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Through the years, I've always heard the Biblical passage Matthew 7 "Judge not, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

For a long time, I always misinterpreted this passage to those who judge on where I'm going if there is an afterlife -- most commonly, the people who say others are going to Hell if someone doesn't believe in the same things they do.

Whenever I'd usually be told I'm going to Hell for being "an amoral heathen", I'd usually come back with "Judge not, lest ye be judged by the Lord." Because in my eyes, if God truly exists, then only he knows where I'm going in the afterlife. No one else can pass that judgement.

It wasn't until a couple months ago in the M&R sub-forum that I found out that Matthew 7 was actually talking about hypocritical judgement, and that telling someone they're going to Hell if they don't do this, that, and the other thing equates to telling someone they're going to prison if they break the law, i.e., it's not a judgement, but an observation.

To that, I kindly say it's horseshit, and still stick to my previous point -- If God does exist, only he knows where people are going in the afterlife.

But that was quite the rigamarole to get to the point:
We've discussed non-existent Bible verses, so what are some Bible verses you know that are commonly misinterpreted?

John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Commonly misused to justify following the Old Testament because many focus on the last part, "Go now and leave your life of sin." He did not condemn the woman. He wasn't with the crowd of people going, "you're a sinner". He was being a friend here. Not a condemner nor an enabler but an actual friend to her. He gave her advice on how to turn her life around. No threats of hell, no condemnation, just straight forward.

Edit: I couldn't agree with you more on that point and Paul would agree with you too.

Romans 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to ? (minor translation edit).

Your welcome, and I hope that shuts someone up. I know it is mean of me to say, but as Christians, the only ones we are allowed to judge, and have to do so in a kind and loving manner, is eachother.... I can judge Rob, and he can judge me... all others is up to God, to do so. We can do so, to better strengthen each other. But what they are saying to you... sorry that is beyond our grasp. No one is immoral, we may not agree on morals and ethics(That is why I had to take an ethics class).

I am still amazed at the number of people who don't know the Bible and proclaim themselves Christian. How can you proclaim yourself something and not want to know about it?

To me they both are the same, just one is before, and one is after razz

I agree about the difference between a challenge and a judgement, however a challenge may imply judgement being passed. Generally people don't issue a challenge then turn away and ignore it. They watch, they analyze, and eventually they are usually expected to judge the results. Obviously judgement isn't a definite during or after the challenge, but in many cases a challenge may be issued because of judgement. Obviously the person issuing the challenge deemed it necessary to make.

I wouldn't say they are the same because it is entirely possible to issue a challenge without passing judgement. For example if a preacher issued a challenge to his entire audience, in this example we'll say challenging all who hear him to find ways to get closer to God, he is at least attempting to bring those people closer to God which is (I believe) his job. In this example he doesn't pass judgement, he would have to let God do that. I have heard preachers do this before. They never go back on it unless to ask if anyone has stories they would like to share usually with the intent of helping others who are struggling with the task.

Metaphorically speaking I would say a challenge and a judgement are family; related to each other and often seen together, but not necessary one and the same. They are two different things, technically.

But that was the verse she was talking about right? What is and isn't judging comes under it...

All good Cap.