11-01-2024, 08:45 AM
(11-01-2024, 08:34 AM)UltraBudgie Wrote: Matthew 7:2
For by whatever verdict you pass judgment you shall be judged, and in whatever measure you measure it shall be meted out to you.
What do you think of this verse? Does is describe an actual "supernatural" force that is active in the world? Or is it just aspirational advice?
If this effect is divinely or metaphysically enforced, could it be weaponized? I am thinking about how there are so many targets of hate presented by the media, invitations to judge that are given us. What if, by judging based on incomplete evidence or emotion, we are actually giving some sort of spiritual power to those who would rule over us in this world, because our judgment must, by necessity, rebound? Perhaps hypocrisy is being "farmed". Unfairly judge others for their oppression, and end up being oppressed ourselves. Does God see that as being "only fair"?
There is also the view of jumping to judgment as growing a Hegelian dialectic on unprovable ground, introducing an irresolvable chain of possible contradiction that serves only to muddy the waters, and make effective public discourse impossible. So perhaps it's not worth mentioning at all?
I have always felt (not meaning I think I'm right) that the entire biblical precept of "judgement" hinges upon the recognition that there is only one judge... namely God.
No human can offer perfect judgement... ever.
Nowadays, "judgment" is dressed-up as "virtue signaling" - and thus used to 'social engineering' ends... perhaps the very apex corruption of the idea.
I think the lesson in the text you offer is about how we are responsible for our own judgements - at least as much as those we judge.
But I am the least of Gods' children, so that's probably highly debatable.
