The Sin of Judging Others
There is hardly any verse of the Bible that is more misunderstood than Jesus’ words, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” ( Matt. 7:1 ). I have blogged about it before because someone asked me to. How common has this verse become, especially since Pope Francis said "Who am I to judge?" when asked about a priest with same-sex attraction in 2013. It has become a kind of mantra for the Church under Pope Francis, like truth doesn't matter anymore, all that matters is not judging. This has always made me feel uncomfortable. I know in my heart that in a certain sense this is right, but I also recognise that it is not right in the way it is being used; almost weaponized. If you know Jesus, if you know the Christian faith, this sentiment is anathema, because the fundamental turning point in most people's lives from agnosticism to discipleship is the point where you recognise you have sinned and you need to be Redeemed by Jesus Christ. Judging right fro...