Judge Not, Lest Ye be Judged

As a Christian, one of the first things that our secular society will throw back in our face is our so-called tendency to judge others.  And in many ways, their use of this biblical scripture has been very effective in stifling criticism, especially when we are talking about social issues.  That is becuase in the current environment, judgment is associated with any opinion one my have about someones behavior.  In society's mind they are being judged, which from a biblical perspective is just not true.  That is because the concept of judgment has been skewed to try and stifle any criticism.

Judgment in the Bible is not about not being able to have an opinion about right and wrong, but rather do you think that you are better than someone.  We are not able to rate someone as better or worse than ourselves.  It was best said when someone told me that "you cannot judge someone just because they do not sin the same way you do".   We are all sinners and cannot believe we are better or worse than anyone else.

However, there is right and wrong.  You can have an opinion about the sin that is so pervasive in society.  Killing the innocent is murder (and that includes those in the womb); having an inappropriate relationship with someone who is not your spouse is adultery (whether it is intimate or not).   We have an obligation to speak out about what is destroying a just society.

Society will continue to degrade unless good people speak out.  If someone tells you you are being judgmental, tell them that is a cop-out.   If someones actions are wrong and hurting those around them, they need to be called on it.