Why are so many people who believe in their hearts that they are good Christians so judgmental of others?

The whole world is like this. It is not unique to Christians

I will defer to scripture...

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

But now I [Paul] have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

Basically, we as Christians ARE to judge (that is, to be "fruit inspectors"), but only those who CALL themselves a Christian. Those who are NOT Christian, we are to leave alone and not say anything. They are to be judged by God accordingly.

Those who judge outside of the requisites above are in danger of their own judgment falling on their own head. If you are NOT a Christian, and someone is giving you grief, just say to them, "I'm not a Christian--go read 1 Corinthians 5". However, if you ARE a Christian, do a quick inspection of your heart and make sure what they are saying is true or not.

Everyone, christians or non-christians judge people everyday. To judge means to "make an opinion of". When you are looking for a babysitter for your children you judge the people you are considering so you can get the best person. When you chose your friends you are judging them in a sense as well.

Schneb - you always have such wise answers.

While it is true that it is not our place to judge humans, we do have the ability to judge behaviors and actions.

On a very basic level, it is clear that the Bible condemns murder. So while we may not have the right to judge the murderer, we do have the right to point out that murder is wrong. We have the right to express our opinion that murder is wrong. We have the right to encourage people not to commit murder. We have the right to help people who have committed murder change their lives so as not to do it again.

That is fairly obvious and beneficial. But when a Christian really digs into all the moral standards of the Bible and encourages people to uphold those, that's when some people feel like they are being judged.

For example, the Bible very clearly states that it is wrong for people who are not married to have sexual relations. But unlike murder, that restriction does not fit in to society's general lifestyle. Many people feel that their sex life is a personal matter and that no one, not even God, has the right to "tell them what to do." So a person who advocates "old-fashioned" Bible morals comes across as judgemental even if they're only trying to provide the same "rehabilitation" service they provide to a murderer. (Obviously, sex outside of marriage is not as bad as murder, but I'm making a point.)

Yes, I recognize that many people don't have others' welfare in mind and that they really are just being judgemental. But I wanted to clarify that many people only think someone is judgemental if they think they are the one being judged.

You're right!! Perhaps they have forgotten where God has brought them from! It seems in this christian walk we all want to be closer to God. We think that because we do good deeds, and are kind people, that we hold a higher standing with the lord. But!!!! The bible tells us that we are ALL sinners fallen short of his grace. But through God's unchanging mercy, we ALL have a right to the tree of life. Even though ALL our good works and deeds are like filthy rags in the sight of Jesus Christ!

No matter what............... to quote the Lord himself............"Judge not, lest ye be judged"

You're right. It's part of the sin that affects everyone. I'm a Christian, and I am constantly discovering ways in which I silently judge people. I'm sorry about it, and changing bit by bit.

The people who are the most judgemental are usually the ones that have the most to hide. They're in church everyday and when they're not in church they are the most debauched people you could ever meet. People shouldn't try to suppress their instincts they should enjoy life.