Dedicated to giving reasons for what we believe, and why, in the interface between science and the Christian faith. Giving thoughts, criticisms, and informed satirical commentary on Contemporary Culture, Religion, Politics, and Traditional Values.
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Friday, February 26, 2021
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
The Balance of Judgment and Love
Recently I found the following statements shared on Social Media,
"Compassion can never coexist with judgment..." Henri Nouwen
"Attractive people judge neither themselves nor others." Deepak Chopra
While I get the sentiment, and it sounds enlightened, I suspect that this is very misleading to many people. In particular, it is unclear exactly what is meant by the two terms, "Compassion" and "Judgment". As good Christian apologists who want clarity, we should ask, "What do you mean by that?" (Thank you Greg Koukl and Stand to Reason for teaching that Columbo tactic.)
My concern is that this sounds very much like an unbiblical definition of love, that is often stated as
Love = Unconditional acceptance and non-judgment of a person's views and choices.
This is the new progressive definition (see Ministry of Truth's definition), and it is used to force the acceptance of all kinds of sinful behaviors and attitudes, all in the name of tolerance. Unconditional acceptance and non-judgment of a person's views and lifestyle choices is not real love. Doesn't true love require discerning judgment, not ignoring the facts or enabling delusions? True love will stand beside, sacrifice, and assist in healing and restoration. That is how we, as Christians, are to be known.
Not all judgment is wrong! In fact, if all judgment is wrong, then it is a self-defeating statement to make the assertion that it is wrong to judge, since that in itself is a judgment. (Get it?) And it really comes down to what is meant by the terms judgment and compassion/love, and how they are used in any given context. Some types of judgment are wrong, while others are commended. Some views of love and compassion are faulty and harmful, while others are an imperative and uplifting.
Judging, having prejudice, or mistreating people based on outward appearances is wrong, as James 2 says. But James is not trying to contradict Jesus' teaching on how to rightly judge, is he? Making unhypocritical judgments (or moral assessments) of sin, character, unbiblical worldviews, false teaching, or harmful attitudes and actions is expected of Christians. If not, then why are we given a clear process on how to go to others and confront them about unrepentant sin (Matt. 18:15-17), with the goal of reconciliation? Or why does Paul talk about church discipline (judgment) of those who sin or who are promoting to false teachings (1 Cor. 5:12)? To those in the Church, we are called to make "right" judgments, not "no" judgments. Too often a snippet of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:1) is used to give an unbiblical definition of judging (i.e. we should not make judgments at all.) But, "Never read a Bible verse!" Always read the context, by which it is clear that Jesus was teaching about hypocritical judgments and the willingness to apply the same judgment to ourselves.
As an example, God would not be both loving and just without His provision of His Son coupled with His judgment of sin and ultimate punishment. His nature is both. As bearers of the Imago Dei, we need to balance both too. It doesn't mean harshness -- it doesn't mean enabling bad behavior -- nor does it mean to suppress godly discernment. It doesn't mean that we should blindly embrace the delusions or false worldview assumptions of others and affirm their false beliefs. The Gospel starts with judgment about our sins, but offers mercy and forgiveness, so that we can avoid a future judgment. Should we not be willing to lovingly tell people the truth, especially when it really matters?
The world would be a better place if we did our part to balance Truth and Love. We don't do our world any favors by making claims that are easily misunderstood and that can lead people astray. Giving false comfort, I would submit, is worse than giving none at all.
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 23 Feb 2021 - Deprogramming
Forced re-education of those with different viewpoints and opinions from the Ministry of Truth.
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Monday, February 22, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 22 Feb 2021 - Climate Change
Climate Change
Tautological statement of the obvious that cannot be disproven by observation or logical arguments.
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Sunday, February 21, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 12 Feb 2021 - Censorship
Censorship
Forced shutdown of those opposed to the Ministry of Truth.
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Saturday, February 20, 2021
Friday, February 19, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 19 Feb 2021 - Antiracist
Antiracist
Someone who judges people on the basis on their skin color, or other Ministry of Truth social categories, but not on the content of their hearts.
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Thursday, February 18, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 18 Feb 2021 - Immigration
Immigration
The moral obligation of a nation to allow anyone to enter their country for any reason, without restriction.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 16 Feb 2021 - Successful Prosecution
Successful Prosecution
Assertion of mock trial victory by Ministry of Truth outlets using approved fabricated evidence to establish guilt, regardless of actual outcome.
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Monday, February 15, 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 13 Feb 2021 - Fight
Fight
Banned word for those not approved by the Ministry of Truth.
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Thursday, February 11, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 11 Feb 2021 - Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy
Okay for me, but not for thee. "How DARE you!"
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Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 09 Feb 2021 - The Constitution
The Constitution
Antiquated impediment to goals of the 4 Ministries.
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Monday, February 8, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 08 Feb 2021 - Insurrection
Insurrection
Unsanctioned acts against one or more of the 4 Ministries motivated by political speech.
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Sunday, February 7, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 07 Feb 2021 - Super Bowl
Super Bowl
A little bread and circuses surrounded by hours of Ministry of Truth programming.
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Saturday, February 6, 2021
Friday, February 5, 2021
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 03 Feb 2021 - Impeachable offense
Impeachable offense
Any excuse to remove or attack a president not in good standing with the 4 Ministries.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Ministry of Truth Daily Update - 02 Feb 2021 - Compromise
Compromise
Agreeing to do it the way the Ministry of Truth and Big Brother demands (i.e. the "right" way).
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