“They are all Hypocrites”

A common excuse for not going to church is that “they are all hypocrites.” It is an allegation with self-righteous overtones. Hypocrisy does not begin and end at the church door. Nor do I believe that hypocrisy is more prevalent within the church than outside. That being said, there are certainly hypocrites in the church. In fact, that is what the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee is all about (Luke 18:9-14). On the other hand, if these two individuals are typical of those who attend church, it seems as if there are two kinds of churchgoers. There are those who are self-righteous hypocrites, who use religion as a means to despise others. Yet, there are also those who realize that they are just as much sinners as everyone else and in need of God’s grace and mercy.