Speech on Christian Hypocrisy - Olivia Dixon

Who am I to stand before you all today and discuss a topic as controversial as religion, specifically hypocrisy within the Christian church? Who am I to examine those that claim to be Christian, yet carry on complete opposite lifestyles? I am…not perfect. I have lied, cheated, held grudges, gossiped, and even questioned the mere existence of God. I’m not perfect, but there’s no such thing as a perfect Christian. If I wasn’t the broken person I am, I wouldn’t need a Savior and I wouldn’t be standing before you today. I ask that you have patience and keep open minds. This message isn’t meant to be condescending or accusatory. The purpose is to clarify any preconceived notions, raise self-awareness, and encourage change.

There are several reasons why individuals abandon religion. A person may experience tragedy and assume since their situation is so horrible, there cannot possibly be a loving God. Perhaps people give up on religion because they are simply bored with the rules and restrictions. Isn’t it sad that one of the most prevalent reasons people disregard their beliefs is because they see others not practicing what they preach? How unfortunately ironic is it that one of the main causes of people abandoning religion, specifically Christianity, is other Christians?

A Christian hypocrite is much like a parent holding a beer and smoking a cigarette who admonishes their child for drinking and smoking. These hypocrites practice “selective morality,” where what they like, they grow accustomed to, and what they disagree with, they ignore. Revelation 3:15-16 addresses selective morality by stating, “You are neither cold nor hot. Because you are lukewarm…I will spit you out of my mouth.” In other words, living a lukewarm lifestyle doesn’t suffice. When you commit your life to Christ, you are admitting the need to change, and a desire to be more Christ-like in your endeavors. Whether you are aware of this or not, others are watching. It is up to you whether you decide to be a positive role model or a bad example.

You’ve all heard of the Crusades, which beginning in the 11^th century were Christian attempts to reclaim “Holy Land” in the Middle East. In the process, peaceful Muslims were forced to convert to Christianity. Cities were plundered and civilizations were massacred, all “for the glory of God.” The urgency which the Crusaders felt is understandable; however, their actions poorly reflect Christ’s persona. 1 John 4:8 declares that “God is love.” Colossians 3:12-17 states that, “as God’s chosen people, [we need to] clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And [above] all [else], love.”

 For those of you who may either not be religious, or practice another religion, or struggle with your current faiths because of the actions of others, listen to what Robert Velarde, esteemed author of “Conversations with C.S. Lewis” and “The Heart of Narnia” has to say on the topic of hypocrisy: “Christianity does not stand or fall on the way Christians have acted throughout history or are acting today. Christianity stands or falls on the person of Jesus, and Jesus was not a hypocrite. He lived consistently with what He taught. Since Christianity depends on Jesus, it is incorrect to try to invalidate the Christian faith by pointing to horrible things done in the name of Christianity.”

As I mentioned before, there’s no such thing as a perfect Christian. Romans 3:23-24 acknowledges the fact that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It is imperative to realize that one person does not embody the entire Christian faith. The church is like a classroom full of students working on a group project. In each group, there are hardworking individuals that stay on task and complete their part of the project; but, there is always that one individual in every group who decides they don’t want to do their part and so they fail to accomplish anything. When it comes time to present and the teacher calls on that individual to explain his or her group’s project, he or she does an inadequate job and poorly misrepresents the group’s overall effort. Much like the student who chose to not do their work, religious hypocrites misrepresent the Christian faith and sadly repel other potential followers.

For those of you who are not affiliated with the church or had preconceived notions about Christianity, my hope is that this speech helped to clarify the true intent of Christians and how those who aren’t fully committed, who don’t love and demonstrate compassion on a daily basis, do not accurately represent the Christian faith. For those of you who are believers, I want to end with this thought. Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.  Your every action should reflect the heart of Jesus. Thank you.