A Question about Hypocrisy

[trentonzero]

I am having an argument in a forum about Catholic sexual morality.

I am not perfect at living up to the ideal the Church has set in this matter, though I recognize and strive for that ideal.

Since I do not live the ideal, am I committing a sin (being a hypocrite) when I argue with others to try to convince them that they should live the ideal?

 

[FightingFat]

I think it depends. If you involved in arguing the philosophical and moral merits of living a fully Catholic life, no, I don’t think you are being a hypocrite. If you are judging them or admionishing them, then yes, you are being a hypocrite.

Peace!

 

[Island_Oak]

I am not perfect at living up to the ideal the Church has set in this matter, though I recognize and strive for that ideal…

NEWSFLASH: no one on earth is perfect at living up to the ideals of the faith.

…Since I do not live the ideal, am I committing a sin (being a hypocrite) when I argue with others to try to convince them that they should live the ideal?

I believe healthy debate, sharing struggles, venting about lack of obedience, rebellion, defiance and weakness can reveal and even help remove obstacles for you and others. I’d vote to keep sharing and encouraging others to adhere to the goals. As long as you are not encouraging others to stray or be defiant/disobedient I see no conflict.

 

[stbruno]

We are all called to holiness. Called to holiness does not mean that we don’t fall some times. That’s the part of us that has fallen because of being born by original sin.

However, through frequent reception of the sacraments, reconciliation and the Eucharist, we have been given some very potent weapons to avoid temptation and near occasions of sin. Don’t beat yourself up! God loves you…but He still wants what is best for us and that is one day to be with Him in heaven. That’s why were are called to holiness so we don’t lose our inheritance.

Pray, pray and pray some more on it.

 

[Mack_II]

Is hypocrisy always a sin? If so, who has the right to comdemn it without being a hypocrit themselves?

 

[Dan_Grelinger]

Is hypocrisy always a sin? If so, who has the right to comdemn it without being a hypocrit themselves?

The first question appears to be answered with a yes.

1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.

So, it sounds just like lying, assuming of course the the pretense was intentional.

Hypocrisy is saying “I am not a sinner”.

It is not hypocrisy to say “You are a sinner”. It might be rude, but not hypocritical.

Dan

 

[FightingFat]

Hypocrisy is saying “I am not a sinner”.

It is not hypocrisy to say “You are a sinner”. It might be rude, but not hypocritical.

Dan

I always think it’s important to remember that in Scripture Jesus himself chose never to condemn. He chose to forgive.

 

[mapleoak]

Hypocrisy is not so much a “do as I say, not as I do” as it is of holding up of others to a different standard than oneself. It is more rather “you are sinning if you do this, however I am not when doing likewise”. We are all called to strive toward holiness as well as instruct others on that path, even though we ourselves are fallible.

In Christ - J.M.J.
Mapleoak

 

[Dan_Grelinger]

I always think it’s important to remember that in Scripture Jesus himself chose never to condemn. He chose to forgive.

Is this true? May I respectfully challenge your statement?

“For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

Isn’t this condemnation? What is Jesus implicitly saying of the scribes and Pharisees? If you don’t enter the kingdom of heaven, what does that mean? I think it means you go to hell. I think Jesus spoke prolificly about hell, why it existed, and what types of people were going there.

Isn’t it God’s place to condemn and forgive? Was Jesus not fully God? His words as recorded throughout the gospels seem to be words of both condemnation and forgiveness. God can do, and does, both.

I am not suggesting that we condemn people. That is wrong. We may condemn sin, but not the sinner. However, I don’t think that calling someone a sinner is condemning them. It is only speaking truth. There is always reparation and forgiveness, and we should hope that for all mankind.

Dan

 

[StCsDavid]

For the OP,

Your argument might go along the lines of,
“This is what the Church teaches and I believe it to be true; however, I have my own struggles living it and pray for the grace to live it as I should.”

That way you’re both professing the truth and admitting your own failings. No hypocrisy in that.