What does the Bible say about cynicism?

The Bible passages below can be used in sermons, prayers, pastoral care, or worship planning focused on cynicism.

Ancient definitions of cynicism

• Psalm 62:10, don't put your trust in extortion or robbery; and if wealth increases, don't set your heart there
• Proverbs 23:4, don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise and desist
• Matthew 19:21, if you want to be perfect, sell your possessions and give to the poor
• Mark 10:25, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God
• Acts 2:42-47, they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles, to prayer, to fellowship, and to supporting those in need
• Philippians 4:11-13, learning to be content with what we have
• Hebrews 13:5, be content with what you have

Modern definitions of cynicism

• Exodus 14:11-12, complaints from the Israelites after escaping Egypt
• Job 10:18, Job asks why he was born and says it would have been better if he had died in infancy
• Ecclesiastes 9:11, the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong; its a matter of chance
• Matthew 17:19-20, Jesus says the disciples; faith is too small 
• Luke 17:3-6, the apostles beg Jesus to increase their faith 

Sermon ideas about cynicism

Ancient vs. modern cynicism

In sermons about cynicism, we can point out the stark difference in the attitude the Bible takes toward ancient and modern understandings of cynicism. Much of the Bible aligns with the classical philosophical school of thought of the Cynics. Jesus, in particular, frequently teaches that we should hold loosely to our material possessions. Scripture reinforces the idea that material possessions should be offered in service of the pursuit of virtue.  

At the same time, the Bible has little patience for the pessimistic attitude of modern cynicism. Christians are called to be people of hope, people who live within the reality of Jesus' resurrection. While we recognize the reality of sin in the world, we cannot fall into the helpless, hopeless attitude of cynicism.

Many parishioners today are unfamiliar with the classical understanding of cynicism and are unaware that its meaning has changed only in the last 200 years. In sermons on cynicism, pastors do well to stay aware of linguistic shifts. 

Jesus a cynic?

Some scholars, particularly those associated with the Jesus Seminar, have argued that Jesus' ministry should be understood as that of a traveling Cynic philosopher. The merits of this hypothesis are debatable, but we must acknowledge that the early church was preaching the gospel in the midst of a cultural milieu.  

Some Christian teachings have particular resonance with preexisting ideas in Greek philosophy. The church was unafraid of these resonances. Yet, early Christians did not offer wholesale endorsement of these philosophical schools. Sermons about cynicism should remind listeners that Christians have always been called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), no matter our time period. 

Skepticism vs. cynicism

Sermons dealing with cynicism can mention that people often inadvertently confuse cynicism with skepticism. Skepticism is not necessarily the opposite of faith (though it can be). In the Bible's view, a lack of faith is often an unhealthy pessimism that aligns more closely with modern understandings of cynicism than of skepticism. When sermons blur the distinction between these two ideas, it can be particularly challenging for those trained in the modern sciences, whose daily work requires skepticism. The doubt associated with skepticism can be (and often is) a healthy sense of curiosity or patient expectation. This is distinct from a cynical attitude that assumes the worst of people and the world. 

Excerpts about cynicism 

Following are sample excerpts from Zeteosearch.org sermon resources about cynicism: 

"But instead of becoming a cynic, the Psalmist comes to an entirely different conclusion, 'I come to the end—I am still with you.'" Scripture Meditation by Michael Gulker from Colossian Forum Blog  

"What are the dangers of cynicism? How do people use cynicism to protect themselves? What does Jesus have to say to the doubters and the cynics?" Discussion Questions by Allison Tibe from Storypath  

"Carry hope into the heart of cynicism and healing to earth's wounds fresh with oil." Poetry by Rachel G. Hackenburg