Has the Church Done More Harm Than Good?

This morning in worship, the question was offered, “Has the Church done more harm than good?” As the words left the pastor’s lips and as they resonated with me cognitively, my inner apologist immediately thought, “Well, of course not!” As the pastor went on to discuss, history shows that the Church has been at the forefront of many positive social movements and cultural developments. For example, factions of the Church were leaders in abolitionist movements and other activities for human rights. Education has always been a value of the Church, which is evinced by the fact that the oldest universities in the world were established by elements within the Church. And the Church has always encouraged the development of culture through the arts and other means. However, the pastor was also correct to point out that this same institution was also responsible for some of the true horrors of history. The Crusades and the Inquisition immediately come to mind (although I do believe that the negativity often associated with discussions of these events is overblown...). In addition, there are the modern issues of political corruption and abuse.  

As I pondered this question further, I found myself coming back to two particular thoughts. I share them because I think that these are helpful in formulating an answer to any question similar to the one offered at the onset of this posting.

First, the Church will let you down. Why do I say this? Because it is populated with sinful people. An interesting scene of the end of the movie Angels and Demons, which is based upon Dan Brown’s novel bearing the same title, brings out this point. In that scene a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church discusses recent events with the movie’s chief protagonist, Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks). Addressing a corrupt priest, the Cardinal says something to the effect (and I am paraphrasing from memory), “The Church is flawed because we are flawed.” The point is both simple and profound, and it brings one to the issue of hypocrisy. Quite simply, everyone deals with hypocrisy from time to time. The question therefore should not be “Will it happen?” But rather, “How will you respond when it happens?”

But I get it. Ecclesial hypocrisy is particularly maddening, since it is an institution that offers certain moral claims and judgments. If the Church cannot adhere to its own moral ideology, why should it pontificate and why should anyone take it seriously? However, it is important to realize that Scripture never skirts the issue of hypocrisy. In fact, it tackles the issue head on. For example, in Galatians chapter 2 (vv. 11-14), Paul recounts how he rebuked Peter and other Jews for their “hypocrisy” (υποκρινομαι) in dealing with the Gentiles. So, it appears that hypocrisy has always been an unfortunate reality of the Church, and Scripture admits this. What should define the Church, though, is how it deals with it decisively when it rears its ugly head.

Second, the quintessential reason why the Church has done more good than harm is Jesus. In fact, this reason alone will always carry the discussion. The Church, despite its flaws, is the earthly manifestation of God’s kingdom and proclaims the message of salvation. It my opinion, this is the ultimate redemption card…no matter what problems or hypocrisies the Church may be associated with. Why do we need to the Church, and why is it so special? It is special because of Jesus.

The question of the Church’s worth to society is a tough topic for Christians, particularly since it forces us to consider our own self-induced nightmares. Furthermore, there will always be push back to any answers that is offered. However, if one takes hold of these points I think intelligent discussions can proceed.