I’ve wondered, for quite some time now, why some of the least pleasant people I know are those who claim to be Christian. Shouldn’t the exact opposite be the case? The scriptures, after all, call us to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths” (Eph. 4:29) and to “live such good lives, among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God….” (1 Pet. 2:12) Why is it that the opposite seems so often the case in Christian circles? A USA Today, survey found that 72% of U.S. adults say the church is “full of hypocrites,” and 44% agree with the statement “Christians get on my nerves” – that, most certainly isn’t living in such a way that people “see our good deeds and glorify God!”
Of course, it isn’t that there aren’t unpleasant non-Christians, obviously there are! It’s that, Christians claim to hold the scriptures up as our standard – a standard which unquestionably calls us to love, faithfulness, unity, and peace … not just purity (which seems the overarching obsession for so many). Of course, even a desire for purity (as admirable as it is) is no excuse for the horrifying behavior of many.
Why write this? Well, the current health care debacle is one reason (there is, after all, no excuse for the fear mongering, yelling, name calling and violence exhibited by those often claiming a Christian position). Another is the kind of behavior I see on Christian blogs and in churches. In none of these situations do people merely disagree… instead, they accuse and condemn. The first response, all-too-often, seems to be to go for blood and there is nothing Christian about it.
Let me be clear – I’m not arguing a specific position here in the health care debate (although I most certainly believe there is a correct one!) I believe it’s possible to hold a variety of positions on the issue and still be faithfully Christian (it certainly isn’t true that those in favor of a federally facilitated health care plan are “Nazi’s!) I also believe it’s possible to disagree on a variety of other issues (most, as a matter of fact) and still recognize each other as Christians and even biblical (rather than, as I read on a recent blog comment, condemning people as “liberal (read: weak on scripture, aggressive on moralistic good works)” – notable, whether one is condemned for being either heretically “conservative” or heretically “liberal” depends on which is the opposite of whatever the writer assumes himself or herself to be). For some reason, disagreement, between Christians, quickly turns into condemnation. Similarly, Christians all-too-frequently use condemnation and name-calling when condemning anyone they disagree with. Why?
Well, honestly, it doesn’t matter.
Such behavior has no place.
One of the underlying realities taught by the scriptures is that our actions matter (not for salvation, of course, but in response to salvation). Another is that we cannot justify inappropriate actions by our presumably admirable “ends.” In short, potentially good “ends” do not justify bad “means” – and fear mongering, name calling, condemnation, etc. are bad means.
Ghandi’s famous quote comes to mind here.
I’ll be the first to admit that I like a good argument as much as the next person (more than many), but even the most intense argument can be done within the bounds of Christian charity and kindness.
Imagine if we (Christians) were recognized for that!?
Grace and peace,
`tim
