Do You Judge?

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by als463

I talked about the Satanist thing, but I gave my reasons for it. Anyone else have certain circumstances they want to discuss.

I will be honest here. I don't see anything wrong with you choosing not to associate yourself with someone like that. I don't see that as judging. As a Christian I do not wish to associate with people who worship satan. It has nothing to do with being judgmental. There are spiritual reasons why i wouldn't associate with someone like that and I don't think you should offer excuses or reasons for it. It is what it is.

I judge people although I try not to. However, I also think that people use the term "judging" too loosely. For instance when I discuss how homosexuality is a sin based on what I have read in the Bible, that is not judgment. Yet people categorize it as being so. Judgment in relation to that would be saying that a homosexual person is going to hell.

Also there are times when I size people up based on their behavior, organizations they belong to, or things like that. I sometimes use that to decide whether I should or should not allow someone into my inner circle or whether I should keep my distance. I consider that more of a discernment thing and useful for protecting myself from friendships with people who may wish me harm.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I don't see that as judging. As a Christian I do not wish to associate with people who worship satan. It has nothing to do with being judgmental.

Really?

I mean, REALLY?

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Really?

I mean, REALLY?

I wouldn't expect you to understand that honestly.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

For instance when I discuss how homosexuality is a sin based on what I have read in the Bible, that is not judgment. Yet people categorize it as being so.

Isn't your interpretation a judgment?

As for me, I definitely judge...everyone judges on some topic, whether it be politics, religion, education, personal hygiene, etc.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Isn't your interpretation a judgment?

It isn't an interpretation if you are stating it as it is written. So no, it isn't an interpretation.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

It isn't an interpretation if you are stating it as it is written. So no, it isn't an interpretation.

The Bible itself is an interpretation and reading it requires interpreting it because not everyone considers the entire Bible as a literal step-by-step "how to" of Christianity and life. I certainly don't.

Seriously, deepimpact2, are you claiming that all Christians gain the same meanings when they read the Bible? I bet that you and I interpret the Bible differently. Do you assume that your interpretation is the literal and accurate one? LOL

[thetygerlily]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

The Bible itself is an interpretation and reading it requires interpreting it because not everyone considers the entire Bible as a literal step-by-step "how to" of Christianity and life. I certainly don't.

DrPhil, this made my day. I've had rounds and rounds of debates with my husband (raised in a Catholic country) about whether the Bible is interpretation. In my book, anything that someone says or writes is an interpretation! Especially when you consider the various editions, edits, and translations going on. Regardless of whether people take it as the letter of the law or not, it is someone's interpretation. So thank you

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

The Bible itself is an interpretation and reading it requires interpreting it because not everyone considers the entire Bible as a literal step-by-step "how to" of Christianity and life. I certainly don't.

Seriously, deepimpact2, are you claiming that all Christians gain the same meanings when they read the Bible? I bet that you and I interpret the Bible differently. Do you assume that your interpretation is the literal and accurate one? LOL

There are no doubt parts of the Bible that we interpret differently. However, I don't think there is much room for interpretation with some things that are clearly stated. Fornicators and adulterers are also included in that particular text. I think it is pretty clear from that text and other parts that those acts are not pleasing to God. I'm not going to spend much time discussing this because I typically don't like to engage in huge debates about the Bible. It is usually pointless.

But I will say that I think people start getting obsessed over "literal" "interpretations" because they want to dodge around certain things and this gives them an out.

At the part in bold, that is pretty obvious.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I typically don't like to engage in huge debates about the Bible. It is usually pointless...

...because folks have different interpretations.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I think it is pretty clear from that text and other parts that those acts are not pleasing to God.

This isn't a debate. There is nothing to debate and I don't debate religion. I discuss the overarching meanings of religion and religious text. This is how I'm able to discuss the exact same topic with Christians, Agnostics, Jews, Muslims, etc.

Fornication and adultery are not pleasing to God. Cool. How do you feel about those who fornicate and commit adultery? Is it all good or do you judge them for doing something that is "pretty clearly" not pleasing to God?

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

At the part in bold, that is pretty obvious.

Amen.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

How do you feel about those who fornicate and commit adultery? Is it all good or do you judge them for doing something that is "pretty clearly" not pleasing to God?

Why?