Christianity Quote by Fleming Rutledge
““Now it's very interesting that although we are told that modern Christians don't believe in the Last Judgment anymore, no one objects when a judge in a courtroom hands down a judgment. We believe in that kind of judgment - as long as it's a judgment on someone else, someone who deserves it. So in our minds we are already dividing the righteous from the unrighteous, with ourselves - of course - on the side of the righteous. But isn't that a rather perilous place to be? How much effort does it take to remain on the right side of that balance sheet? And by what criteria, and by whom, will this determination be made?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on morality, Fleming Rutledge, 2020
People readily accept judgments imposed on others while assuming moral superiority, yet this creates a dangerous self‑righteous stance that demands constant justification.
In simple terms: We judge others easily but must guard our own moral bias.
Question your assumptions about judgment and fairness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- courtroom deliberations
- ethical training
- political debate
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal judgment with humility?
- What standards truly guide your sense of right and wrong?
The argument may oversimplify complex moral frameworks and ignore systemic factors.