Seriously.
Sure, there was the typical crap portraying Mrs. Cooper as a ignorant, irrational, crazy fundamentalist. That's old hash. The new modifier is 'hypocrite'. The episode (rightfully, it must be stated) pointed out the hypocrisy of Mrs. Cooper's Christian teaching and her actions (sex outside of marriage).
At first, I was outraged that Hollywood was simply painting Christianity with a broad, inaccurate brush much like they have done with Mrs. Cooper's views on science. First, all Christians were superstitious and willfully ignorant of science Now, they are all hypocrites too. Typical Hollywood.
Then, I got mad at Mrs. Cooper. She explicitly accepts the charge of hypocrisy. She knows what she is doing is wrong (according to her moral code). Yet, for some reason, she continues her sinful action. How dare she? How can someone knowingly continue to violate their beliefs like that.
And that's when Jesus words in Matthew 7 hit me, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"
I had fallen into a trap of my own making. I am guilty of the same thing as Mrs. Cooper. (Well, not the same thing, but I have my own continual struggles.) I had demanded perfection of Mrs. Cooper. That's an impossible standard for anyone, and certainly not one to which I'd like to be held to.
And that's the thing, Christians aren't perfect. No matter how hard we pretend otherwise, we aren't better than anyone else. We are simply hypocrites - hypocrites who rely on the grace of a saving God.
That's the difference. It's not us; it's God. That doesn't make the wrongs into rights, but it does make us normal when we fall. Christians would do well to remember this. I am the pot calling the kettle black, of course, but Mrs. Cooper's humility at admitting her hypocrisy is a lesson that Christians should take to heart. Perhaps, remembering this would cause Christians to judge others less harshly and be more compassionate instead.
