The Scarlet "J"

*That scraping noise you hear is me situating my soapbox.

Move over "N" word- there is a new epithet in town.

~Wielded by society with righteous indignation

~Discrediting those with contrary opinions
~Branding indiscriminately with its  Scarlet "J"

I give you. . .

The slur voted number one by post-modern Americans:  "Judgmental"

*cue booing and jeering*

If you polled a random group of college students as to whether they would rather eradicate world hunger or eliminate judgmental thinking, well, those kids in Ethiopia would continue to starve.

Postmodern thinking, the dissolution of a cultural meta-narrative, the plucky pluralism of the ivory tower elites- these are the intellectual culprits.

But do we share the blame?

Too many conversations are launched with this caveat, "Not to sound judgmental." Which is really to apologize for having an opinion that might not receive thunderous applause.

I am guilty of this. Too guilty. (Have I mentioned my weakness for party invitations?)

It is the Salem Witch trial of our generation since there is little that grieves our society more than perceived judgmentalism.

Now, I am going to make a reckless blog move and introduce the indelicate topic of religion since Christians are the favorite whipping boy of the judgmental abolitionist crowd.

So, steady yourself with a finger of bourbon or a shot of espresso and read on. Bravely.

These days- Christians can hardly utter a dis-positive remark about the weather without risking a hate-crime lawsuit. Hyperbole (for now). But seriously, moral imperatives define most religions and yet Christianity's claims win "most likely to offend" every time.

This isn't a theological blog. (Phew!) Rather, this is a sociological observation from one who loves chocolate and the 1st amendment, fiercely. 

Why must my faith-informed views on life be reduced to pejorative judgy-ness (new word)? 

Perhaps my view on sexuality is just that-  My view on sexuality. It does not necessarily translate to a superior, condescending, scornful judgment on you as a lesser, weaker mortal.  

If you make it that- then perhaps you are judging me. (Ha! Foiled at your own game)

Nothing is sacred anymore (just watch the news). And everything is sacred anymore (just watch the news): We are too easily offended, too wrongly outraged, and too -frankly- insecure.
(So much for Mr. Rogers and participation trophies)

My opinions are protected as long as they do not stand in opposition to those of my neighbor. How perplexing. How illogical. How profoundly un-American.

Respectful disagreement among differing judgements is possible. Just ask our Founders.

Not every judgement is judgmental.

And not every Christian deserves the Scarlet J.

There. That feels better