I recently had an old friend of mine comment on one of my FB posts. It was about a gay seminary student who had chosen to leave the denomination because of its stance on homosexuality. She said”
By saying that others are judgementle [sic] (because what they believe is different from what you believe), you, yourself are judging others. And, isn’t that what you’re trying to get away from?
I think she and I have different definitions of “judging.” What she calls judging, I would call rebuking.
I SEE JUDGING AS: “If you die right now, you are going to Hell.”
I SEE REBUKING AS: “As you live right now, you are creating Hell for others right here, right now.”
Jesus never judged– he rebuked. Often.
And how did we get to the place where discussion, difference of opinion, criticism and admonition are now considered taboo and fall under the category of “judging?”
She went on to suggest that I leave the denomination if I disagreed so much. Yeah, that was helpful. Sort of a “love it or leave it” sentiment. I’ve been a Methodist my whole life. I’ve had many, many heartfelt discussions with my fellow Methodists over issues both crucial and insignificant. I’ve never had one of them throw their hands up and say “Why don’t you just leave if you’re so unhappy.”
