The Art of Hypocrisy
by The degree of hypocrisy that one possesses is equal to the absolute value of the difference between their beliefs and actions.
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During my childhood years, I envy my schoolmates who had public-figure parents. Not only are they popular in school, but their parents also showered them with pricey items like expensive school bags, new dress, new pens, new toys, etc. I felt jealous because they practically have all the goodies that every child desires. There was also a time when I wished my parents are like their parents. Our community also admired them for they were regular church goers, attended Scriptures studies, were active in various religious projects, and regularly donated substantial amount of money to our church. Although I was young, I knew that some of these famous parents were known cheaters in their business dealings, arrogant public officials, corrupt, and tyrant at home. Yet, some members of our community were very grateful and very proud of them.
I was thankful that my parents taught me the true meaning of faith and humility. For it gave me the strength to withstand the desire to follow the footsteps of these “famous” parents… the footsteps of hypocrisy.
According to the Lonnie Lee Best’s Hypocrisy Formula:
“The degree of hypocrisy one possesses is equal to the absolute value of the difference between their beliefs and actions”
Therefore, the formula for Hypocrisy is:
Hypocrisy = Belief – Actions
It is believed that humans strive to keep their hypocrisy at “0” (zero) level. Meaning, we do our best to synchronize our belief with our actions (or vice versa). Using the above formula, our hypocrisy level will be higher if the gap between our beliefs and our actions is wider.
The “famous parents” in my childhood story is a perfect example of hypocrisy. Their active involvement in church and religious activities are not consistent with the other regions of their lives…their actions are not equal to their internal being.
Hypocrisy can never wash away our sins and it cannot forever hide the decay of our soul.
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Post Commentraman13
On September 6, 2009 at 9:12 am
excellent
Uma Shankari
On September 6, 2009 at 9:19 am
Very well stated. I am with you 100% in this. By the way, what should be the word to describe Action – belief in those rare cases where action is much bigger than the beliefs?
Kairos
On September 6, 2009 at 9:46 am
sometimes we are hypocrite, isn’t it? hmm, i remember friends who are opposed to mining being called hypocrites.
Karen Gross
On September 6, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Good article – well written. I like that scale. I don’t think any of us would be at zero, even though we like to think that we are.
Radhika Bhargava
On September 6, 2009 at 5:59 pm
its true that somewhere inside we all are hippocrates in one way or the other….I like your post and the equation you gave..
Debra.
On September 6, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Sadly, it lives within us all to a certain extent. Very good read.
Melody SJAL
On September 6, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Very thought-provoking, but I guess you are right.
MMV Abad
On September 7, 2009 at 12:03 am
Very well written piece. Thanks
Yovita Siswati
On September 7, 2009 at 6:16 am
Interesting thought. We are all can become hypocrit sometimes.
JMom
On September 7, 2009 at 10:10 am
I agree. You got the better end of the deal when it came to parents. They gave you a much valuable legacy than all the trinkets all those other kids got.
Juancav
On September 7, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Excellent article,we shall not imitate whitewashed tumbs.
Judy Sheldon
On September 7, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Good points well taken. I’m glad you appreciate your parents and realize they have more to offer than the hypocrites.
Mr Ghaz
On September 9, 2009 at 12:45 am
Excellent!! This was well presented and highly informative piece. I LIKED it! Thanks for sharing.
revivor
On September 9, 2009 at 12:51 pm
It was a problem in Jesus’ time and still a problem today