Slow to Judge: Sometimes It's OK to Listen

by David B. Capes

God invites us to judge and to help correct wrongs from a place of understanding. Sometimes we pre-judge a person based on our own biases and superficial experiences. We stifle dialog before the conversation even begins. If all we know is our own faith, and we never put it side-by-side with what others believe, our spiritual growth and commitments can be easily stunted. By truly listening and learning from those with different beliefs, we can broaden and deepen our kingdom commitments.

It is possible to stand up for Jesus, to articulate our faith clearly as witnesses, and to defend our faith effectively, while at the same time not being perceived as judgmental. Christians need to be faithful witnesses to God who are willing to listen to people with drastically different stories. In those exchanges, when we suspend judgment and truly listen, we will find truth and beauty and goodness in some of the most unexpected places. We will also find that, if we truly listen, we may be given a chance to speak.

Features



Help for interfaith and intercultural dialogThought-provoking questions for spiritual conversation or reflection

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

David B. Capes (born December 16, 1955) (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean of biblical and theological studies and professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. He has authored, coauthored, or coedited books such as Rediscovering Paul, Rediscovering Jesus, Old Testament Yahweh Texts in Paul's Christology, The Footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, The Last Eyewitness, Rebecca's Children, The Voice of Hebrews, and The Voice of Romans.

In addition to contributing to a number of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and professional journals, he served as the lead scholar on a new Bible translation, The Voice Bible. Since the early 1990s, Capes has been active in interfaith dialogue in Houston and cohosts a radio show called A Show of Faith on TALK RADIO 950 KPRC Houston. He was previously academic dean and professor of New Testament at Houston Graduate School of Theology, and he has served as pastor of several churches and has participated in a variety of professional organizations, including the Society of Biblical Literature, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion.

Reviews

[Hannah Grace Staton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book is filled with biblical lessons on lots of relevant topics like how to relate to people who aren't like you, forgiveness and reconciliation, what authentic tolerance means, and why listening to those we disagree with can be important. It also encourages believers to rejoice in truth wherever they find it since all truth is God's. Just as relevant today (if not more) than when it was written!

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 3 out of 5]

he Author writes this book because a survey shows that Christians are views ad hypocritical, judgemental and anti-homosexual. I'm never really sure what he's trying to prove: yes they are, yes they are but so was Jesus, no they aren't, some are. Throw that out and just read the book and enjoy each chapter's discussion. Be slow to judge the book and it will make you see yourself and examine your own way of thinking and reacting, which is what really good books should do. Capes uses biblical stories and anecdotes well in each chapter as well as guidance questions. Overall, an interesting read if you don't carry to tie it all together.

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