Who Are We To Judge
Empathy and Discernment in a Critical Age
Published on 16. July 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-0-281-07248-4 (ISBN)
Description
Jesus says 'Do not judge' yet our human instinct often leads us to harsh judgements of others. In a world where snap judgements are made in seconds on social media, how can Christians resist the urge to join in?
Christians may be especially adept at dressing up their
judgement of others as righteousness and being a witness for Christ without recognising the psychological and spiritual
pitfalls. It remains easier to point the finger at clearer and more
observable sins than to recognise the way judgementalism corrupts us.
In this insightful and wise book, Fraser Dyer helps us to understand
what compels Christians to be judgemental towards others. He
explores the condemnation of judgementalism throughout scripture, and particularly in the ministry and teaching of
Christ. He also includes a set of practical approaches, rooted in
Christian spirituality, to enable us to journey from the self-righteousness of judgementalism towards love of God and neighbour.
Christians may be especially adept at dressing up their
judgement of others as righteousness and being a witness for Christ without recognising the psychological and spiritual
pitfalls. It remains easier to point the finger at clearer and more
observable sins than to recognise the way judgementalism corrupts us.
In this insightful and wise book, Fraser Dyer helps us to understand
what compels Christians to be judgemental towards others. He
explores the condemnation of judgementalism throughout scripture, and particularly in the ministry and teaching of
Christ. He also includes a set of practical approaches, rooted in
Christian spirituality, to enable us to journey from the self-righteousness of judgementalism towards love of God and neighbour.
Reviews / Votes
Dryer admits that for many years, his own judgements have been anything but gentle against the Church and the behaviour and beliefs of fellow Christians. How did we get to this state where judgementalism is so common? How do we avoid it?Dryer approaches these questions by first analysing why we feel we must judge others. He then goes on to examine Jesus' teaching and concludes by saying we need discernment and an informed and generous attitude, rather than hasty judgements.
The book is well structured and logical in its approach, and while Dyer is dealing with a complex topic, his writing is not academic or dry. Thanks to Dyer's approachable and frequently humorous style, this book could be read by an older teenager or adult, providing they are willing to have their presuppositions and prejudices challenged. It could also be used profitably as a study book for a home group. * Premier Christianity *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight
194 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-281-07248-4 (9780281072484)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
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Person
The Revd Fraser Dyer is an Anglican priest in an inner-city parish in south London. Prior to ordination, he worked in the voluntary sector, leading volunteer programmes for Traidcraft and Greenpeace UK, before spending twenty years as a consultant
and trainer. He is the author of Why do I do this every day? Finding meaning in your work (Lion Hudson, 2005).
and trainer. He is the author of Why do I do this every day? Finding meaning in your work (Lion Hudson, 2005).