Father Moses
YouTube
Father Moses Distinguishes Judgment from Observation
5:36
Father Moses addresses the common accusation that Christians are judgmental. He explains that critics often equate judgment with identifying destructive behaviors, such as abortion. The speaker compares this to a doctor warning a patient that 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily will damage the kidneys; no one calls the doctor judgmental.
Similarly, a Christian who says a behavior will destroy the soul is making an observation, not a condemnation. He defines true biblical judgment as condemnation: declaring that a person will never change and ruling out God's power to transform. He illustrates with an example: noting that Uncle Bob has a drinking problem and will likely get drunk is observation; saying Uncle Bob will die drunk is judgment because it denies the possibility of repentance.
The speaker argues that humans are drawn to sin even to their own destruction, so pointing out destructiveness is not judgment. A good doctor would not affirm self‑destructive behavior but would warn that it is unhealthy, because caring means telling the truth. Christians, by holding out hope that everyone can repent and turn from sin, are actually the least judgmental people alive.
Key moments
- The main criticism from society is that Christians are judgmental, meaning Christians say certain behaviors are destructive.
- A Christian saying abortion damages the soul is called judgmental, but this is the same framework doctors use when warning about harmful health choices.
- Humans are attracted to sin even to their own destruction, so pointing out destructiveness is not judgment.
- Observing that Uncle Bob has a drinking problem and will likely get drunk is observation, not judgment.
- Real judgment is condemnation, such as saying Uncle Bob will never change and die drunk, which rules out God's power and repentance.
- A doctor warning that excessive vitamin C will kill you is not judgmental; it is observing a bad decision.
- A good doctor would not affirm self-destructive behavior but warn it is unhealthy, because caring means telling the truth.
- Christians are the least judgmental because they hold out hope that everyone can repent and turn from sin, not be condemned to hell.