Paradox: A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth i.e. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my [Christ’s] power is made perfect in weakness.”

Hypocrite: A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs…no examples necessary. 

Christianity, in all its iterations, is a faith tradition riddled with paradox. It teaches that death to self is the road to life. That loving ones enemies is the ultimate revenge. That those who are last will eventually be first. These are apparent contradictions that certainly appear absurd when applied without the context of faith in Jesus. And yet, these are not generally the places where people (in and outside the faith) tag Christians as hypocrites.

But, taking a closer look at the definition of hypocrite, I can see where things get murky in the  “Christians are hypocrites – no we’re not” debate. If a hypocrite is one who “pretends” to be something they are not, then we are all hypocrites in one form or another. Pretending to be confident on a job interview when we are quaking in our boots, pretending to know what we’re doing as parents when we’re feeling our way as we go, remaining stoic in the face of danger, tragedy or loss when we would prefer to curl up in a ball and escape. 

And yet, there is clearly a line between healthy tactics for living and damaging hypocricy – in matters of faith and matters of life. 

I’ve lived on both sides of the question – putting my best foot forward on the one hand and living a double life on the other. I often wonder if the same might be true for others who cross the line from committing themselves to a lifetime of growth in the direction of righteousness to becoming self-righteous. And what of those on the other side of the same coin – those who fight hypocricy with hypocricy as they climb on soapboxes self-righteously proclaiming the flaws of the self-righteous? 

I don’t pretend to have an antidote, although I suspect that humility is at least part of the mix.  

Would love to hear what you think…