UnChristian?
We’re off and running with our series “Irritating Things About Christians.” Listen to Kris’s message here if you haven’t heard it yet. Chime in with thoughts, AMENS, or disagreements. A great resource is UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. Check out the book and other resources at www.unchristian.com
Here are a couple of questions you might consider:
What do you think the definition of hypocrisy is? What are some examples of hypocrisy in your life that you should be more transparent about?
The research from Kinnaman describing “lifestyle gaps” (pgs 46-48) shows that born again Christians are often not very different from others in terms of lifestyle activities and choices. What’s your reaction? What do you think contributes to this?
Why do you think Christians put such an emphasis on “being good” rather than being real? Why are some of the key parts of the Christian faith so often ignored?
What other thoughts came to your mind after listening to Hypocritical? Did you try any of the suggestions Kris offered?
Hmmm…examples of hipocrisy in my life….how much room do I have here? Just kidding…although I do have my fair share. The first that comes to mind involves my parenting technique. I always am tell my oldest son how he should be acting. No throwing fits, no arguing, and cuss words are Very Bad!! Can you guess what happens when I get angry? Yep! Throw a fit, argue, and every so often slip out a not so lady-like phrase! Not my proudest moment, but I really need to be practicing what I preach! Great message this weekend!
Megan,
Thanks! This is just the kind of heart-wrestling we need to move us closer to God. And, by the way, I can so relate to your story! How do I discipline my kids for not controlling their tempers when I lose mine! Aaaah!
The dictionary defines hypocrisy as “a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.” They could just say “pretending to be something you’re not.” It’s very easy to spot hypocrisy in others but not so easy to see it in ourselves. We quickly find excuses why there should be an exception in our case. I’m glad we’re being challenged to think about aligning our beliefs with our actions! Thanks, Pastor Kris, for a great message!
Why do you think Christians put such an emphasis on “being good” rather than being real?
Because to Christians A LOT of them grew up in the church a cookie cutter life style, and they were taught how to PLAY GOOD. To be real these people would have to except the fact that they still sin, the lives they live by still might not be perfect. Like SUE said they would have to align their beliefs with their actions.
I always refer to expressing my concerns with people as puking cause its not pretty and it doesn’t taste or feel good, but I often feel better after and so do they.
Fearing the real and covering everything up for our own protection is only a temporary fix in the church. When things get covered up sooner or later people will talk or find something worse. The churches today seem to have skeletons in their closets and are to busy being GOOD PEOPLE instead of being real about whats going on. The people who try to be real are just told their wrong. I loved church, loved going, loved serving. How can you be real with people who treat you so fake?