I’ve been looking at the different meanings of judgment in hopes that they might offer some clues to helping us move beyond our society’s deep divisions. It is not that they make a different argument but that they come at it from a different perspective that encourages us to work together.
For instance, claiming that education should teach students to think critically is associated with evaluating information as right or wrong, with applying a particular understanding of truth or goodness. In the cultural war, we find ourselves having battles about ideologies.
I suggest teaching how to make sound judgments moves the focus to respond appropriately to the situation before us. It would not eliminate fundamental beliefs but consider them in light of the circumstances. Hopefully, that would motivate working with one another to determine the common good or God’s will in the present situation.
Judgment is about discernment more than doctrines or dogmas. The wisdom of the past certainly plays a part. Present insights derived not only from personal experience but also from other people’s opinions and newly discovered knowledge are important. The goals of a meaningful life and the common good enter into the mix.
Christians often speak of faith, hope, and love to cover these. In the past, faith referred to trusting God, which was revealed in the Bible and in nature. That was a far more stable, even static reading of truth and goodness.
Today faith also considers history when trusting that God is found in all of our life changes and humanity’s development. The Bible provides guidance for understanding how God operates today by remembering how God acted in the past. However, it is not the final word. Traditions are best regarded as foundations on which to build rather than absolutes that remain stable in all generations.
