Truth and Judgement

2008-8-13 05:00:00

Dan asks a good question that has generated a lot of group comment:

"Why, as JJ teaches (if I understand correctly), should a limiting (negative) judgment (of another) be an error? If the judgment is true it is only a statement of "what is" isn't it? How could that possibly be an Sin (error to be corrected)?

JJ:

Let me clarify with a few comments.

A limiting judgement, or the negative use of judgement, is never completely true and always involves error.

Let us look at a couple negative judgements.

"You'll never amount to anything."

Here the person in error is attempting to place a horrible limit on an unlimited human being in the image of God. He is attempting to lead another soul into limiting illusion.

"You are rotten to the core."

At the core of each of us is the soul, which is the opposite of rotten. If you point out a specific action and describe why it was wrong then you are relating a specific fact but to make a negative all inclusive judgement is rarely correct.

"You are ugly."

This is not a limiting judgment and could be a statement of fact upon the physical plane. Even if it is true it may be harmful to say it. We can hurt people with the truth as a weapon and this, of course, generates bad karma. All of our spoken words should be true, but they should also be selected carefully.

Think back to the Seinfeld episode where their friend had an ugly baby and even that insensitive group were nervous about hurting the parents' feelings.

Yes, it was an ugly baby but for crying out loud hold your tongue. Don't lie and say it is beautiful, but there is always something positive you can say. Maybe he looks smart and you can say, "I'll bet this kid is going to be one smart cookie."