The Stench of Moralism

The Stench of Moralism
Rev. M. D. Rogers

Another mark of the moral-performance narrative is a constant need to find
fault, win arguments, and prove that all opponents are not just mistaken but
dishonest sellouts. However, when the gospel is deeply grasped, our need to win
arguments is removed, and our language becomes gracious. We don't have to
ridicule our opponents, but instead we can engage them respectfully.
People who live in the moral-performance narrative use sarcastic, self-righteous
putdown humor, or have no sense of humor at all. Lewis speaks of "the unsmiling
concentration upon Self, which is the mark of hell." The gospel, however,
creates a gentle sense of irony. We find a lot to laugh at, starting with our
own weaknesses. They don't threaten us anymore because our ultimate worth is not
based on our record or performance.

Martin Luther had the basic insight that moralism is the default mode of the
human heart. Even Christians who believe the gospel of grace on one level can
continue to operate as if they have been saved by their works. In "The Great
Sin" in Mere Christianity, Lewis writes, "If we find that our religious life is
making us feel that we are good—above all, that we are better than someone
else—I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the
Devil."

Gracious, self-forgetful humility should be one of the primary things that
distinguishes Christian believers from the many other types of moral, decent
people in the world. But I think it is fair to say that humility, which is a key
differentiating mark of the Christian, is largely missing in the church.
Nonbelievers, detecting the stench of sanctimony, turn away.
Some will say, "Phariseeism and moralism are not our culture's big problems
right now.

Our problems are license and antinomianism. There is no need to talk
about grace all the time to postmodern people." But postmodern people have been
rejecting Christianity for years, thinking that it was indistinguishable from
moralism. Only if you show them there's a difference—that what they rejected
wasn't real Christianity—will they even begin to listen again.

 The problem is too big for practical solutions. The wing of the
evangelical church that is most concerned about the loss of truth and about
compromise is actually infamous in our culture for its self-righteousness and
pride.