I can understand some of the frustration with some adherents to some religions. I myself have attended religious functions knowing full well that most of the attendees have no intention of actually following the doctrines of the religion they're "a part of." And - to take it even further, I myself have been a member of a church that I had some doctrinal differences with. I guess the church would consider them major differences, but I personally didn't consider it a major difference of doctrine - at least it wasn't major enough to me for it to negate the positives of the overall church membership.
My difference in doctrine was that I believe in the integrity of the doctrine of infant baptism. But at the time, the local Baptist church offered the best programs for my children, even though I was less than enthused about the overall experience for myself personally. I had too many doctrinal differences to become a Baptist myself - by that I mean to embrace the whole of Baptist doctrine - but I also had enough appreciation for the other things that particular church offered my family as a whole for me to attend there and for my children to take part in the childrens' activities...for a short period of time. I knew this wasn't going to be our "forever church home," and it wasn't - but it was good for what we needed at the time.
I guess that some people would judge me harshly for that, but I was at peace with my decision. In fact, I was able to thoroughly discuss some finer points of theology with my children - what I agreed with and disagreed with - and since they were all school age, they were able to interact with me and give their own opinions and insight - and it gave them something to think about that was deeper than video games or new tennis shoes.
I would not, however, become a member of that church - because I had fundamental differences with it. But I guess that people who saw me attending there didn't know whether I was a member or not - and I guess if they saw me buying a bottle of wine at the grocery store, they'd think I was a hypocrite. But frankly, I don't answer to any of them. Like I said, my conscience was clear.
I can only speak for myself, but I'll say this - yes, I do believe as a Christian, that God forgives all manner of sin. But I also don't believe that this offer of forgiveness gives us the right to be casual about "falling short of the mark." In fact, our wrong doings should be a reminder of WHY Christ's sacrifice was necessary, and this is a deterrent to me. Not that I don't ever sin - of course I do - but I do not use the "availability of forgiveness" as a license to sin.
In fact, I believe that God requires two conditions be met in order for us to be forgiven of our sins - 1) true repentance, and 2) forgiveness of others on our part. If a person is casual about sinning again in the same manner, then there is no true repentance at play. And if we harbor unforgiveness toward others, then we cannot expect God's forgiveness of our wrong doings.
Also, forgiveness requires confession, and sometimes not just to God. Sometimes we need to confess our wrongdoing to others, and ask their forgiveness.
And sometimes restitution is necessary as well.
Here's a good article I found on the topic of forgiveness. Short and to the point, and well referenced:
What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness of Sins?
But back to my opening statement - I can understand the frustration people feel toward hypocrites - and there are hypocrites in every religion. And not only every religion, but every "belief system" and organization which requires one to adhere to certain moral standards (this is not limited to religious organizations). I think it's human nature, not limited to those who practice religion, to be much more forgiving of our own wrongdoings than we are of the wrongdoings of others.
Hypocrisy and judgmentalism are both equally distasteful to me.
