Episode 130: Can Christians Judge?

In this episode, we tackle a hot-button question that’s tripping up Christians left and right: Can Christians judge? And if so, how do we do it well and teach our kids to do the same? We dive into this by unpacking the recent backlash against Chip and Joanna Gaines for featuring a homosexual couple on their new show and Chip's comments that Christians are part of a "judge first, understand never" culture. We explore what Scripture actually says about judgment—particularly looking at Matthew 7:1 and John 7:24—and clarify that while we aren't called to condemn (only God does that), we are absolutely called to correct and warn out of love and humility. Misinterpreting this can silence the gospel and cripple the Church.

We lay out five practical steps we can use to judge rightly: being theologically sound, restoration-focused, seasoned with salt, consistent in word and deed, and confident in Christ. We also walk through how to equip our kids to do this in their own lives with discernment and boldness. Because let’s face it—our kids are swimming in a culture that’s trying to disciple them before we do. If we don’t teach them to judge rightly, the world will teach them not to judge at all. So buckle up, Mama Bears—we’re going deep on biblical discernment and how to raise kids who can stand firm in their faith without compromising truth.

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Main Points Covered

• Misuse of Scripture on Judgment (Matthew 7:1)
• Difference Between Judgment vs. Condemnation
• Cultural Compromise and the Gaines' Controversy
• Five Steps for Judging Rightly:
• Teaching Children to Stand Firm in Faith
• Counterfeit Christianity and Progressive Theology
• Importance of Context in Scripture Interpretation
• Empowering Empathetic Children Against Cultural Manipulation

Resources & Organizations Mentioned

• Scriptures:
• Matthew 7:1, 3–6
• John 7:24
• Romans 14:4
• Colossians 2:8; 4:6
• Ephesians 6:11–18
• 2 Timothy 1:7; 3:16–17; 4:1–5
• 1 Peter 3:15
• John 15:18–19
• Other Resources:
• Fallacy Detective – a book to help children recognize faulty logic
• Biblical Hermeneutics: 5 Biblical Interpretation questions every mama needs to know.
• How to Read Your Bible Well - Episode of Mama Bear Apologetics
• Parenting Prodigals - Episode of Mama Bear Apologetics

Our Sponsors

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