As we all know, a lot of people, especially young people, have left the Church in recent years. Surveys indicate the number one reason these people leave is the Church’s hypocrisy.
Let’s review: During the past few decades we have discovered that a significant percentage of ordained priests and bishops have committed horrible crimes against children. We’ve learned the Vatican has been involved in some rather shady financial wheeling and dealing. And we’ve been reminded, if we didn’t already know, that far too many average parishioners act holy and reverent at Mass, but if, for example, you get in their way in the parking lot after Mass and delay their quick getaway, they won’t hesitate to run you over.
Let’s review: During the past few decades we have discovered that a significant percentage of ordained priests and bishops have committed horrible crimes against children. We’ve learned the Vatican has been involved in some rather shady financial wheeling and dealing. And we’ve been reminded, if we didn’t already know, that far too many average parishioners act holy and reverent at Mass, but if, for example, you get in their way in the parking lot after Mass and delay their quick getaway, they won’t hesitate to run you over.
So, it’s not surprising that rank hypocrisy among Church members — from top to bottom — has caused quite a few folks to leave in disgust.
The one bright spot in this dismal situation is the fact people are leaving because of the un-Christ-like behavior of other human beings, rather than an outright rejection of God.
Recently, I read an article on a Christian website titled, “10 Responses to Claims of Hypocrisy in the Church,” written by Dr. Robert Petterson.
Here are the 10 suggested responses offered by Dr. Petterson whenever someone accuses the Church of being hypocritical:
The one bright spot in this dismal situation is the fact people are leaving because of the un-Christ-like behavior of other human beings, rather than an outright rejection of God.
Recently, I read an article on a Christian website titled, “10 Responses to Claims of Hypocrisy in the Church,” written by Dr. Robert Petterson.
Here are the 10 suggested responses offered by Dr. Petterson whenever someone accuses the Church of being hypocritical:
- Don’t make excuses
- Don’t be defensive
- Don’t be dismissive
- Agree with the charge
- Draw parallels to Jesus
- Ask for examples
- Explain that’s why Jesus came
- Emphasize forgiveness over perfection
- Distinguish between salvation and sanctification
- Admit some “Christians” actually aren’t
When someone makes the statement, “The Church is full of hypocrites!” Dr. Petterson wisely advises not to argue or be defensive, because, frankly, that statement is absolutely correct. The Church IS full of hypocrites.
When talking with a friend or loved one who criticizes the Church, the best thing to do is agree that the Church is indeed filled with many sinners — both ordained and laity. But then at some point in the conversation, it’s important to shift toward this key question: Why did Jesus found His Church in the first place?
(Hint: I learned from personal experience that it’s not a good idea to leave Jesus out of the equation and ask, “Why does the Church exist?” because the immediate response will be something like, “It exists so sleazy men can accumulate power, prestige, and wealth!” When this happens, you’re right back to square one.)
The main point is to emphasize that the Church is not perfect, nor was it ever meant to be perfect, because it has always been populated with sinful people. The Gospel message, on the other hand, is perfect, and Jesus founded the Church as the vehicle through which the Gospel message is spread from generation to generation.
And if the person you’re speaking to isn’t sure what the Gospel message is, here is a quick summary: God created mankind to be in a loving relationship with Himself. But mankind instead embraced sin, which distanced us from God. So, God sent His only begotten Son to earth to bridge the gulf. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, and then three days later He rose from the dead, conquering death once and for all. Most importantly, Jesus promised that if we put our faith in Him, we can live forever in the glory of Heaven.
That Gospel message is perfect. The Church, called to preach that message, is far from perfect. Think of it this way: If you’re about to drown, a leaky lifeboat is better than no lifeboat at all, right?
(Hint: I learned from personal experience that it’s not a good idea to leave Jesus out of the equation and ask, “Why does the Church exist?” because the immediate response will be something like, “It exists so sleazy men can accumulate power, prestige, and wealth!” When this happens, you’re right back to square one.)
The main point is to emphasize that the Church is not perfect, nor was it ever meant to be perfect, because it has always been populated with sinful people. The Gospel message, on the other hand, is perfect, and Jesus founded the Church as the vehicle through which the Gospel message is spread from generation to generation.
And if the person you’re speaking to isn’t sure what the Gospel message is, here is a quick summary: God created mankind to be in a loving relationship with Himself. But mankind instead embraced sin, which distanced us from God. So, God sent His only begotten Son to earth to bridge the gulf. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, and then three days later He rose from the dead, conquering death once and for all. Most importantly, Jesus promised that if we put our faith in Him, we can live forever in the glory of Heaven.
That Gospel message is perfect. The Church, called to preach that message, is far from perfect. Think of it this way: If you’re about to drown, a leaky lifeboat is better than no lifeboat at all, right?
According to Dr. Petterson, empathizing with the person who is angry at the Church helps to diffuse the situation. Generally speaking, it’s much more difficult to argue with someone who is on your side. But once we’re in agreement that the Church is filled with hypocrites, we have to make the case that despite all the hypocrisy, the Church still is important. Why? Because it’s Jesus’ Church, and Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
We may not see our friends come back to Church right away, but if they start to realize there is something profoundly joyful and good at the heart of the Church, despite all the hypocrisy, then maybe a seed will be planted. And God can work amazing miracles with even a tiny seed.
The Orthodox church is right there. Join it. It is as valid as the Catholic church & has a normal married clergy, bypassing this sordid problem. If you stay in the Catholic church you are complicit.
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