Is it ever OK to judge others?

Question

Christ said, "He who has not sinned shall cast the first stone." However, I was once reading a book called "Everyday Ethics" and the author, who is a philosophy professor, said that not only are we constantly being judged, but we also should judge, so that others can judge us, too. Do you think that it's necessary to judge others to help create a just, moral society?

By the way, I don't remember the author's name.

Answer 1

A "Just Society" implies the attempt by citizens to create an environment that is fair to all. Given that template...

Judgment is a natural and necessary outcome. We, as citizens, must make judgments based on the actions of our collective society in order to see and conclude whether or not we have reached that "just" bar. As a result, we are always tinkering and modifying laws, et al, in order to create more fairness. In other words, the goal of being truly a Just Society will never be reached due to constantly changing influences. In fact, the creation of a Just Society is in truth, our commitment to continue to "try" no matter what. Consequently, we must always be looking at the actions of our citizens and our government, and making judgments and "adjustments" based on those actions in order to see, if we are in fact, moving towards what was once called, "a more perfect union."

The same thing applies to self. We must look at the results of our actions in order to see whether or not they are fair to all. If they aren't, again. We must tinker with "ourselves" in order to move towards a more fully actualized state - one that honors self while honoring others at the same time. That requires our honest judgment based on all the evidence/results.

The only time judgment is negative, and perhaps this is what Jesus was referring to, is when we make judgments based on "shoulds."

"You should have done it that way, you idiot! - or - You keep this up and you're going straight to hell!"

In this case, you are inviting a stern and judgmental eye cast upon you. Perhaps this is a good thing. But more than likely all it will do is create a toxic environment of primal hatred. In short, anything but "just!"

Answer 2

Yes, Christians are told that, in some instances, judging is REQUIRED. In other instances, we should not judge.

For instance, Paul tells the Corinthians they should not be suing each other in courts of law; after all, one day we will judge angels (and humans who live through the Tribulation), so we should submit our disputes to the local church for judgement. Read 1 Cor. 6:1-11.

Paul also tells us Christians should not judge the beliefs of other Christians so long as they are doing something that THEY BELIEVE glorifies God. For example, JWs do not believe in celebrating birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. They do this out of respect for God. Other Christians believe this is foolish and celebrate these days. Using the guideline of Romans 14:1-13, we understand that neither we, nor JWs, are to judge a Christian who does (or does not) celebrate a holiday or birthday, since the Christian's action or inaction glorifies God.

We are also permitted to judge that a person has sinned against us; if we don't judge that a sin has occurred, we cannot take action, as given at Matthew 18:15-20. If we don't determine that our brother (or sister) has done us wrong, we actually rob that person of the chance to fully understand what they've done and repent. What we are NOT to do in this context is to refuse foregiveness.

An incredibly important area where we are to judge is in the discernment of heresy, especially in these last days. 2 Peter 2 explains how to judge these heresies and tells us that God will punish these false prophets and teachers. Once we have identified a false prophet or teacher, 2 Peter 3:14-18 and 2 John 1:10-11 tell us what we should do: remain steadfast to what we know is the truth, and have nothing to do with that person.

Peace.

Answer 3

Yes, we are being judged all the time, that is human nature, but it does not make it right. The author is not speaking from a Christian perspective, so you have a choice: you either believe the Bible and everything contained in it and let that be your moral compass in the world, the solid rock on which to build your foundation.
Or
you can let the world and it's ever changing viewpoints and philosophies and ideas and attitudes be your moral compass and experience that shifting sand the Bible talks about.

As Christians we are told it is not our job to judge others in terms of what they are thinking, what is in their heart, their motives.
Only God can see in our hearts and only He knows our innermost thoughts, and it is in His hands to judge that, not ours.
NOW,
on the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable to judge the actions, the outward workings of others. It is necessary to do so. The Bible says we are to be wise, yet gentle, so it would not be wise to see someone doing something blatantly wrong, whether it be a moral or legal issue and think that you have no right to say, hey that THING you are doing is wrong.
So, you cannot say "I know she did that because she was thinking she was better than us." that is judging motive
But, you can say "She should not have slammed the door in our face." judging an action.
Another example would be the guy that answered second in this set.
I cannot judge him based on why he feels the need to act like that. But I can say that it is wrong to bash people and call names and tell people to shut up. Those are actions.
Clear as mud?

Answer 4

The only people qualified to 'judge' in everyday life are those without 'priors.' In other words, people who have never made a mistake.

The Bible does set up a system for judgment of serious offenses, and we have a court system in the US that calls for a jury of peers. (That's been rather manipulated by highly-paid jury screeners, though).

