Christians are very often accused of hypocrisy especially when they act hatefully or immorally. If you're a Christian or not, you're likely to assume that Jesus taught love for others and righteous behavior. When Christians apparently don't obey their "Lord," we tend to see them as phonies not practicing what they preach. Although I think the reality of what Christians have done and what the Gospel tells us is much more complicated than this simplistic view, there is no doubt that much of the dogmas attributed to Jesus go unheeded even by his most devout followers. Here's just a sample:
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:42-44
Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
Luke 18:22
...Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor...
Luke 6:29
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.
Matthew 5:22
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.
Heck, even Jesus himself we are told didn't live up to that last one!
So why does so much of what Jesus preached go unheeded? Are there good reasons for disobedience?
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:42-44
Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
Luke 18:22
...Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor...
Luke 6:29
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.
Matthew 5:22
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.
Heck, even Jesus himself we are told didn't live up to that last one!
So why does so much of what Jesus preached go unheeded? Are there good reasons for disobedience?