Be holy, not holier-than-thou

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Schlimm's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Nowadays, if we hear the word "holy" outside church, it’s usually in the expression “holier than thou.” The phrase is reserved for pompous religious know-it-alls who think they’re better at Christianity than everyone else. The title fits individuals who desperately need to re-read what the Bible says about humility.

As a seminary professor, I’ve seen my share of people with holier-than-thou attitudes, and it’s never pretty. Spend time with these individuals, and you find yourself wanting to go sin just to distance yourself from them.