Some random thoughts on hypocrisy


Example one:

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, while signing that state’s Human Life Protection Act on April 15, 2019:

“…this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.”

ONE DAY LATER, Equal Justice Initiative issued this statement in a news release:

Today, the State of Alabama executed Michael Brandon Samra, who was 19 at the time of the crime, despite evidence of an unfair trial and unreliable conviction and sentence.

Example two:

I have a very good friend who abandoned his church after the church leaders aggressively urged the pastor, as well as other “evangelical” churches in that community, to condemn homosexuality as sin.

The sign in front of the church proudly states: “Everyone Welcome!”

Example three:

One of the largest churches in our community boldly proclaims on its website:

We are a community that experiences the transcendent glory of God and is transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.

When HFP asked if we could meet with the church leadership to explain our prison ministry, based in the same town, a curt email message said:

“…this is not something we are willing to invest our time and resources in.”

Thanks to a wonderful supporter of our work, I was able to meet with, discuss prison ministry with, and pick the brain of former Prison Fellowship CEO Jim Liske this week. My quest is this: To persuade the Christian community that showing kindness and compassion to all prisoners---regardless of their crime, regardless of their belief, regardless of their color, regardless of their sexual orientation---that is the basic ministry that must come before all other ministries can be effective. Ministries such as Bible lessons and correspondence courses, Christian concerts and in-prison worship services. First, we must prove that we care!

We didn’t come to any conclusions in that discussion, but the conversation was rich.

Once again, I fall back on the healing words of one of my heroes, Fr. Greg Boyle. This is HFP:

“You see the needy and downtrodden and lonely and abused and actually do something for them - and your goal is not to get them to your church, but to be the hands and heart of Christ.”






Comments

Ruth Sharpless said…
Have a listen to the sermon I posted today on my page....that is EXACTLY what our pastor is saying.. "NOT to treat others (with love and compassion and forgiveness) as God has treated us is the epitome of hypocrisy!"
May 20, 2019 at 5:39 PM
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