Why are Christians such hypocrites?

Question

Don't get me wrong...I AM one. I just would like to know why it is that so many of the Christians I run across these days aren't any more trustworthy or accountable for their actions than the average non-believer. What happened to integrity? Why do most Churches care more about getting new carpet than feeding the homeless? I have quit going to Church for these reasons and now just study the Bible at home and worship my way. Then I don't have to worry about what outfit to wear and whether or not the worship team leader wants me to play my tambourine at the Church picnic. (long story but true. As a professional tambourine player, I was notified that I couldn't play at the casual church picnic because they wanted a different "feel" to the music. Gee, and I thought it was about getting together with other Christians to worship in the great outdoors.)

Can anyone tell me what is the point of calling yourself a Christian if you can't even "walk the walk"?

Answer 1

Not all Christians are hypocrites, some of them actually give more credence to the words of Jesus than they do the nonsense from Paul.

Answer 2

This was one of the reasons I was agnostic.  Then 6 years ago, I became a Christian.  I think that as Christians, we hold ourselves and others to a particular standard and when that standard isn't met, we start having doubts.  At my church, I feel like my friends and pastors there are my extended family.  I am spiritually single and attend services by myself while my children are in Sunday School and my hubby sleeps in at home...  they still love me and don't judge me.  I go to service wearing jeans and a t-shirt and they don't judge me.  Sometimes, people can see the tattoo I just got a few months ago, and they don't judge me.

Everyone, Christian or not, is a hypocrite at some point or another (or more) in their life.  I agree with you that many Christians do fall short and appear to be incapable of "walking the walk".  What is important is our personal relationship with our Lord.  When I notice a Christian doing something that seems hypocritical, I take note of it as something I can pray for them about AND as something that I will try my darnedest not to do.  

I hope and pray that you find the answers you are looking for.  Take care!

  

Answer 3

It's the human condition. The writer of Ecclesiastes had it right when he said that there is nothing new under the sun. Religious figures from St. Paul to Martin Luther noticed the same things. Jesus Himself knew this kind of thing would happen.

Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Answer 4

All of us, no matter how high a regard we might have for ourselves are hypocrites. Plain and simple. None of us are not hypocrites. God teaches us IF we are trusting Him. And you can become whatever He wants you to become IF you trust Him. From one sinner to another, do not expect yourself to be perfect until God makes us perfect after we leave this place.

Answer 5

Its embedded in the religion, so its actually unavoidable.  

Answer 6

You sound like you were offended. And your story bears that out. Keep in mind that the church is the people. None of us are perfect. I think you would admit that you too have some inconsistencies in your Christian walk. There are many churches that you could visit and many would be open to suggestion to your music as long as it adheres to the worship of God.

There are reasons we are admonished to meet together. We minister to one another. We also sharpen one another. How else would you grow spiritually if all was perfect? We are being perfected. We are not perfect. It's hard to worship all by yourself. The church does serve a purpose. The church is what Christ came to establish.

Answer 7

It seems that Jesus great lessons are never taught any more.  Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.  They leave that out.  Throwing money changers from the temple, thats gone, its all about money now.  Easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God, yep, thats missing. Preachers today preach a false gospel, they pander to peoples worst emotions--greed, pride, arrogance, viciousness, prejudice, hate.  It sells.  Its that simple, it makes them money.  People need to walk away from the false churches.  They know what Jesus really preached, what he was about, and they know if their church and their pastor doesn't match up, and if they don't, leave.  For the sake of their souls, LEAVE.  Leave the corrupt, crooked money grubbing fake churches that pervert the words and teachings of Our Lord.  Worship on your own, by yourself, if you have to, but get out of from under the influence of those corrupt crooked preachers.

Answer 8

cuz christianity is stupid and ridiculous...

how you people believe in a son of god?

there is only one god... because if they were more than they would be limited and god means unlimited...

and jesus didn't even create chrisitanity, some guy that came long after him did... paul something

this is funny to me

Answer 9

It's one of the many reasons I became an atheist.  I guess somethings were just lost.

Answer 10

You are wrong.

The average chrisitan is far LESS trustworthy than the average a-theist.

Answer 11

Integrity was replaced by scripture.

Answer 12

My church collects food with the basket for the homeless we build houses for the homeless We get in the van and go to washington to corner our reps to spend money to feed the world

WE help and hug and feed and welcome people who stink really bad because there hearing voices and live under bridges WE DONT CARE WHAT THEY WEAR>

We are buying carpets and beds and have a 6 apartments on top of our church that we built  for kids who age out of foster care. We buy diapers for single moms. We have a basement full of kids of all faiths after school so that they can have a safe place to go.

That basement is filled with handicapped teens so that they can sit and be KIDS

AA meetings OA meetings.

the list goes on and on;

Find a church you fit in.

and be a light

and where whatever you want and BE you if they dont love you your not in a christian church.  

