no reason… it was the best picture I found with his face.

First off, I don’t think we do “get around” Barkley’s accusations - regardless of his use (or misuse) of scripture.  As with any generalization, there is a nugget of truth that we just have to recognize for what it is. 

Second, I think Barkley’s going to need every one of the years between now and 2014 - when he “guarantees” he will run for governor of Alabama - to learn how to communicate.  Sweeping, judgmental, hypocritical comments such as he made (ironically, about being judgmental and hypocritical!) will win him few allies in the political arena.

For a while, Sir Charles had a point.  There are plenty of people in the conservative Republican side of politics who use the moniker, “Christian,” but choose to do things contrary to Scripture.  I was with him up to there.  But, when Wolf Blitzer started questioning him about what he meant initially, that’s where the wheels came off.

“I’m for gay marriage… I’m pro-choice… they’re not supposed to judge other people, but they’re the most hypocritical judge of people we have in this country.” And, “They should read the part of the Bible where they’re not supposed to judge other people.”

First thing, isn’t it hypocritical to judge that some people are hypocritical when saying that people shouldn’t judge other people?  Just calling that one out.

Second, this whole, “Thou shalt not judge,” thing has become the virtual 11th Commandment in the modern world.  The worst sin a person can make at this moment is to say that something is true, false, certain, right, wrong, or to show any concrete value on any topic pertaining to the Christian faith.

It’s as if people read Matthew 7:1 and skip right over the following verse, which says, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

As Christians, we are supposed to judge things.  John 7:24 says, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” 1 Corinthians 6:3 says, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

Now, God does have the ultimate judgment, and I would not dare put myself into His shoes.  Yet, I can still, with Biblical authority, say if something is true or false, and make statements like, “If you choose to remain in sin for the rest of your life, and do not repent of your sins, you will go to Hell.”

So, no, Sir Charles, you are wrong here.

--
CS

I feel the same way about every basketball player who ever lived.

I have to admit that I am not really a fan of Charles Barkley, but his comments on “fake Christians” resonated with me.

It may have been a tad to broad of a statement, but he nails it. Far to many people label themselves Christians, but don’t really live up to it in their daily life.

For me, I want to live every day like it’s Sunday. That means being real, authentic and full of the realization that living my life for Christ is often messy and hard to do. I don’t want people looking at me and calling me a “fake Christian”.

Love you blog, keep up the good work!

Todd Rhoades wrote:
“Watch part of this interview, then let’s discuss what we can do when leveled with a charge like Charles’...”

There is no discussion required.  If every Christian isn’t nodding his head and agreeing with Charles Barkley’s every word then those so called “Christians” are just helping him prove the point. Christians should be responding to Charles Barkley by re-affirming that, as Christians, they know they are hopelessly flawed and sinful to the point where a Christian can’t even save himself but must rely on God’s power for salvation.

Arguing with Charles Barkley exposes you for the fake Christian that you know you really are.

Mark:

“This is why I don’t bother going to church any more and why the church in general is in decline.”

Thank you for being honest.  This is more than I have seen some people say about why they no longer go to church or are involved in ministry.  I praise you for your candor and truthfulness.

That said, how do you deal with those verses that I provided?

--
CS

Actually Mark, if you read Matthew 7 carefully you will discover that the instruction is to start with yourself before moving on to your brother. 

First, (implying a second) Take the log out of your eye...THEN (here is the second) you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers eye. 

If you take 7:1 literally the word judge has such a broad meaning that you could say that a Christian should never be a judge in court, referee in a contest, forensic scientist or have an opinion… plus dozen’s of other ways it could be used. 

Here in the overall context of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus has spent the last 2 chapters erasing and redrawing lines that had been drawn by religious elite.  These were people who judged others to make themselves superior, to maintain control, to show their own righteousness.  This is always wrong.  The context here is not about opposing wrong or declaring something sinful. 

Very often people use this verse now to say; “You can’t tell me I am doing wrong because the bible says not to judge.” This is not what Jesus nor is it what the bible teaches, even if Charles says it was. 

That said, I agree that some Christian’s do exactly what Jesus said not to do.  One reason Jesus said to start with ourselves is that by the time we seriously look at ourselves, we will hopefully have enough compassion to help someone else. 

One final thought.  Barkley in essence says… I do not believe in the standards of the bible but I want to hold you to them.  (Ironically by violating them according to his own interpretation) So I will use a part of the message of the bible to put you down, call you names and ignore other parts of the bible and boldly declare by life and words I either do not believe that or don’t care about it.

Mark, can you honestly say that without violating what you said?  In this context Jesus is not talking about perfection but rather not being hypocritical and judging other so as to place yourself above.  Again he is not prohibiting the evaluation of right and wrong.  Seems like you have had some Christians treat you poorly.  For that I am sorry.  I would love to hear about it.

Hey Mark,
I don’t want to be drawn into an argument… Again I am sorry for your hurt, and if you did want to share it you can e-mail me at

I know so many real Christians I guess I am just fortunate. 

Leonard

i think the reason that charles thinks all christians are fakes, are because they do not agree with him on gay marriages, he was on the six oclock news on channel six, he told the sportscaster that he believed in same sex marrage, and he would never chage on the issue, he was talking about running for gov. of alabama in 2014, he had better stop that gay talk and calling christians fake, or there is no need for him to waste his money on tv time. i do not know if he is gay or not, but he sure does defend them.  GO BAMA

CS wrote:

“how do you deal with those verses that I provided?”

Oh and by the way…

CS, you also made reference to 1 Corinthians 6:3.

If you read all of Corinthians 6 you will notice that Paul is severely chastising the so-called Christians of Korinthos for being so petty and arrogant and self righteous that they have taken to suing each other in the secular courts.

The idea that Paul is screaming from the roof tops is that if so-called Christians would start acting like real Christians then they would stop judging and controlling each other and get along together without the need to sue each other in court.  How can Christians show the world the way to peace if they can’t even manage to not fight amongst themselves?  God has a way of asking really great questions.

I had the great pleasure of visiting the actual site of the ancient city of Korinthos a while back. Its just a short train ride from Athens.  I recommend the trip to everyone. I would post photos here but I don’t believe this website allows that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth