Religious hypocrisy

If there is one thing that is difficult for me to tolerate, it’s religious hypocrisy. This is something that we see everywhere every day, unfortunately. It’s so rampant and so common that a lot of people have gotten to the point where it’s not even a big deal for them anymore. Well, it’s a big deal for me. I think if you’re going to get on your high horse about your religion and portray yourself as a follower of a religion in the public eye, then I think it’s kind of important to actually abide by the rules of your religion. Ya know, like not stealing or killing people or eating a forbidden food on a holy day. But maybe that’s just me? Dunno. I would like to think that religious hypocrisy would bother other people, too.

I bring this up because, recently, I asked a relative for forgiveness for a wrong I did to her last year. This was a small thing. It was not a crime or a sin or a social taboo. It was just something I did because she got me mad and refused to have respect for my boundaries. But then again, I was going through a lot last year, including an episode of negativity. I regretted the way I acted and what I said so I asked her for forgiveness in the Christmas card I sent to her.

But apparently, she must think that being a Christian doesn’t mean she has to forgive people, because she has not forgiven me. I have to accept this. At least I tried to mend fences!

But I also bring this up because one of my best friends is also a Christian, but she lives a life that is not exactly “Bible-approved.” I’m not going to say what it is here but it’s just that it’s not exactly something that can’t be fixed and yet it’s like fixing her situation is NOT happening and she continues to keep pushing the whole “I’m a Christian” thing like everything is fine. I love my friend and I won’t drop her under ANY circumstances. But I just can’t support her when she gets this way, because I know she is allowing something to continue that is a no-no in her religion but pushing herself as a person of this faith all the same.

This has been a difficult choice for me to make. I know religious hypocrisy when I see it and I just can’t cast a blind eye when it’s happening. It’s like asking someone to be okay with another person being bullied just because that person being bullied is gay. No, I am not okay with mistreating another human being!

I am the same way with myself. It is one of the reasons why I am no longer a Christian: I could never live by what the Bible instructs of its followers. Some things, yes, but not EVERYTHING. And it kinda requires followers to abide by all the rules and not just some of the rules. You don't get to pick and choose what parts of the Bible to follow. You gotta follow ALL the rules. Don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t kill, don’t commit adultery, don’t allow women to have any power over the husband, forgive others just as Jesus forgives you, etc. Ya know, that stuff. I refuse to be subservient to my husband – he and I are equals – so that’s one of the Bible rules I won’t submit to. (There’s also some other stuff but I won’t get into it here. But if anybody asks, I would discuss it!) Also, I personally feel that religion is an Earth-thing, and we are not of this Earth. Also, religion is being used to control people or justify murder. I really don't want to be a part of THAT crowd! I won't kill a person no matter what a religious book says to do, because I know in the end I must stand up before God to be judged. I don't want God to see me as a murderer. And I don't want God to see me as a hypocrite, either. That's why I walked away from religion. I would rather be a sinner than a hypocrite.

I understand that not everybody feels that way. I guess the people I mentioned above are okay with religious hypocrisy. It may bother me, but hey, they make their own choices in life. It's their life and not mine. Up to them how they live it. I still want them in my life and I still love them all the same. So even as my friends and family may be a hypocrite as far as their religion is concerned, I will not break ties with them. I am aware of when such a thing is going on, believe me. I have noticed it happening. But I’m not going to sever ties with them. I’ll still love them and support them when they need that support, just won’t be supporting their hypocrisy.