Answer 13

Well, first, we are all sinners, Christian or not, and therefore all make the same mistakes.  Just because I am a Christian doesn't mean that I am perfect.  Actually I find myself asking for God's grace and forgiveness daily.  I am so thankful he forgives me and renews me every day-it really is true that his mercies are new every morning.  I have also, like you, been frustrated with many issues over the years from different churches.  I always seemed to find a reason to leave.  What I believe God has been showing me is that there is no perfect church this side of paradise, and I need to show my fellow Christians some of that mercy,grace, and forgiveness that God has shown me.  Not to say that you should stay somewhere where you don't think the basic doctrine is biblically sound, but maybe you could learn to let the "little" stuff go.  I know this is hard, believe me, I am trying to do it too, but I have left too many churches because they were not "perfect".  The more I look around, I realize I need to be in fellowship with other Christians, and I need to be a little more forgiving when I disagree on the little issues.  I hope you find a church where you can get Christian fellowship!

Answer 14

Many aren't. Overgeneralizations are bad! :(

Answer 15

Because we're all hypocritical to some degree.  It's human nature.

Answer 16

I wonder that myself.

Answer 17

They need to be be discipled correctly. Don't blame the people, blame the Pastors.

Answer 18

Most of the Church Christians are hypocrites because the teaching on the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit are not taught by most pastors anymore.  Without the Holy Spirit, you can't have integrity or any other good quality.  So, they fake what they think is being "Christian" in church and act the way they want outside of church.

For that matter, godliness, righteousness, holiness, blamelessness and prayer aren't taught in the churches anymore either.

Why do they call themselves Christians if they can't walk the walk?  Because it makes them respectable in the eyes of church leaders and other church Christians.  It gives them business and social connections they wouldn't have otherwise.

I'm glad you're out of church and walking with the Lord your way.

Answer 19

You have made some very valid points.  You are right.  Pray for all of God's ppl every day.  Message me if you like.  

Answer 20

You must remember why you are worshiping. You aren't worshiping to honor others. You are worshiping to give glory to God. Don't let man made reasons affect you. Worshiping with others can be helpful. You might want to consider looking into other Church's.

Answer 21

being a Christian doesn't make you perfect. As a matter of fact a Christian might be born with more defects of character than your average non-believer. You have to be able to differentiate between character traits- that dominate our actions and were allowed by God- and the effort a person  makes to go above and beyond what is humanly possible for them in that particular situation.

i.e

you may have a very layed back atheist who will let you play your tambourine and who will help the poor and possess numerous qualities that we would consider "Christian" qualities. Now, you may have a Christian who suffers from a terrible temper or may have a really hard time resisting certain vices and is all-round a difficult person. Now, just as much as you can't give credit to a person for being born layed back you cannot condemn or judge someone because of their ill temper.

What can be judged is what they DO with these quality or defects.

What  matters is is this person, despite of her physical and genetic constitution, better because she is a Christian or worse?

Generally, I would venture to guess, that all true Christians would be MUCH worse if they didn't have any concept of Christianity.

Answer 22

If you're a Christian maybe you will remember this passage...Judge not lest you be judged yourself.

Answer 23

why is everyone hypocrites. Think about it even catholics (you and i) are hypocrites everyone you name it nobody is perfect

Answer 24

Well, we all live in a very deceiving world. People are looking for "labels". One of the labels are called "Christian". Labels made people who want to be "Christians", "Christian" by name not by works. These are all labels. Well in any way when we succumb to certain labels we will always fall short of the label's true description. It maybe that we become too much of it or less. Isn't it the reason why in your Bible it is suggested to fix your eyes on Christ. I suggest you be patient with whoever is irritating you and do what the Bible says.

Answer 25

it's human nature I guess

Answer 26

Good to see you breaking free and defining your own faith.  I pray you find peace and fulfillment in your path.

Answer 27

Some are and not all. IMO, majority of the so called "Christians" are hypocrites in their own way. I am no exception.

Why you asked? Because we are humans with human nature - weak, prone to commit sin and hypocrites. Yes, sad but true. Especially in the urban areas where most of the time is spent on making money. Good thing God understands this. That's why He makes things happen to our lives to remind us of His presence amidst our busy lives. Being very sick, getting broke is one the them. Christians often forget to ask Him for help and assistance. Thinking they can do well without Him around. This leads to hypocrisy. Christians by name.

I feel the same way as you do regarding church beautification rather than helping the need. Most Christians look forward on how they would "feel" during worship rather than how God would feel through their actions especially outside the church building.

Answer 28

I am not a Christian, but it seems that you need to join a new parish. I am friends with a Christian and all she talks about is how her church is helping the homeless, children, everyone and anyone. It's a beautiful parish.  

Answer 29

most of them are born and raised Christian and don't appreciate Christianity like they should.  

Answer 30

a professional tambourine player?

that must take some talent!

Answer 31

then they are not true christians