Judging

Law_books_ As Christians who follow the Bible, we are often accused of 'judging'.

Is this a valid criticism? Should Christians 'judge'?
If so, in what circumstances?

You might be told 'Don't judge' or 'Christians shouldn't judge'.

This can be applied to everything - for example, when you speak about another religion being false, or homosexuality being wrong or even about what someone is wearing.

Often it just means that they don't agree with the view you have just stated - and it is an easy way of dismissing your view. Of course, they usually aren't aware that they are actually 'judging' you!

Of course, if you pursue the matter, you'll soon find there are things the person you're talking to doesn't like either - for example, most people would be very critical of pedophiles and drug dealers! Ironically they don't usually think of that as 'judging'.

There are some things that we need to be careful of - we should not 'judge' about a person's salvation, since that is between them and God. At the same time, we need to remember that Jesus Christ is coming again and will judge everyone (2 Timothy 4:1).

However, it is also true that we make decisions or 'judgements' all the time... where we invest our money, what schools to send our children to, what programs we watch on TV. The Bible urges us to be discerning and live sanctified lives.

Jesus Christ Himself says to "make wise judgements".
John 7: 24 "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

ARTICLES:

Since this is a topic we have had to respond to, we have found the following article, from Jubilee Ministries, written by Franklin G. Huling, to be very helpful:

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?
by Franklin G. Huling, M.A - Jubilee Ministries.
"The question "Is it right to judge?" is one that puzzles many sincere Christians. A careful and open-minded study of the Bible makes is clear that concerning certain vital matters, it is not only right but a positive duty to judge. Many do not know that the Scripture commands us to judge.
"The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "...Judge with righteous judgment," (John 7:24). He told a man, "You have rightly judged," (Luke 7:43). To others, our Lord asked, "Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?" (Luke 12:57).
"The Apostle Paul wrote, "I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say," (Corinthians 10:15). Again, Paul declared, "He who is spiritual judges all things," (1 Corinthians 2:15). It is our positive duty to judge.
FALSE TEACHER & FALSE TEACHING
"Beware of false prophets!" (Matthew 7:15) is the warning and command of our Lord. But how could we "beware" and how could we know they are "false prophets" if we did not judge? And what is the God-given standard by which we are to judge? "To the Law and to the Testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," (Isaiah 8:20)...."
Click here to read the full article.

Murray Adamthwaite
Murray has written a detailed article about God's judgement of nations, which was printed in Salt Shakers journal in September 2009.

God's Judgment on Our Nation(s)
Murray Adamthwaite writes on the Judgment and Justice of God on nations.

Berit Kjos
An excellent overview of what the Bible says about judging - with the Bible vesrses listed in various sections.
When to judge or not to judge

Bill Muehlenberg
Bill has written several articles on judging which are posted on his website Culture Watch.

Thou shalt judge
Bill Muehlenberg address the question of judging...
Published 8/10/2008.

It's time to start judging
Bill Muehlenberg, 17/6/2008.

Jesus and judgment
Bill Muehlenberg, 14/6/2007.