I should have ended my March 2, 2004 column, 'Is it for me?,' with a simple phrase, 'let the name-calling begin,' because I knew what was coming next. I was about to be called every name in the book. So, let me address just a couple.
Judgmental. This term actually has two dimensions to its meaning. One is obviously to make judgments. For this I am guilty as charged. In my defense, I present Joseph Smith Translation Matthew 7:2 and John 7:24. Both state, 'judge righteous judgments.' In addition, I present 'For the Strength of Youth,' page 17. Based on the principle taught on page 17 and the available information about 'The Passion,' I have judged what I believe to be a righteous judgment not to go see the movie.
The second dimension of the term judgmental deals with condemnation. There seems to be the belief that when someone makes a judgment, they also condemn. This is not true. For this, I present John 8:11. In this story, the Savior clearly judged the woman to be a sinner, but he did not condemn her. Nowhere in my essay did I condemn anyone who disagreed with me. I simply shared with readers the principles and evidence I used to make my decision. That is all.
Self-righteous. Again, the term has multiple dimensions, one dealing with righteous choices made by individuals, the other with condemnation. When someone is obedient to a principle, such as tithing, does that automatically make them self-righteous? This would mean obedience is inevitably linked with condemnation of others who make different choices. Obedience does not have an unavoidable bond with condemnation. For more on condemnation, see above.
Should the name-calling continue? We are here at BYU, in part, to learn and live the gospel. In my mind, name-calling is not the best way to do that.
Deena King
Provo