INTEGRATING BIBLICAL JUDGEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM: A DIVINE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MATTHEW 7:1

Abstract

The meaning of Christ’s “Judge not” statement in Matthew 7:1 has not been fully examined in understanding the appropriate import of Christ's message, first to His first-hand listeners and then to contemporary society. This paper looks at what teachers/mentors and their relationships with students within an academic environment tend to benefit from the concept of divine justice. This study is an exegetical work achieved through syntactical analysis of the various components of the Μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε. In this study, documentary review is carried out while the grammatical significance of the words of the text is also examined.  This study helps to highlight fundamental spiritual principles that guide the act of passing judgment or issuing outright condemnation in the relationship between teachers/mentors and students within an academic setting. It can also serve as a guide for defining the nature of inter-relationship expected between faculty, staff, and students. When personal and professional philosophies are hinged on the viewpoint of the divine concept of true judgment as espoused in Matt 7:1, it will enhance unity, and love, and possibly eradicate the ills associated with  loss of intellect, workforce, constructive criticism, and eternity.