Here are some definitions that may help you come to your own conclusion:

Values pertain to beliefs and attitudes that provide direction to everyday living.

Ethics pertain to the beliefs we hold about what constitutes right conduct ...moral principles adopted by an individual or group to determine right conduct. They are aspirational goals.

Morality is concerned with perspectives of right and proper conduct and involves an evaluation of actions on the basis of some broader cultural context or religious standard.

Ethical conduct is the result of a combination of knowledge and a clear perception of philosophical principles underlying an ethical code.

Community mores (pronounced mor-ays) vary on an interdisciplinary, theoretical and geographical basis.

Laws define the minimum standards of conduct that a society will tolerate. They tend to be reactive, developing from what has occurred rather than anticipating what will occur.

Judging others, in the context of their mannerisms or appearance, is a function of ego. No more and no less. Read the Desiderada...it suggests ...'... Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. ... 'Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself...'

Answer 5

It is not in judging the person but the actions of the person. By our actions we tell of who and what we are. Jesus also said that in the manner in which you judge so shall you be judged. Can you stand up to your own judgment?

Many claiming to be Christians are the first to pass, not only judgment but condemnation, on others. That is wrong. You can judge the actions of others, looking at the true spirit behind what they do compared to what they say. Condemning is another issue. If you are a faith full believer in Christ then you do not have the right to condemn anyone or you open yourself up to the same condemnation.

When you condemn you nullify the cross and the price paid on the cross. You are putting your judgments a head of God and Christ Jesus. You are putting yourself above them saying that your judgment is better. If that is the case what was the need for the cross?

Judging the actions of a person, is discernment, an understand of what is real about what a person claims. That is not wrong, you do that for safety sake. Condemning someone for where they fall short is wrong and others are watching you and watching your actions. They want to know if you measure up to the things that you claim. That is their right.

Also you should judge yourself and see if you measure up to the things that you believe and do your actions back up your beliefs.

Answer 6

I agree... we should judge. If you didn't, you would be taken advantage of quite often. Where it states that, he who has not sinned shall cast the first stone, was pointing out that the Jews were stoning a lot of people and using the excuse that they are "sinning". Since everyone sins, why would you want to force the death issue... you could be next. So in that instance, it wasn't the judgement he was correcting, because the woman had, indeed, sinned... but was correcting the Condemnation they were dealing out. Could you sentence someone to death for adultery while you are sinning yourself? Even the verses "judge not lest you be judged" points to condemnation... not judging the words and actions of other people. It's good and healthy to judge other people.

Answer 7

"Judge not lest you be judged. You therefore have no right to judge me when it comes to my sins!"

The world often takes this verse out of context and uses it to accuse Christians of being "judgmental" when they speak of sin. In the context of the verse Jesus is telling His disciples not to judge one another, something the Bible condemns (Romans 14:10; James 4:11). In Luke 6:41,42 He speaks of seeing a speck in a brother’s eye. In John 7:24 He said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." If someone steals, lies, commits adultery or murder, etc., the Christian can make a (righteous) moral judgment and say that the actions were morally wrong, and that these sins will have eternal consequences. Chuck Colson said, "True tolerance is not a total lack of judgment. It’s knowing what should be tolerated—and refusing to tolerate that which shouldn’t."

The Christian is not "judging others" but simply telling the world of God’s judgment —that God (not the Christian) has judged all the world as being guilty before Him (Romans 3:19,23). Jesus was able to offer that woman forgiveness for her sin, be-cause He was on His way to die on the cross for her. She acknowledged Him as "Lord," but He still told her, "Go, and sin no more." If she didn’t repent, she would perish.

Answer 8

There are two kinds of judgments the bible alludes to, righteous and self-righteous. In Matt. 7 Jesus tells us to judge not, and then turns around and tells us its ok to judge,that is, if we first get the stick out of our eye then we will be able to get the speck out of our brothers eye. In 1 Corinthians 6 the apostle Paul commands us to judge matters within the Church. God expects Christians to make judgments, but when we do it, it should be out of our love and concern for the betterment of the person we judge. That is righteous judgment. Self righteous or hypocritical judgment is when I judge people with evil malicious intent, or I judge and I am doing the same thing myself. That is always wrong. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Judging can be done in more normative, everyday ways. When an employer decides who he will hire, it's judging, as it is when you choose your friends. Do a see a difference in the magnitude of someone stoning someone compared to these simple things? Maybe the problem is that the definition of 'judge' is imprecise.

Answer 10

I believe that we are to judge what is sin (in our own life as well as others).
We are to tell people of there need for a Savior.
But once they come to Jesus we can still point out what is sin, but we can not know if that will keep them from Heaven or not, it is between them and God.