There is nothing new about this dichotomy, all throughout the history of religious faith people have displayed both sides of this spectrum. Holy Week itself gives us both corporate and individual examples of this contrast, often within the same people: The crowd cheers as Jesus enters Jerusalem, and only a few days later the crowd calls for execution; Religious leaders plot to get rid of Jesus - even to the point of securing false witnesses (a direct violation of one of the ten commandments) and breaking their own laws regarding the conduct of trials, this in contrast to Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, who earlier appeals for a fair treatment of Jesus (see John chapter 7); Peter announces he will never abandon Jesus, then a little while later showing fear for his own safety, he denies Jesus three times. Judas seems concerned about sharing money with the poor, then ultimately he betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The best and worst in human behaviour in a brief span of time in Jerusalem 2000 years ago.
What is it about religion that it can create such a contrast in people? I think it is clear why religion can bring out the best in people, because religion (certainly Christianity which I am obviously most familiar with), can have a transformative effect in people, moving them away from self-centered, sinful self-interest to a desire to love others as God has loved us. It was this transformation of people, so that they exhibited greater caring and compassionate behaviour, that I believe was at the center of the expansion of Christianity in the Roman Empire in the second and third century (when the Empire oppressed and persecuted this new religion).
But what about when religion, including Christianity, brings out the worst in people. How does that happen? Perhaps it is like Charles Kimball suggests, that religions believe in absolute truth, and “people who believe they have God in their pocket and know what God wants for them have proven time and again that they’re capable of doing anything because it’s not their will but God’s will being carried out.” (For further reading on this read this beliefnet interview with Rev. Charles Kimball titled The Problem with Monotheism.)
When doctrinal truth becomes more important than the God that doctrine points to, this leads to trouble. When we become more concerned about defending the doctrines of Christianity rather than the following the teachings of Christ we can end up behaving very poorly.
History gives us plenty of examples of both the best and the worst. Looking back in time we see the Christian religion producing shining examples of the best in human behaviour, from the development of hospitals and schools, to compassionate and consistent care for the poor and outcasts. However we also must admit to some of the worst of human behaviour, from the crusades and inquisitions, to the religious wars of Europe and acceptance of slavery in North America, these also happened because of Christian people.
I do not need to look at examples in history only, in my time in ministry I have watched (on television and film) the amazing love and servanthood of Mother Theresa, as well as the horrific and devastating attacks on 9/11. I have been encouraged and enlightened by the example of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the non-violent civil rights movement in the United States, and I’ve been disgusted and disheartened by the inflammatory language of Reverend Ian Paisley and the violence between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Closer to home I have witnessed incredible generosity, a selfless sharing of time and resources, I have heard of acts of quiet hospitality shown to people in need. I have also seen the pain of people shunned from their own families because of a different religious understanding, I have known mourners of a suicide victim who were treated with cold religious legalism and a shocking lack of compassion. In my time in ministry I have seen both sides of the spectrum, internationally and locally. Such occurrences have taken me from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair. In some ways it’s been like watching a movie that can’t decide if it is a heartwarming comedy or a brutal tragedy. It leaves me feeling conflicted.
In a book about Mahatma Gandhi, written by the English missionary E. Stanley Jones, he recounts a time he asked him, “Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?” To which Gandhi replied, “Oh, I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ.” The problem with Christians not acting like Christ is that we drive people away rather than draw them closer to the one we worship. Jesus identified this same problem in his time of ministry, denouncing the behaviour of the scribes and Pharisees, saying “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them.” (Matthew 23:13 NRSV) Just as Gandhi was turned away from the Christian faith by the behaviour of Christians, Jesus points out that the religious people in his day were turning people away from the fullness of faith. This is the sad, but not surprising, result of using religious reasons for behaving hurtfully toward others.
Lately there have been many books and articles written about the abusive behaviour of churches or Christian leaders - the world is taking notice, and not in a good way. Westboro Baptist and Christian media personalities like Pat Robertson have given the impression to the general public that Christianity brings out the worst in people, and there seems little remorse or repentance for such behaviour. Instead such unappealing actions and attitudes are being upheld as “defending the faith.” Some recent atheists, people such as Christopher Hitchens and Steven Weinberg, have made the accusation that religion brings out the worst in people always, and that all religion should simply be left behind. We are being painted with the brush of intolerance and hatred - and while that is only one side of the picture, it is a valid criticism that we must be open to hearing.
One significant frustration I have in my ministry is that in reaching out to the world beyond the sanctuary walls I often first need to undo damage done by others who hurt in the name of Jesus. Too much of my interaction with non-church people is dealing with skepticism about the faith I am trying to share because of the poor behaviour of Christians past and present. While it is easy for me to point out the faults of other Christians behaving badly, I should begin with me - I must first and foremost look at my own behaviour - do I give Christianity a bad name? Am I behaving in ways that are motivated by my own need to control? Are people seeing love and justice in my actions, or am I just being hypocritical by preaching one thing and doing another?
My prayer has been, and continues to be, that I would allow the Holy Spirit to work its transforming power in me that I might be an example of religion bringing out the best in a person, rather than the opposite. I thank God for forgiveness, because I know I have not always acted in a way that people would see Christ in me. Yet life is not one moment in time, it is a journey - so renewed by word and worship I set out again to be the best person I can be - because of Jesus, and for the honoring of Jesus.
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