Mocking Christianity is the latest American sport. There are countless articles espousing the evils of faith, laughing at the irrationality of belief and belittling Christian thought.
Some of this critique is deserved. Many Christians have chosen actions contrary to love. Others have communicated a false doctrine or blindly espoused a weak faith. A few have even promoted evil in the name of Jesus. All of these actions deserve rebuke.
Even when Christianity is properly displayed, intelligently communicated, and genuinely lived, it still can be fairly criticized. No one is forced to believe in God or the message of Jesus. Anyone is allowed to disagree and to fairly communicate their belief.
But in many instances, a fair critique has been exchanged for a petty mockery. Instead of debating the best, confronting the true teachings of the faith, and pointing out a different way to live, critics have failed to consider the Christian viewpoint, intentionally denied its strong points, and highlighted the worst among us.
I’ve read multiple articles about someone who has left the faith or who disagrees with the Christian viewpoint and I’ve agreed with many of these articles. The faith they left or don’t believe is not the true Christian story. Maybe it’s religion or a political thought or some cultural ideal, but it has nothing to do with Jesus and true Christian belief.
Yes, many Christians are hypocrites. Yes, Christians have made major mistakes. Yes, many claim to do things in the name of Jesus that have nothing to do with Jesus. But many other Christians are doing amazing things to help the poor, the hurting, and those in need.
Perhaps there’s another side of the Christian story to consider. I see people bringing meals to a family on a nightly basis as a loved one is in the hospital. I see a man visiting the family of a dying patient hoping to bring them comfort even though he has never met them. I see a pastor meeting with a couple whose marriage is in chaos. I see friends taking off work to sit with a family whose loved one is having surgery. I see yard work being done by young people for an elderly woman who lost her husband.
All of these things are being done by imperfect people because their faith compels them to action. They are people doing good work in response to their beliefs. And where did I get these five examples? I’ve seen all of these in the past two weeks, right here in Osceola.
I would never claim Christians are the only ones doing good work in our communities. I know better. Many people are doing wonderful things to make the world a better place. But what I have noticed is that rarely are those who mock the church doing much of anything worthwhile.
Could it be that the mockery has less to do with critiquing the church and more to do with making the mocker feel better about themselves?
It’s cool to make fun of Christianity today. That’s fine. I get it. Just realize for every one story you read on Facebook which mocks the Christian faith, I could tell you 10 stories of average people, who because of their faith, are sacrificing their time and money to help someone else.
Micah 6:8 (ETRV) tells us: “...the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what he wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God.”
You won’t find “be perfect” listed in there. So instead of pursuing perfection, I would encourage you to simply try to be obedient to what God does ask of us. At least, that’s my plan.