Become New with John Ortberg 18. How to Live Without Blaming Others
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Feb 19, 2026 A thoughtful look at how blame started in the human story and why it becomes our reflex. Readings from Paradise Lost and cultural theory frame how blame shows up in relationships and society. Practical prompts invite honest ownership of fault and living one day without deflecting responsibility. The talk points to healing through love and humility rather than avoiding pain.
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Genesis Example Of Blame
- John Ortberg recounts Genesis 3 where Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit and immediately blame others.
- Their mutual accusations model how blame starts with shame and becomes our default reaction.
Milton's Portrait Of Mutual Accusation
- John reads lines from John Milton's Paradise Lost showing Adam and Eve trading accusations.
- Milton's lines portray their 'fruitless' mutual accusations and the endless cycle of blame.
We Constantly Allocate Credit And Blame
- John cites Charles Tilly: people invest major effort assigning credit and blame in daily life.
- This allocation activity shapes social interactions like praise, scandal, and justice.
