When Christianity steps into the courtroom of human behaviour, one charge often brought against it is judgment. Too many people outside the faith – myself included – have felt the sting of being judged for not believing in Jesus Christ. The verdict, at least in public opinion, is often guilty.
But let’s pause and examine this case carefully. What really happens when a Christian judges someone who does not share their faith? And is there a better way – one more consistent with the very teachings they claim to follow?
The Pros of Judgment (From the Judge’s Perspective)
From the outside, it might seem baffling why anyone would choose to judge. But for the person doing the judging, there are perceived “pros”:
- It affirms their belief, making them feel more secure in their faith.
- It provides a sense of superiority: “I am right, and you are wrong.”
- It strengthens group belonging by drawing a line between insiders and outsiders.
- It feels like a duty fulfilled, as though calling out non-belief proves loyalty to God.
To the one judging, these reasons can feel like noble motivations. But here’s the cross-examination: Do these benefits hold up under scrutiny?
The Costs of Judgment
When we look closer, the cons far outweigh the pros. Judgment:
- Destroys empathy, reducing a person to a label instead of honoring their humanity.
- Alienates the very people Christians claim to want to reach.
- Contradicts Jesus’ teaching: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
- Fuels arrogance and hypocrisy, sins that undercut the credibility of faith.
- Damages witness: instead of opening doors, it slams them shut.
In the courtroom of life, judgment masquerades as strength but leaves destruction in its wake.
The Alternative: Not Judging
What happens when Christians choose not to judge? Let’s put this option under the microscope.
Pros:
- It builds genuine connection and trust.
- It shows humility and compassion, qualities at the heart of Jesus’ message.
- It keeps the dialogue open, making honest conversations possible.
- It respects freedom of belief, an essential part of human dignity.
- It makes faith more attractive through kindness, not condemnation.
Cons (from a Christian’s perspective):
- It may feel like not “defending” their faith strongly enough.
- It requires humility – the hard work of letting go of superiority.
But the truth is clear: the fruits of not judging are far richer, far closer to the ideals Christianity itself proclaims.
The Verdict
If Christianity is on trial for its tendency to judge, the evidence shows that judgment may give believers a fleeting sense of superiority, but it leaves a trail of broken relationships and missed opportunities. Compassion, on the other hand, opens doors, heals wounds, and reflects the very love Christians claim their faith is built on.
Perhaps the most Christian act, then, is not judgment but understanding. Not condemnation, but compassion. Not drawing lines that divide, but building bridges that connect.
If Christianity wishes to stand acquitted in the eyes of those who do not believe, it must learn that judgment belongs in the courtroom – not in relationships.