Hypocrite
hyp·o·crite - a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
I find it interesting that the definition noted above uses the words “pretends to have” then at the end adds “esp. a person whose actions belie (contradict) stated beliefs”.
Hypocrite seems to be an easy name to sling at someone when they fall short of another’s expectations. The non-religious may throw it at the religious and the religious has no problem throwing it at the religious also.
In my opinion I find it hard to consider falling short of one’s expectations to be the same as pretending.
To fall short means: to fail to reach a particular standard.
To pretend means: to appear falsely, as to deceive.
I ponder is there then any leeway or margin of error between outright pretending and simply falling short of expectation?
A Christian knows they are not perfect – well, at least should know that – since the Bible clearly teaches such. So, does one deserve to be called a hypocrite each and every time they fail to meet God’s standard of holiness and perfection?
Also then to the non-religious which also hold some type of morality, ideas, or thoughts of what they claim to be. Have they not also fallen short here and there, should they then be labeled the hypocrite?
I say then we are all hypocrites indeed.
I find it interesting that the definition noted above uses the words “pretends to have” then at the end adds “esp. a person whose actions belie (contradict) stated beliefs”.
Hypocrite seems to be an easy name to sling at someone when they fall short of another’s expectations. The non-religious may throw it at the religious and the religious has no problem throwing it at the religious also.
In my opinion I find it hard to consider falling short of one’s expectations to be the same as pretending.
To fall short means: to fail to reach a particular standard.
To pretend means: to appear falsely, as to deceive.
I ponder is there then any leeway or margin of error between outright pretending and simply falling short of expectation?
A Christian knows they are not perfect – well, at least should know that – since the Bible clearly teaches such. So, does one deserve to be called a hypocrite each and every time they fail to meet God’s standard of holiness and perfection?
Also then to the non-religious which also hold some type of morality, ideas, or thoughts of what they claim to be. Have they not also fallen short here and there, should they then be labeled the hypocrite?
I say then we are all hypocrites indeed.
2 comments:
i like this post... thanks
The following definition is from the 1828 Websters Dictionary. I like the last phrase.
1. One who feigns to be what he is not; one who has the form of godliness without the power, or who assumes an appearance of piety and virtue, when he is destitute of true religion.
A Christian that is truly doing their best for the Lord does not deserve to be called a hypocrite just because they fall down or fail to do the right thing in a given circumstance. I think you are right, the label is used too often against folks to whom it does not apply.
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