Why are some Christians so quick to judge other Christians?

Question

Why is it, that if I as a Christian, don't believe the same doctrine or interpret God's word differently, I am ridiculed and/or ostracized? Why if asked my opinion about a subject am I verbally attacked for giving my opinion because it doesn't coincide with some other Christian's opinion? For instance, when talking in a small group where other Christians were present, the subject of same sex marriage came up. I was asked my opinion by a fellow Christian. I responded that I didn't see a problem with it as long as churches weren't forced to perform the ceremony if they didn't approve. I said that I figured if they were happy than that is what counts the most. I was immediately verbally attacked and told that I was unChristian. That it was against the bible and therefore I shouldn't condone it. I wasn't condoning, it was my opinion. And how was I being unChristian when Jesus himself taught about compassion and love of our fellow man despite our differences.

Wasn't it Christ that told us not to cast the first stone unless we were clean of sin. I have enough of my own sin to atone for without having to worry about someone else's sins. I will be more than happy to give my opinions and explain my beliefs to those who ask, but I believe that Christ teachings of love, compassion, and non-judgement exceed everything else. If it was good enough for my Savior, than it is good enough for me.

cadisneygirl76...I did not intend to sound judgmental. I realize that my opinion will vary from others. That's what helps make us unique, we don't all think the same. I guess I was upset and felt a little let down by those I was with.

Kitz & DougLawrence...I understand Bible doctrine frowns upon such behavior, however, I also know that Jesus accepted a prostitute into his fold when she repented & made her part of discipleship. This is the compassion I am talking about. Whatever happened to it?

Answer 1

This is a difficult subject because things can be interpretted incorrectly by both sides. I am mormon so I know all about other christians judging me. With that being said, I dont like when people say we dont have the right to judge at all. We of course have to make judgements in our lives and in society. Sometimes when we tell someone we think their viewpoint or their actions are wrong they tend to get defensive, too, and go on the attack.

If you were to tell me that Jesus would be ok with homosexual marriage I would not agree. We would probably debate about it and depending on each others tone it would either stay nice and friendly or maybe get a little heated. That is how religion and political debates tend to go that is why most people dont engage in them. I would never call you unchristian or question your faith, but some people if you just disagree with what they consider a christian or a belief to be turn on you, too. I wasnt there. You claim you were bashed and ganged up and and maybe you were. It just also might be that maybe you got a bit defensive as well, though. I would suggest you look back at your own words because heated debates tend to go both ways. The way you worded this question seemed to not only condemn those that were judging you, but to also get some sort of vindication that you were right with your answer which makes me wonder if you werent doing to the others what you accuse them of doing to you. I am not trying to attack you or anything, but in my experience, it tends to go both ways.

We all have to judge for ourselves what is right and wrong and who we are going to associate with based on our value system. It is not wrong to judge. What is wrong is not have a basic respect for our fellow human beings or their beliefs. If you are going to get into a discussion about religion you need to realize some people take it very very personally. Either you engage in it, cuz lets face it, sometimes its fun to have a lively debate, or avoid it. But in reality arent you judging those you claim are judging you?

Answer 2

Since you ask why. Allow me to defend a little if you will. Some Christians deeply truly mean good to come of it. How can you know something is wrong unless some one tells you? Sure there is the obvious stuff like "Do not play Russian Roulette with a semi-automatic." But others are more tricky. So by saying do not do this or that we hope to save them from themselves. Sadly as you have noted and many others it comes off less like help and more like hurt. I am sorry to disillusion anyone but as a Christian it is imperative that you know how to judge. The Bible is full of examples and the trick is to know when to judge and when not to. People say Jesus did not judge and I say that is incorrect. He did not condemn. Look at what he did in the Temple courts or how he treated those that should have been leading the flock of Israel. Yet even they were not condemned had they softened their hearts they too would have received forgiveness and perhaps some did. How do we balance this? Simple. We must realize that what we do here will be used against us or for us. We must deal with ourselves first and then with love reach out to those around us as the Spirit Guides. If we receive opposition we allow them to go on their way and pray God will reach out to them and wish them well.

Answer 3

The only judgment Christians are not empowered to make is to judge someone's eternal destiny. Only God can do that.

Every Christian is required to discern the difference between good and evil, and to oppose evil whenever possible.

Same sex marriage is objectively an abomination the eyes of God, a seriously disordered behavior, a blight on humanity, and a deadly personal sin.

As a Christian you have no business supporting anything of the kind ... or accomodating it.

You ought to know better. Wake up!

Answer 4

I think the reason you're being verbally stoned is because you're dealing with the subject of human sexuality, and none of us really understand it. The Bible forbids same sex sexual relations. It also forbids lying, and cheating, and fornicating, and adultry, and stealing, and using the name of the Lord in vain, and envy and lust, but most of us have done a forbidden thing or 2 or a few thousand in our lifetimes. At one time, the church forbid common people to even read the Bible; AND considered prostitution a necessary evil. Many Native American nations and tribes believe that an effeminate two-spirited person can make a fine spouse for either gender, and specially make a fine second spouse for a widower with small children. The church is appalled by that belief.

Answer 5

Because we are commanded to rebuke,exhort and preach sound doctrine.Your view on same sex marriage is the polar opposite of Biblical doctrine.It is not an opinion of any of us.Read Romans 1 for just one crystal clear example of Christian doctrine on that subject.Hone in on verse 26.

Answer 6

People like to be angry at people. It distracts them from being angry at themselves. I think it's good to remember that Christianity is not for people who are perfect. Perfect people don't NEED Christianity. That said if you think you know someone mortal who is perfect then I got some high-quality farmland in Florida for a special discount price. :D

I believe gay people can go to heaven. But I do not believe however that "love of our fellow man" is quite on the topic of this discussion. There is a difference between Arros (sexual love) and Agape (God's love -non-sexual).

Answer 7

Wow. I think you were completely right - Jesus would've expressed his opinion, but also compassion! Sounds like it's time for a new group - people who actually know Jesus a little better than they think they know the Bible.

Answer 8

I agree - take the plank out of their own eye before judging someone else!! It is sad when we can't have our own opinions and that is all they are... !! We recently left our church because of situations like this. We have found a much better and happier group who accept people for who they are and it is so refreshing and delightful. Real Christians.

Answer 9

didnt you hear them give strong answers to topics previous to you giving your opinion?
didnt you notice that the group doesnt allow for any responses outside of the biblical standard?

wow. a sitting duck situation if ever i heard one. i've been present when that happens in family get togethers.
recognize the situation next time. if you are not of their church and you are alone - no pals that agree with you and will tag team with you - then its best not to say much.

Answer 10

It might because they feel if you do not believe in their doctrine you can not be right .My on faith as what we call our articles of faith here's one .We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege,let them worship how,where,or what they may