I recently had a discussion with a close friend about hypocrisy. My spiritual view is very individualized, as I came from Mormonism and had to reevaluate and rebuild most of my beliefs. My ideas are more of an amalgamation of lessons rather than doctrine from a specific denomination. Lately I’ve been starting to read a bit of scripture so I can determine what I think on that without the influence of the church. I think it is worthwhile to research and study various belief systems, even if you do feel confident in the religious doctrine you follow. Asking questions will only 1. reaffirm your current beliefs or 2. teach you something new.

I do think it’s really important to view scripture not as 100% fact but acknowledge that a decent amount of it was initially mythological, figurative, or poetic. The areas that are historically accurate are still dependent on the writer’s perspective and understanding at the time (including cultural and religious beliefs of the region and period) and have gone through translation and editing processes. It is not meant to be taken at face value. This is why study and questioning are crucial.

The aforementioned friend is a Christian, but the kind that focuses on the love part and not the judging part. She pulled up some Bible verses. This one was particularly notable:

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.

Matthew 6:5

I feel that there is a concerning amount of people that engage in performative religion. For some, religion is a box to check in order to feel like a better person, not a real journey to become more educated, moral, or kind. “Goodness” is not a checklist. Life requires constant change, and hopefully that change is positive. Improving in anything takes effort. Just as an athlete has to train and a musician has to practice, there is no way to get better without continual effort. The purpose is to do your best, and know that it will look different for everyone.

However, it is easier for our delicate human brains to check off a box than to reflect deeply. In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it can be incredibly difficult to reflect on all of your actions, words, and thoughts. It is so much easier to say, “I was at church on Sunday, so I’m covered.” While it isn’t bad to go to a church service, provided it helps you, the task is not the whole journey.

Performative goodness should be avoided as much as possible by everyone, no matter religion, culture, or background. This behavior cheapens religion entirely. If your “goodness” starts and ends with telling everyone that you’re good . . . well, yikes. There is no expectation of perfection, but there must be some attempt to try.

I see it as a pandemic in Christianity because that is the predominant religion in my area, though I would say this is not a new phenomenon, nor is it only in Christianity. I think it is built into us to try to look for the “quick fix”, even when it isn’t a fix at all. Acknowledge that embarking on this lifelong journey can be overwhelming. Have compassion with yourself and know that you will make mistakes. It is absolutely okay to start small; the point is to start. Trying is enough, but you have to genuinely try.

People of all religions and backgrounds can be united by shared values of love and community. In my own journey, I have been working to become more loving. Sometimes it is difficult, especially if you come from a background of judgement. It takes time and effort to change how you think. Sometimes people will really test your patience and emotional maturity. I have to actively reframe my thinking. Is this person annoying, or are they nervous and unsure of how to behave? Is this person stiff and close-minded, or do they come from a background that punished questioning? While context doesn’t excuse behavior, it can help you to see them as a person and thus be more patient and loving.

All you can do is your best and, over time, your best will get better.

Love,

Celeste