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In today’s world, we often encounter a notion that has subtly infiltrated our conversations and ways of thinking: goodness for the sake of appearances, also known as goodism. This term, often used pejoratively, describes an attitude that reduces goodness to a superficial desire to please or avoid conflict, even at the expense of truth or justice. At the same time, many associate Christianity solely with “being good” in a trivial sense. Is that what our faith really teaches? In this article, we’ll explore the difference between goodism and authentic Christianity, unraveling misunderstandings and offering tools to live a genuinely Christian life.
Goodism: What Is It and How Does It Manifest?
Goodism is an attitude that seeks to please everyone without taking firm stances. On the surface, it seems kind, but in reality, it often lacks substance. It is characterized by avoiding confrontation, overlooking injustices, and confusing tolerance with indifference to wrongdoing.
Goodism tries to simplify human relationships under the premise that conflict is always bad and that any criticism or defense of firm principles is a form of intolerance. However, this posture, though well-intentioned, leads to a superficial view of goodness. When we avoid speaking clearly or confronting the realities of sin and injustice, we fall into a type of “goodism” that strays far from true charity.
Christianity: A Call to Truth and Love
Christianity, on the other hand, is not based on “soft goodness.” Jesus did not come into the world just so that “we would get along,” but to redeem us, teach us the truth, and show us the way to the Father (cf. Jn 14:6). This includes a call to love our neighbor, but also to seek justice, defend the truth, and transform our hearts.
True Christian goodness
Christian goodness is anchored in authentic love, which includes both mercy and justice. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges us to live by “speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15), implying a balance between compassion and firmness in principles.
A Christian is not called to avoid conflict at all costs but to face it with love and truth. Jesus Himself did not shy away from confronting the Pharisees when their actions were hypocritical, but He did so with a profound desire for their conversion. His love was not complacent but transformative.
Goodism vs. Christianity: Key Differences
- Goodism avoids conflict; Christianity faces it with love.
Goodism says: “Don’t say anything that makes others uncomfortable,” while Christianity says: “Speak the truth, but do so with charity.” - Goodism seeks approval; Christianity seeks holiness.
Goodism focuses on gaining others’ approval, but Christianity calls us to please God, even if it means being misunderstood or rejected. - Goodism ignores sin; Christianity confronts it with mercy.
While goodism avoids uncomfortable topics, Christianity addresses sin with the hope of conversion and reconciliation.
Theological Relevance: Why Does This Matter?
From a theological perspective, confusing goodism with Christianity has serious consequences.
- Diluting the faith: Goodism presents a reduced and impoverished version of the Gospel, focusing only on being “nice” while omitting the radical call to conversion and discipleship.
- Losing the mission: The Church is mandated to evangelize and proclaim the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. If we adopt a goodistic stance, we risk becoming “the salt that loses its flavor” (cf. Mt 5:13).
Practical Applications: Living Authentic Christianity
So, how can we avoid falling into goodism and live our faith authentically?
- Seek formation in the faith.
Knowing our faith gives us the confidence to defend it with clarity and love. Participating in Bible studies, reading the Catechism, and reflecting on the teachings of the saints are ways to strengthen our convictions. - Practice the virtue of courage.
Speaking the truth requires courage, especially in a culture that often rejects Christian principles. Remember that our call is to be “witnesses of Christ,” not simply to please the world (cf. Acts 1:8). - Cultivate authentic charity.
True charity does not ignore others’ faults but seeks their eternal good. This involves correcting with love and accompanying with patience. - Pray for discernment.
Prayer is essential to discern when to speak and how to do so. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in every interaction, especially the difficult ones.
Inspiration for Daily Life
Pope has repeatedly reminded us that the Christian faith is not a “pastry shop” where we choose only the parts we like. Being a disciple of Christ means embracing both the cross and the resurrection. This means that, while we love everyone, we cannot succumb to the temptation of diluting the truth for the sake of comfort or acceptance.
As Christians, we are called to be “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14), which requires a goodness that is firm and courageous, illuminating even in the midst of darkness.
Conclusion: Goodism Is Not Enough
Authentic Christianity transcends goodism because it does not fear the sacrifices or discomforts that truth brings. It is not about being simply “good” by worldly standards, but about being holy according to God’s call. This involves loving radically, speaking clearly, and acting justly, all sustained by divine grace.
May this article inspire you to embrace the depth of your faith and live it boldly in a world that needs authentic witnesses to the love and truth of Christ.
