The concept of Hypocrisy in Christianity
Hypocrisy in Christianity is defined as the act of pretending to possess virtues or beliefs that one does not actually hold, especially when critiquing others. It involves a disconnect between professed beliefs and actual behavior, seen in the actions of figures like Judas and the Pharisees, who often present themselves as righteous while acting contrary to their claims. Different branches of Christianity, including Protestantism and the Catholic Church, emphasize the harmful effects of hypocrisy, linking it to vainglory and insincerity, and warning against its destructive consequences for the soul.
Synonyms: Insincerity, Deception, Duplicity, Dissimulation, Pretense, Deceit, Falsehood, Untruthfulness, Double-dealing, False virtue, Deceitfulness, Lying, Dishonesty
In Dutch: Hypocrisie; In French: Hypocrisie; In Finnish: Tekopyhyys; In Spanish: ±á¾±±è´Ç³¦°ù±ð²õò¹; In German: Heuchelei; In Malay: Kemunafikan; In Swedish: Hyckleri
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Hypocrisy'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The act of feigning beliefs or feelings; in this context, it refers to Judas's behavior and the deeper issues surrounding it.[1] (2) The practice of pretending to have virtues or beliefs that one does not actually possess, particularly when critiquing others.[2] (3) The act of pretending to be or believe something one does not, particularly in the context of prayer without watchfulness.[3] (4) The act of professing beliefs or values without practicing them, resulting in a disconnect between inner conviction and outward behavior.[4]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The behavior of pretending to hold beliefs or virtues that one does not possess, noted in the context of reprobates who deny God by their works.[5]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The Pharisees' tendency to present themselves as righteous while often acting contrary to their professed beliefs.[6]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) A destructive element of the way of darkness that is among the things that destroy the soul and lead to ruin.[7] (2) The act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.[8] (3) The act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs that one's own behavior does not reflect, which should be avoided among believers.[9]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) The insincerity of those questioning Jesus, as He perceived their true intentions behind their inquiries about tax obligations.[10] (2) The practice of claiming to hold beliefs or values that one does not truly possess, particularly in religious contexts.[11]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The pretense of having virtuous beliefs while acting in contradiction to them, which undermines the authority of God.[12] (2) The act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's behavior does not conform, leading to a disconnect between heart and action.[13]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Hypocrisy is considered a daughter of vainglory, and a man may tend to this end in two ways, and a man strives to make known his excellence by deeds, and if they be false, it is hypocrisy, according to the provided text.[14] (2) The act of pretending to have virtues, moral beliefs, or principles that one does not actually possess, often for the purpose of gaining approval or avoiding condemnation.[15]