What does it look like to be non-judgmental: I think we got that down pretty well actually: we accept, welcome and support all people in our church—within reason (we would challenge some that potentially walk through out doors, but I will elaborate on this point later). Fact is, we are not known to try to convert those who think or believe differently from us. In fact, there are several among us this morning who would identify as Buddhist, Jewish, and agnostics this morning.

Of course, our evangelical brothers and sisters would challenge us: if you don’t convert people, if you don’t oppose “false” beliefs, how are you a Christian? How are you making disciples? Don’t we need some degree of judgment in the process of disciple-making? The assumption being that our religion is more helpful than other religions; or that our doctrine more accurately describes God than other doctrines.

These are questions we should take seriously as progressive Christians. I will reflect on these questions in the following discourse. I want to make three important points about judging others as it applies to our progressive theology:

1. we may not challenge anybody on how they believe, but…we do make judgments about bad policies, discrimination, inequality, and injustice. We may even challenge people who hold to such policies, but we do not typically judge the person. In my talks with conservatives about LGBTQ inclusion, I am always mindful of the fact that I myself at one point thought the way they do. I may have a different understanding now, but I have no right to judge them as a person.

2. Our judgments are usually based on trying to tear down walls and include those who are marginalized and suffer from social injustice. We oppose that judgmental attitude and say: we are all God’s children and we are all welcome and we are all entitled to the resources God so generously provided for all of us. In a sense you could say that we are judging those who judge others. But I think that’s one judgment that is ok to make, especially if we make it to point out the injustice while we stand by our oppressed brothers and sisters.

3. We should follow Jesus example when it comes to living our Christianity. Jesus’ approach was not one of teaching conversion, or judging others. Jesus approach was one of care and compassion for the poor, the sick, the blind, and the outcasts. He occasionally did have harsh words for the corrupt religious leaders of his time, but you could make an argument for the fact that when he did so, he did it to stand up for the poor and the outcast—Jesus was fighting against social injustice in those moments.