The doctrine of sin is the most empirically verifiable Christian
belief. Pick up any newspaper or think about the history of the
twentieth century on into the twenty-first and you will encounter
ample evidence that something is wrong with human nature. If we are
honest with ourselves and engage in a little introspection, we must
admit our own selfishness, occasional acts of unkindness, and wrong
attitudes towards others. Our consciences tell us that we have each
violated our own standard of right and wrong in some way.
In recent times, we have heard about pedophile priests, hypocritical
church leaders, and swindling televangelists. When those who claim to
be Christians lead double lives, manipulate others, or betray the
values they profess to believe and live by, the disgust we feel for
this hypocrisy indicates a recognition of the ethical standards that
have been violated. I can offer the following thoughts about this
problem:
- Bad behavior must be recognized as such. It is not caused by the
faith; it is a violation or betrayal of the faith.
- Those antagonistic to the Christian faith will quickly say, "Ah
ha! It's all a sham and a delusion." But, if faith was about living
up to a given set of laws and in our pride setting ourselves apart
from the "damned masses" by our superior lives, they might have a
point. However, the central message of the Christian faith is
redemption from sin and the separation from God that results from
it. Christian faith is first and foremost about God's mercy to a
sinful humanity. To the proud Pharisees, Christ stated with muted
sarcasm, "Those who are well have no need of a physician." The
normal weaknesses and human foibles of people in the churches is not
the same as hypocrisy.
- The offer of mercy and grace in no way excuses hypocrisy or bad
behavior. Christ certainly demands a high standard of behavior---in
fact, the Sermon on the Mount presents an impossibly high standard
designed to drive us to God's mercy. However, Christianity is not
primarily about keeping laws and adhering to ethical standards, even
though that is important. It is about living in gratitude for God's
mercy and forgiveness, which comes through Christ. However, grace
does NOT lead to license ("I'm forgiven, so I can live anyway I want
to"). The Apostle Paul stated, "How can we who died to sin, still
live in it?"
- While media attention is focused on those who betray faith, we
must remember that for every failed leader there are masses of
faithful, well-meaning leaders and Christian folk who strive to live
their faith with sincerity and integrity. No one claims to be
perfect.
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