Hypocrites in Life 2016-36

I AM a hypocrite!!!! That being said, let me define what that means. Per my trusty friend Danny Webster, 1.A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.2.    A person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

OK, maybe I am one, or maybe this is not so. This is up to others to decide.

The thing is, it is probably true that we ALL are hypocrites in some way or at some time in our lives. IF we are so, I doubt if we will acknowledge the fact, but instead, rationalize our thinking to prove our not being so. I would think this is normal and if we are ourselves normal, then we go on with our lives living a lie, to a degree.

Then I also ask, “What is normal.” I would think that means we are free from any mental disorders or in any manipulative ways of expression. We could be described as average in any psychological traits, such as intelligence, personalities or emotional involvements. We would probably conform to the standards of what everyone else (?) is like, not unusual, and definitely not abnormal, but instead regular or natural in our thinking.

So, in a way, being a hypocrite is somewhat normal, if my thoughts that most if not all people are in fact hypocrites or act like Pharisee’s. Ha!!!

I went to a tavern not long ago and involved myself in what was called “Pub Theology”, where we discussed various aspects of religious philosophy. Actually, we just kicked around some opinions of different things regarding our two religions. I really was interested in what was being said and learned about the other religion of those attending.

One of the subjects discussed was where a church says, “ALL are welcome!” Does “ALL” really mean all or something different. Or, do we mean, all are welcome if you fit the criteria that I have made in MY thinking about various things in life. It created some good dialogue anyhow and I believe I will go back for another session of discussion.

I think of other areas in my life where I do have my beliefs on a subject and what I state is maybe different than my internal beliefs. Sometimes, keeping to myself what I really believe is better in the long run than stating or blurting out something else. In a way, this is common sense and prudent, plus is compassionate at times.

Therefore, in a way, being a hypocrite, sometimes, could be looked at is a good thing. Well, sort of anyhow!!!

The main thing is, if we KNOW we are hypocrites, then we can do something about it; or can we? I would imagine that if we are self-righteous, or sanctimonious it would be difficult to change and not be so. Nobody, and I repeat, NOBODY wants to admit certain things and being a hypocrite could be one of them.

I really enjoy looking at myself in a critical way at times and it is revealing to say the least. The guy in the mirror is not exactly like the guy looking in the mirror. IF we are honest with ourselves we will probably see things that could be changed.

This year, an election year, is a hypocritical one. The politicians are rife with hypocritical sayings on a regular basis. This is the nature of the beast and I really chuckle when a statement is made and something like “Fact Check” proves them as being outright liars or at least believing in the opposite of what they stated. It doesn’t appear to change the opinions of the people that believe in them though, which is sometimes a sad commentary of life.

IF you claim to be always truthful and NOT hypocritical, I really think looking into the mirror of life and examining oneself for what and how you might be in reality. If the look comes back and you are not, really NOT hypocritical in some way, God bless you.

Peace,

Den Betts