Judging

I've been pondering on a couple of passages in the bible lately...

firstly....

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

This passage is interesting. It's a passage I've heard many christians use it to tell off other christains, which can get somewhat ironic. It's interesting that the main takeaway point is "do not judge". I'm not implying all christians interpret it this way, but it is one interpretation.

Another way to look at it is if you wish to influence others about morality then you should make sure you live your own life according to your moral beliefs. In fact living life according to your own beliefs helps you fully understand what your beliefs are, what are the high points, what are the low points, and then you actually might have a useful insight that you can share with others. ie, "walk the talk" then "talk the walk" rather than just "talk the talk". This follows nicely into the next few verses

Another way to look at it is that for people of different faiths God may judge them by their own moral beliefs. That those who do good in this world outside a belief in the christian god will be judged by their actions. Underlying this must be some idea of an objective morality.


Then we have the passage "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."

This is probablly the passage that christains want to tell other christians off with. Often times people judge things by their mere appearances and end up making big fools of themselves regardless of what you believe. I think its definitely worth telling someone when they are making a fool of themselves. I see this as a call to reason. Especially as this was said by Jesus to people who were trying to use "religious rules" to chastise him. It points to a deeper nature of God than religious doctrine. God is a lot more dynamic than what is written about him.

Maybe its my perception, but I feel christians often miss this and often define God in ways he shouldn't be defined or in ways that misrepresent God. They judge and hold a measure that is perhaps beyond what they have lived and experienced.

I'm not saying all christians are like this, I'm just reflecting on the christians who have influenced and inspired me versus those that have been real dumbasses.