians immediately, probably they are not following what they teach. it's not easy to just follow God's will when the world is filled with temptation.
@wmraul (2552)
• Bucharest, Romania
14 Jul 10
Yes, Letran, THEY ARE. They always been hipocrite.
In my people's wisdom is a proverb:
Do what priest say, don't do what priest do.
(If you have close any romanian friend, maybe heshe can translate it even better :
Nu face ce face popa, fa ce zice popa.)
This mean that by default a priest - who preach something - is possible he himself do what he preach not to be done.
Similar with any human being. As a race, we are doomed to be hypocritical ...
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello vmraul,
I know most of the time, the priest just preaches, it's only rare that they would mean it. i remember i went to their home because i was in OJT for religious. the three priest were discussing which salm is easy to preach. that's when i realized they don't do what they preached, well, it's their just job now.
@Metatronik (6198)
• Pasay, Philippines
15 Jul 10
The great example here are the priest of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo wherein Fr. Damaso and Fr. Salvi did that as well to Maria Clara. One thing for sure that is a fact happened during that era.
Most people that I know who are involve and active in any Christian organizations are not really the good role model person and yet most of them are really hypocrites in the sense that they are not really valuing the word of God but just to protect their images to other people because they are hiding something strange. Others thought that if they are doing good or being a member of Christian organization is enough for them not to face any challenges but if their faith will be tested, instead of being smart and intelligent enough to solve their problems most of them are acting a sore loser and bitter person questioning why God did that to them. Usually you will hear "I am not a bad person, I didn't do something wrong with other people" without realizing that they have committed sins already. I've already heard to people told me that their role model is Jesus Christ but then the funny thing about this is that they can't act as Jesus Christ instead they are arrogant and self righteous that is not open minded to the extent they are not thinking that they already offended someone else. I am not expecting them to be perfect or a person like Jesus Christ but then I really thought they were thinking and matured enough that Jesus Christ did not judge anyone and as far as I believe Jesus Christ was been humble enough to face the challenges and do the sacrifices as part of being a selfless human.
I know for a fact that we are all born sinners but there are only few people that I know who are really valuing the word of God, unfortunately they are not my close relatives and family. Some of them are just my friends. I just hate it when people are too preachy of the good values while they can't even act as matured person, were not able to value it as well and not credible enough to give advises. Some of them are giving advises so that people will worship them, that is what they are valuing for.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello metatronik,
Yes, what happened during the Spanish Colonial times is actually still happening in our society today. i wonder when will the majority of all christians will truely value the teachings of the world by doing it for real. even I have trouble doing this, i don't know why. the only thing that makes me do thing right now is be thankful to things i still have. i guess it's part of that dark road that we all go through.
@artizan (195)
•
29 Jul 10
thankyou for posting this disscussion.,
i think at the end of the day, we are judged by our God on our own actions and yes it hurtful to see some who profess to be christian, behaving in an un christian like way...
this state of affairs has been long with us, and i deal with it by praying for the one who seems to be unchristian like, at the same time pray that any errors in my behaviour will be corrected and forgiven..
that my walk with the lord will reflect better, His ways,
this i think saves be judgemental, which we are also told/taught not to be, and i find this one particularly hard at times, but keep going.,
our personal relationship, is the most concern and sometimes we are shown the bad/wrong things that other christians do., in order to reflect upon our selves, and also sometimes so we may pray for them, and sometimes if we are in a position of responsibility or leadership, to be able to help with correction.
if not we are left with prayer,which not only needs to be done for the individual, but for the whole church/es and christians to wake up to the teachings of Jesus christ and to follow his example, the scriptures tell us how to over come, and that is where we should , i believe as individuals, communities/churches should look to resolve this situation which needs to be adressed so that., Christianity is once again respected from without as well as from within.
In other words, take our own responsibility to helpfully, lovingly, compassionately move against the spiritual hypocrassy that holds individuals and churches captive., binding them in loosing members and respect...
May God guide us all, in the blessing of the Holy Spirit wisdom, by the blood of Jesus christ..
best wishes
x
@Honeybuttz1397 (173)
• Philippines
15 Jul 10
I understand your disappointment on Christianity because of the hypocrisy you've witnessed. I myself had a first hand experiences of the hypocrisy you talked about though in a different setting.
Allow me to shed some light. First Christianity is not only based on what we do in church. Like for example preparing the homilies, leading novenas, conducting bible studies and evangelistic crusades. Christianity is a lifestyle. Being Christlike.
I admit I am also a work in progress. I am not perfect, only Jesus Christ is perfect but, it is not an excuse for us to be hypocrites. I myself hold a responsibility in church. I am an assistant caregroup leader, I have had my short comings therefore, I see to it whatever I say I do. I practice consistency, My friends see how I act in church, is how I act when I am not in the church. They know if I am pissed, they know if I'm in a sunny mood.
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Jul 10
Hello Honeybuttz,
Well, being Mad is different from not doing what you are taught, it's normal when you're mad, even Jesus Christ with so many entrepreneurs on the church area. i guess it's the church role to do something and enlighten our people again in going back to God. seriously, i hate novenas but i do like to pray too, but i don't do that often. 