Gullible, fanatical, hypocritical?

I am a Christian.  One of the things I am most proud about is the culture of "turn the other cheek" and not retaliating against provocation, that most of the church has been demonstrating.  Over the last couple of decades, an aggressive secularism has become mainstream.  Sneering at Christianity has become the norm in both traditional and social media.  It's cool to heckle and mock Christians, particularly in the light of some recent local news.

There are two reasons for the above: first, Christianity is, by its inherent tenets, an outward looking faith i.e. it is not principally a means to self-realisation and fulfilment e.g. "inner peace".  Believers are called to called to look upward and outward, not upward and inward.  Acts 1:8 says "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Therefore the Christian faith inextricably involves witnessing to others.

While God certainly is not deceived by outward appearances, Christianity is meant to be a visible faith, not merely one hidden at home or "in our hearts".  This naturally causes some degree of friction, which is why it is so important for Christians to learn to be respectful even as we preach, using both words and action.  We don't always manage to do so in the best way.  But make no mistake - this is our calling.

Second, Christians are commanded to "love your enemy, and pray for those who persecute you.  If you [only] love those who love you, what reward will you get?...  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?"  Matthew 5:44-47.  Matthew 5:38-39 expands on this, saying "You have heard that it was said, 'eye for eye, tooth for tooth.'  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also."  Therefore if you mock a Christian, his reaction is supposed to be to love you in return and pray for you.  Again, we don't always manage to do this.  But because the ethos of the faith is to forgive and not retaliate, Christian-bashing can generally carry on with impunity.

So, in view of all the bashing, here are some myths about Christians that I would like to dispel.

A. Christians are gullible!  They listen to everything the pastor says without questioning.

Some of the smartest people I know are Christians.  But that is hardly the point.  Because then it would mean that only smart people get to be Christians.  Of course not.  Put bluntly, are there gullible people who are Christians?  Yes.  Of course.  In the same way that there are gullible parents, housewives, engineers, plumbers, hawkers, doctors, musicians, accountants and lawyers.

Does the Christian faith encourage gullibility and unreasoning trust in its leaders?  No, in fact one of the key practices in Christianity is to study the Bible yourself - a practice known as "quiet time".  There may be times when we don't fully agree with the church leadership, but we choose to submit to authority.  Do you agree with everything your boss says at work?  You may speak up about your contrary views (and many of us don't even do that).  But when he gives instructions, do you still not execute them?  Faithfully and to the best of your ability?

I have heard some Christians say that, because they do not want to be gullible, they don't believe in any "organised religion".  They interpret the Bible themselves with their own thinking. Think before you unreservedly applaud this so-called independent thinking.  Independent thinking is great, even essential.  But it would be the height of arrogance to say that I only do what I myself think and believe.  Because that means I think I'm smarter and better than anyone else.  Think carefully about a friend or colleague who only does what he thinks or believes, and not anyone else.  What would you call him?  Arrogant?  Close-minded?  Unteachable?  Yup.

B. Christians are fanatical!  They think and talk about God all the time.

If only that were true.  If all Christians thought and talked about God all the time, the world would be a much better place than it actually is.  There would be no revenge.  There would be no greed.  There would be peace.

Really, what you mean when you say Christians are fanatical, is that you have met a Christian - maybe a friend, or a colleague, who is... different.  They seem to be listening to a different beat.  Chasing after different things.  Perhaps offering the other cheek when slapped.  Perhaps keen to share with you the Good News because they have found something... special in it.  Just behaving... different.

I read this recently "There are many people in this world who succeed despite being mean-spirited, rude, arrogant, self-entitled, greedy or downright wicked.  When we look around us, it seems that nice guys really do finish last.  However, have you ever thought that perhaps nice guys are simply running a different race?"

This is why some Christians seem, not fanatical, but... different.  They have found someone.  Someone so awesome that has compelled them to run a different race.  It is not a pursuit that desires merely self-realisation and fulfilment, although that does happen as a by-product.  But a pursuit that looks upward and outward.

C. Christians are hypocritical!  Say one thing and do another.

Christians are not perfect.  We slip, we fall, we make mistakes.  People look at us and say, these Christians - hypocritical!  Say one thing and do another.  I say - I confess.  Guilty as charged.  This is, in fact, the central tenet of Christianity.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  That's why we need Jesus.  Because we can't do it by ourselves.  So I have decided to follow Him and experience not just His mercy for our faults, but His empowerment to overcome them, as I am transformed, day by day, to look a little more like Him.  Sometimes, two steps forward, and one step back.  But... forward!

He can do the same for you too.  Like I have read somewhere else before - saying that you don't want to come to church because of all the hypocrites and sinners, is like saying you don't want to go to the gym because of all the fat people!  So... there's a lot of inertia to overcome, but... wanna come to the gym with me?