Answering Skeptics About Christian Churches

Perhaps you’ve heard of some of these negative stereotypes that skeptics use to persuade people not to attend a solid, biblically based church.

• The church is full of hypocrites.
• The church has poor or contradictory theology.
• The church has no relevance in today’s world.
• Church leaders are mostly profit hungry.
• Church leaders and members are hedonistic.
• Many pastors and church leaders have been involved in sex scandals.

The rejection of the church is often part of a wider rejection of Christianity.

So let’s look at these stereotypes and negative assertions and examine them from several different angles. Some of these assertions are correct—not because it’s the way churches are supposed to be but because of their carnal and syncretistic hearts and in many cases unbiblical leaders.

But first, it’s important to point out that these criticisms are easy excuses for people to reject the church, but even if these objections are answered or if they found a church that wasn’t susceptible to any of these criticisms, the skeptic would be unlikely to be happy and attend that church. Rather, the rejection of the church is often part of a wider rejection of Christianity. The deconstruction movement, in particular, often uses particular wrongdoings of churches to reject “conservative” Christianity as a whole. So answering objections like these should also come with a challenge of the skeptics’ reasons for raising these criticisms.

The Church Is Full of Hypocrites.

Is there hypocrisy in the church? Absolutely! In fact, can any man or woman claim that they have never been hypocritical? Jesus spoke on this to his followers in Matthew 7:1–5. All of us are prone to see the sin in others and fail to see our own sin. Even before there was a church, we see both John the Baptist (Matthew 3:7–10) and Jesus (Matthew 6:1–6, 15:1–9, Matthew 23) railing on the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. But the gospel is the ultimate cure (or should be) for the Christian’s self-righteous hypocrisy. Believers are all the same positionally, meaning that we were and are all sinners saved by Christ’s merit, not our own. We have nothing to boast about, and everything we have has been given to us (1 Corinthians 4:6–7; Ephesians 2:4–9).

Any of us who don’t like the hypocrisy in the church should examine ourselves first. How are we failing to practice what we preach, and how can we better love our brothers and sisters in Christ? Eliminating hypocrisy in the church should start with oneself.

Unfortunately, even though Christians believe in Jesus and trust him for the forgiveness of our sins, we still struggle with various sins. And there’s nothing about being a churchgoer or even a pastor that guarantees that someone is actually saved. This means that if you’re in a church for long enough, some people will leave the congregation and deny the faith (Philippians 3:17–19; 1 John 2:19) or someone will hurt or disappoint you (or you will do this to them).

The claim that the church is “full of sinners” is meant as a derogatory statement, but it is in fact very true (but not for the reasons it is being used). The church is full of sinners because everyone (except Christ) was or is a sinner. Skeptics have their own ethics, often based upon Scripture, and are in fact hypocritical in even stating this, as surely they are not 100% consistent either. Jesus even discussed this topic with the Pharisees and scribes of his day when he said that he did “not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). If you cling to the idea that every member of the church will be a “super saint,” then you will be disappointed and frustrated. But if you realize and focus on your own sin and heart attitudes, remembering what has been done for you by Christ’s atoning sacrifice, you will be able to show mercy and compassion to others (Colossians 3:12–13; 1 Timothy 1:12–16; Titus 3:4–6; James 3:17–18).

The Church Has Poor or Contradictory Theology.

Does the church sometimes exhibit poor or contradictory theology? Again the answer would have to be “sometimes yes.” Sometimes a church may even brag about not majoring on theology!

As the culture moves further and further away from a biblical worldview, we have seen redefinitions of things that were previously unheard of. But we’re not talking about just the liberal, LGBTQ-affirming churches. Recent studies have shown that abortion and euthanasia have seen increasing acceptance and practice in “moderate” and “conservative” Christian churches. A 2015 study found that “23% of Christian women who have had an abortion consider themselves to be an evangelical Christian,”1 and a 2025 study concluded that only 43% of regular churchgoers are pro-life.2 And what’s more, a study conducted in 2024 found that 40% of people with evangelical beliefs said that there are cases when “it is morally acceptable to ask for a physician’s aid in taking his or her life.”3

As a very telling quotation from the Reformation Today site highlights, and our Fearfully and Wonderfully Made exhibit makes clear, the “woman’s body rights” argument is non-defensible.

The “woman’s right to her body” argument assumes that the fetus is part of the woman’s body which she, then, has a right to eliminate. . . . The fetus is not a part of the woman’s body. It is foreign tissue and one day her body will naturally reject it. At conception it has its own genetic code, at 3 weeks it will have its own heartbeat, at about a month and a half it will have its own brain waves. We answer this argument, quite simply, “It is not your body!” Yes, the woman’s body must carry and bear the child. But if we are right in our view of the unborn, a woman’s rights and choices must be exercised prior to conception since, to paraphrase an old saying, her rights end where the fetal nose begins. If fetal life is human life, this argument begs the question since one’s personal rights may never be allowed to terminate the rights, much less the existence, of another.4

Because even some “conservative” evangelical churches teach old-earth theology, it is no surprise that the younger generations are starting to reject the Bible, especially Genesis.

Similarly, “proponents of assisted suicide argue it brings dignity to death. But some things in this fallen world can’t be dignified, no matter what language we use. Death is a gruesome enemy of humanity. The ultimate solution to it can only be found in the resurrection of our Lord.”5 And the number of “Americans who strongly agree with four key evangelical theological beliefs are less likely than those without such beliefs to back physician-assisted suicide (40% v. 55%).”6 Yet having 40% of evangelicals support euthanasia is still horribly high.

