Why are there so many religious hypocrites?

Question

I know quite a few people who claim to be very religious, go to church on a regular basis, live by the bible, but yet, don't practice what they preach.  Unfortunately, my sister is a perfect example.  She is the president of her church, preaches and sings at her church, but yet, we have the worst relationship and to top things off, she hasn't even communicated with our mother since last year - couldn't even greet her on Mother's Day - and she lives within 15 minutes away.  This sister has avoided me at all costs, talks down on me, has accused me of being jealous of her and even insists I have no morals despite the fact that she cheated on her husband twice!  If she is so into church and preaches the bible, how can she be as such?  Another perfect example is my stepmother.  She goes to church on a weekly basis and even has scripts of the bible posted throughout the house, yet, she is a very selfish woman.  What am I missing here?  Think of an overweight fitness trainer.  If a 300+ lbs. fitness trainer were to tell you how to lose weight, you'd just look at him/her and laugh.  That's exactly how I see religious hypocrites.  Who are they to talk whey they, themselves, don't follow what they preach?  This is unreal!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Because people are hypocrites, religious or not.  Religious hypocrites stand out though because they band together in their finger-wagging false morality.  If they practiced what Jesus preached they'd shut up about other people and focus on themselves.
Jesus said:
"take the beam from your own eye before trying to take the splinter from someone else's"
"Judge not for fear that you will also be judged."
"let who who has no sin cast the first stone."

zaq77 · Answer

Well as you know, many don't practice what they preach.! Also just because a person attends church and goes through the motions, does not him/ her a Christian make.  A true Christian strives everyday to better themselves and follow the example of Jesus, however having said that, they are not perfect, and unfortunately are only human and give in to sin occasionally. 
We are all weak humans, and therefore need Gods strength and guidance everyday to get by, we are unable to do it on our own.   Also God does not approve of all religions, as some are based more on  man made tradition, and teach what is popular with their followers, rather than what Jehovah God wants. If this is the case, then their worship is in vain, and they will remain the way they are ( selfish, bitter etc).
There are many people who do change, and try their utmost to be better people, and who do worship Jehovah to his standards ( which are set out in the Bible). The Bible states, that you will know who the true Christians are, and this is by their fruitage ( which means they will have love for all, and will help others in all ways, and their worship is clean and pure in Gods eyes)

Don R · Answer

Are you really going to boldly judge 1.9 billion people, over 25% of the earth's population, as hypocrites because of a couple of people in your family who go to church? Really? Let me tell you a little truth: all people are both hypocrites and sinners to some degree; the difference is that most Christians recognize their own evil and falling short of God; yet some are very self-righteous. You know, your name means "hope," so why not send a message out that encourages rather than blanket so many people of faith with your judgment of hypocrisy.

Yafa · Answer

I agree with that! Someone who hasn't truly repented (turned away from their sins) is not a born again Christian yet.  Jesus called His disciples to follow Him and Obey His Word. It hurts Jesus name when people are abusing it with their unholy deeds. Jesus called men everywhere to repent and turn from their sins.

fiendsneverdie · Answer

because the human race is flawed and imperfect in it's fleshly state and because we're virtually stupid.

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Why are there so many religious hypocrites?

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