401 Why Christianity 14: Hypocrisy and Community (Daniel Fitzsimmons)

Community is so important.  As so many continue to struggle with the ache of loneliness, anxiety about social encounters, and the gnawing pain of depression, we who belong to Christian communities have a huge opportunity and obligation to invite outsiders in, provide them a taste of God’s goodness, and welcome them with a spirit of genuine hospitality.  However, as soon as you begin reaching out to friends, coworkers, and neighbors, you may encounter a flurry of criticisms about Christianity.  “What about the crusades and the Spanish inquisition?” they may ask.  Or perhaps they’ll ask about pedophilia among priests or greedy mega pastors with private jets and multi-million dollar houses.  What can you say when these issues come up?  In this episode Daniel Fitzsimmons shares a about answering charges of hypocrisy as well as what authentic Christian community looks like.

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This is part 14 of the Why Christianity class.

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—— Notes ——

• Evil that is perpetrated by so-called Christians or in the name of Christianity is a reality that must be acknowledged and addressed.

• God hates hypocrisy (1 John 4:20; James 1:22-25; 1 John 2:1-6)

• There are many examples, both ancient and recent, of Christ-followers embodying his teachings of radical love, self-sacrifice, service and forgiveness.

• The best example of what a Christian community looks like should be the one you set within your own community. People who are skeptical about the Christian faith will be persuaded more by how you treat those around you and in your church community than by rote recitation of the gospel message alone.

• There are copious opportunities to live out Christ’s teachings within your church and community.

• The defining characteristic of an authentic Christian community is love.