Philosophical Theology

In my previous post, I isolated a deductive argument regarding the biblical restrictions on attending same-sex weddings. This second installment is intended to aid those with tender hearts who’ve been unfairly accused.

Whenever a believer argues that a scriptural principle binds the conscience of all without distinction, the secular and religious retaliation can be swift. The accusation of being “judgmental” is often hurled with immense frequency, carrying significant social and moral weight. Yet, it is usually an accusation fundamentally mired in irony.

The foundational error of this accusation lies in a failure to recognize the human condition, namely, absolutely no one – Christian or non-Christian alike – can avoid forming opinions or reaching conclusions. Making assessments is a cognitive and moral necessity of human existence. To observe a behavior, a practice, or a belief and form an opinion on its validity is an inescapable function of the human mind. In fact, even the post-modern assertion that we ought not to have moral opinions is, by definition, a dogmatic moral opinion itself! The secular world prides itself on its opinions regarding justice, equality, and tolerance. Christians do the same. Accordingly, it is a universal human reality that we all evaluate the world around us.

Despite this unavoidable truth, a double standard often arises the moment a Christian isolates a theological position whether with analytical scrutiny or not. When Christians voice an unfavorable evaluation of a practice based on the text of Scripture, they are routinely met with the worldly criticism of being judgmental. This reaction represents a profound and dangerous misunderstanding of what genuine judgmentalism actually is.

Neither holding a firm biblical conviction nor voicing its universal application constitutes being judgmental. Scripture does not command an intellectual or moral lobotomy; believers are explicitly told to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). When an unfavorable assessment is directed at a practice actively pursued by others, it constitutes a standard exercise of critical discernment. It’s simply unavoidable. Christians are commanded to evaluate practice and notice spiritual fruit, and Jesus Himself stated, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

True biblical judgmentalism is not the calling of sin by its scriptural name. Rather, the boundary of sin is crossed when one moves from evaluating an external action to arrogantly inferring the internal motives behind that action. To be judgmental is to assume the role of God – assigning pride, malice, or a lack of love to the person putting forth a biblical argument without definitive proof.

It is here that the supreme irony of the accusation exposes itself, and where pastoral concern must confront intellectual defensiveness. When a person feels confronted by a sound argument and retaliates by labeling the arguer as “judgmental,” they are rarely engaging with the premises of the critique. Instead, they are deflecting the issue while attempting to diagnose the critic’s internal heart. By claiming that the other person is being judgmental, the accuser is making a definitive claim about that person’s hidden motives – implicitly asserting that the position stems from legalism, self-righteousness, or a desire for superiority.

Consequently, in such instances the very act of calling a faithful believer or even undiscerning secularist judgmental, the accuser becomes the only party definitively guilty of the charge. They place themselves directly under the condemnation of Romans 2:1: “Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” In their rush to apply Christ’s words in Matthew 7 (“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged”), they ignore the context of the warning and the hypocritical log in their own eye. (Sadly, this double standard has also made its way into the Church.)

All people but especially Christians must at times tenderly but firmly guide souls away from this self-defeating defensiveness. Discerning and voicing truth is not an enemy of love. Because no human being can live without forming opinions, we must learn to distinguish the unavoidable evaluation of human practices from the unjust, prideful condemnation of human hearts.*

A personal note to unknown sufferers:

To the tenderhearted carrying this heavy burden, having been falsely judged as judgmental – your deep love for your family and friends is a beautiful reflection of a caring heart, not a spiritual failure. Navigating the tension between biblical conviction and precious relationships is incredibly difficult and often painful. Always remember that staying faithful to God’s design does not mean you love others any less. You do not have to carry the weight of fulfilling everyone’s expectations; you are simply called to stand firm by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). While applying this principle may bring painful friction or rejection from those you care about, remember that Scripture calls us to count it all joy when we suffer for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10, James 1:2). In the end, you do not have to carry the weight of fulfilling everyone’s expectations. So, let your weary heart rest in Christ’s grace, trust Him with the people you love, and rest in his good pleasure of your courageous love for others.

*Of course, the inevitable discipline of self-conscious evaluation does not afford one liberty to speak truth unseasonably or badgering others with the principles of God’s word. But even in such rare cases, the charge of being “judgmental” is false. The charge obscures arguments.