![]() ![]() In his book about them, Rowan Williams writes, The Desert Fathers recognize the dangers of becoming a judgmental “stumbling block” for our brothers and sisters – the harsh and destructive judgmentalism usually comes from an inattention to others that is itself the product of self-absorption. St Paul recognizes this when he writes, “Let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” ( Rom 14:13 ). The brothers of Taizé go on to tell us that judging others actually makes it impossible to constructively correct or admonish them. … Whoever judges their neighbour makes themselves his or her master, and in so doing takes the place of God.” We are instead called to “humbly regard others as more important” than ourselves ( Phil 2:3 ).īut are we left with a bland message of inclusivity? Shouldn’t we correct one another? Doesn’t St Paul tell us to “admonish the idle” ( 1 Thes 5:14 )? Should we be nothing more than passive before egregious sinners? Finally, as the website reminds us, “A desire to dominate can also cause someone to judge. I can also judge others to “reassure myself of my own worth.” Who, after all, can be more free from their own doubts than someone who is preoccupied with loudly denouncing various “unbelievers”? This is why Jesus asks us, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” ( Lk 6:41 ). When we judge others, we often manifest barely acknowledged feelings of envy, and our judging becomes a way to neutralize perceived threats to our social position or even imagined competitors for God’s favor. The response warns us about the dangers of judging. ![]() ![]() What could Jesus ever have meant by saying this ( Lk 6:37 )? The Taizé website has a helpful section on questions on the Bible and the Christian Faith that has a response to this perhaps unexpectedly difficult query. Lovejoy: “Uh, I suppose that’s somewhere near the back…” Lisa Simpson: “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged,’ Reverend?” ![]()
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