Two Kinds of
Hypocrisy President N. Eldon Tanner
|
|
Harry
Emerson Fosdick observed that there are two kinds of hypocrisy: when
we try to appear better than we are, and when we let ourselves appear
worse than we are. We have been speaking of the kind of hypocrisy where
people pretend to be more or better than they are. Too often, however,
we see members of the Church who in their hearts know and believe, but
through fear of public opinion fail to stand up and be counted. This
kind of hypocrisy is as serious as the other; it makes it difficult
for others to respect us, and often adversely affects or influences
the lives of other members of the Church who expect us to stand by our
commitments to the Church and not hesitate to manifest our faith...We
must not fear, wherever we are, to live up to our convictions and to
the standards of the Church. People, though they may criticize and ridicule,
expect us to and respect us if we do. Living high standards cannot offend
conscientious, fair-minded people. (N. Eldon Tanner, CR, Oct. 1970, pp. 52-53) |
|
|
|
|