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Turned Off by Christianity?
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

It’s not unusual to find someone who has been turned-off by Christianity. In fact, you probably know several people in that boat, so clip this column, make copies and give them each one. The people who can be helped by this column are the ones who say things like, “I quit going to church because there were too many hypocrites there.” Often times they claim to have been mistreated or disappointed by the Christians they’ve had contact with. Many will tell you they were Christians at one time, themselves, but because of their bad experiences have decided to turn away from the faith.

The biggest problem for people who have been turned off by Christianity is that they have not had their focus in the right place. Their judgments and concept of Christianity have often been formed by contact with sloppy, uncommitted Christians or outright impostors. (Here’s a startling revelation for you: Not everyone who claims to be a Christian, is.)

Looking at how Christians (real and pseudo) live their lives and judging “Christianity” by their efforts is a colossal mistake. (Although, maybe self-serving - if they’re using it as a crutch to prop up their weak arguments for not fully yielding their own life to Christ.) I can testify, from personal experience, there are many, many wonderful, real Christians, but even the real ones are not perfect. If you are easily offended, you will be. And, likely, by everyone, not just the Christians.

If you want to know Christianity in its purest form you must look at the life of Jesus. He’s the only one that got it 100% right. When we are judging Christianity, shouldn’t our judgments be based on the founder of the faith and what He teaches? Anyone who will closely and honestly examine Jesus, will find a leader worthy of unquestionable devotion.

For those who claim there are too many hypocrites in the church, let me point out, Jesus is not one of them. For those who have quit going to church because they feel they had been mistreated in some way, keep in mind, Jesus never hurt you. If you have been hurt by a Christian, you might try what Jesus would do – forgive them. If you won’t consider going back to the church where you felt you were mistreated, then find a better one.

Why would you turn your back on Jesus because of what others may have done. Once again, the main problem is “focus.” Our focus should not be on the rights or wrongs of other Christians. What would be the point? It might give you a sense of justification to point out the mistakes and shortcomings of others but that is an ultimate dead end. Besides, how faultless would any of our lives appear if an accurate accounting of ones actions, thoughts and intents were revealed. How many of us would be able to stand proud, and still point fingers at the “hypocrites” if we were held up to the strictest scrutiny.

The point is well made by Jesus when He said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye.’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)

In all my experience with people turned off by Christianity, I’ve found that most of the complaining about hypocrites and stories of mistreatment are simply a smokescreen. It is the reason they have chosen to excuse themselves from personally following Christ. I’m not suggesting there aren’t hypocrites in church. I’m not denying that foolish and insensitive things can happen, even in great churches. However, just because mom burned the biscuits once, it didn’t keep us from trying the next batch.

I believe anyone who tells you they have been turned off to Christianity has never really been “turned on” to Jesus. Rejecting Christianity and the saving grace of Christ because of the hypocrites in church is foolish. Regardless of what others have done or may do, Jesus is still worthy of our devotion and service. When we focus on Jesus, instead of the offences, He will help us overcome the hurts and give us compassion to reach out to the hypocrites.

The real, bottom-line issue is not what wrongs others have done, but what have you done with Jesus? He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from Him.

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Victorious Faith Ministries
219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201
Phone: 920-487-5775