Do Christians bring syncretistic practices or ideas with them into their congregations? Yes, that is part of the problem. And because even some “conservative” evangelical churches teach old-earth theology, it is no surprise that the younger generations are starting to reject the Bible, especially Genesis. Once Genesis is tossed out, or ignored as mytho-history, the biblical emphasis on marriage, man created in the image of God, sanctity of life, and other topics are rejected as well. Soon thereafter, the local church will start to drift. It may pay lip service to biblical inerrancy, but in reality, it has replaced God’s Word and history with man’s word and (imaginary) history.

The Church Has No Relevance in Today’s World.

As we discussed, some younger generations have embraced the world and man’s word over God’s Word. How could this not have an effect on the church? Purity, holiness, repentance, perseverance, faith, and hope have all been disregarded as relics from the past. Those who have embraced biological evolution and theistic evolution view conservative churches as archaic, dangerous, out of step, or willfully blind to modern problems and solutions.

Church Leaders Are Mostly Profit Hungry.

This perception can be true sometimes, but in most cases, it is reflective of “false shepherds,” even in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 23:1–2, 50:6–7; Ezekiel 34:1–3, 34:8–10; Zechariah 11:4–5). Scripture has much to say about church leaders who are corrupt, greedy for money, and feed on the flock of God (Ephesians 4:17–24; 2 Timothy 3:2–4; Jude 1:4). Paul expressly commented on pastors, deacons, and church leaders not to be greedy (1 Timothy 3:2–8; Titus 1:6–8) and also blasted those who equated prosperity with godliness (1 Timothy 6:4–6). Paul also warns that the love of money is the root of many evils (1 Timothy 6:9–11), the author of Hebrews warned against loving money (Hebrews 13:5), and Jesus taught that you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).

So when we see pastors or elders preaching “health and prosperity” messages, it shows where their heart is really focused. In opposition to the Word of God, they believe that they can serve two masters, but ultimately, they just serve their love of money. This does not mean that we neglect our church leaders—we recognize that they need money for their work (1 Corinthians 9:8–17; 1 Timothy 5:17–18)—but it does mean that Christian leaders need to be focused on the flock of God instead of amassing wealth. And like all Christians, they are to be good stewards and generous (2 Corinthians 9:10–12; 1 Timothy 6:17–19).

Also, for every pastor with his own private jet paid for with the tithes of his flock, there are many pastors of small, rural churches that can’t even pay a living wage. Many pastors preach on Sunday only to go on and work a secular job during the week in the “tentmaking” tradition of Paul. If you have a criticism of a profit-hungry pastor, find a church served by a pastor or pastors who are not profit hungry.

Church Leaders and Members Are Hedonistic.

Once again, another accurate criticism, but one that simply highlights what Scripture says, that we are all sinners, and we need to lay “aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1). Paul speaks of his own personal struggle with sin in Romans 7:15–25, one that raged during his entire life (just as it does for all Christians then and now). Paul even mentions that he is speaking of a lifelong race and one that he will struggle with until he dies (Philippians 3:12–14).

Sometimes, though, this characterization of Christians comes from jealousy, envy, covetousness, or preconceived notions by non-Christians that we should pretty much do nothing but eat, work, go to church, and live an almost monastic life. Yes, we enjoy what God has given to us, both spiritually, materialistically, and in fellowship with family and Christian brothers and sisters. Are we hedonistic because we love church picnics, sports, vacations, etc.? Some have that mistaken view. But we are called to enjoy what God has given (Ecclesiastes 2:24–25; 1 Timothy 6:17), while earning extra to help those in need, to do good, and to share (Ephesians 4:28; Hebrews 13:16). We know that every “good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17).

Many Pastors and Church Leaders Have Been Involved in Sex Scandals.

Again, this is true of far too many pastors, but more often than not, it is because the pastor/leader in question is a false shepherd or one who has fallen into sin. Think about the number of CEOs, sports stars, and other people in positions of power and prestige who are guilty of similar misconduct. People prone to commit these sins seek out positions of power that grant them the ability to abuse, and the office of pastor is no exception. But that does not mean that all (or even most) pastors are guilty. The Bible provides the remedy for this situation to true Christians in several places, but an extended quotation from Colossians 3 really hits the heart of the issue.

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you died and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is manifested, then you also will be manifested with Him in glory.

Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. On account of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, lay them all aside: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you put off the old man with its evil practices, and have put on the new man who is being renewed to a full knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and freeman, but Christ is all and in all.

So, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:1–17)

Conclusion

Christians are not perfect, and anyone who claims that they are sinless is lying to themselves (1 John 1:8). Yet our goal is to strive to be like Christ (Matthew 5:48; Romans 12:1–3; Hebrews 10:14–25), who enables us through the Spirit to follow him—imperfectly for now, until Christ calls us home or returns. And when a church is full of repentant sinners using their gifts to help each other live godly lives, it is a blessing from God, one worth not giving up on.

If you’ve been affected by any of these sin issues in the church, it is understandable that you’re hurt and angry, and even that you might not want to engage in another church for a time. But do not let sinful pastors and imperfect churches turn you away from the perfect Savior who died for you.