Many of us are familiar with a politician, evangelist or business leader which has spoken about their faith and values only to commit an act inconsistent with their faith and values. This solicits many to cite hypocrisy and condemn the individual strongly. Is this personal failing hypocritical? I believe it depends.
While there are many different faiths; my faith, and most faiths, readily admit their followers will fall short of perfect in their faith. This is widely accepted and sets an ideal standard of right and wrong behavior which cannot be met by anyone indefinitely. Whether you agree with the faith or not, this is a central tenet of most faiths. If a person promotes and accurately speaks of their faith and then fails to live up to their faith, which is expected by the faith, then I do not view this necessarily as hypocritical.
After a personal failing, that individual is contrite, accepts personal responsibility without excuses, they are acting as their faith would support and frankly expect. If a person speaks as if they are not subject to the standards of their faith while others are, this is hypocrisy. What about those quick to condemn others? Does their faith or, in the absence of faith, their values condone denigrating others? Are those on the attack and condemning others acting hypocritical?
Consistently live your values and when you fail, accept responsibility and learn from your failing. Take every opportunity to love and forgive. This will soften the rough edges of life and will be well received by all, regardless of faith or values.
Ryan Poterack is a born-again Christian, which guides his writing and decisions.
