Become New with John Ortberg

Dr. Jim Taylor, philosopher and former Westmont College professor who studies intellectual virtue and spiritual formation. He explains what intellectual virtues are and highlights humility and courage. He connects honest self-knowledge to reducing condemning judgment. He shares practical practices like prayer, Psalm 139, mindfulness, and journaling.

A look at six common ways people condemn others, from blunt aggression to quiet silence. Listens explore perfectionism, sarcasm and mocking, conditional acceptance like the “Pan Am smile,” and martyrdom as a hidden form of judgment. The conversation invites naming your default style and imagining a gentle interruption to those patterns.

A look at why judgment usually sparks counter-judgment and relational breakdown. Discussion of Dallas Willard’s idea that condemnation rarely produces change. Exploration of hidden responses like perfectionism, procrastination, rebellion, and passive aggression. Presentation of Paul’s surprising alternative: refuse revenge, bless enemies, and leave justice to God.

A thoughtful look at why guilt and shame can serve protective and restorative roles. Stories from Judges highlight moral consequence and the reality of justice. The discussion traces how ancient faith linked one good God to objective moral truth. It contrasts destructive shamelessness with healthy guilt that leads to confession and restored relationship.

A call to fast from harsh words and disarm our language during Lent. A clear definition of condemnation as malice plus disgust. A single, simple practice is offered that makes condemning others nearly impossible. Why we overestimate our listening and how strong emotions shut it down. Scripture and a listening checklist prompt curiosity instead of contempt.

A reflection on how a single moment can alter a life and why we often presume too much about others. Themes include the limits of judgment, the unseen stories that shape people, and the hope of unknown futures. Listeners are invited to trade contempt for curiosity and to bless those they are tempted to condemn.

A lively look at Les Misérables to explore two ways of living: one that condemns and one that blesses, plus a third transformed way. Conversation highlights why condemnation feels so powerful and how grace can humble before it heals. A memorable scene with candlesticks shows self-giving love defeating judgment.

They unpack how shame and judgment operate as social rituals that lower others to lift ourselves up. They explore everyday examples and a sociologist’s concept of status degradation. They trace Gospel scenes where Jesus reverses humiliation through humility, service, and voluntary suffering. They invite practicing elevation by serving and lifting people instead of shaming them.

A calm guide to noticing how judgment shows up in your body and daily life. Short breathing practices and the 90-second rule help interrupt automatic condemnation. The talk contrasts choosing not to judge with deeper emotional transformation. Practical prompts and everyday examples reveal how blessing can rewire reactions and let you disagree without dehumanizing others.

A conversation about correcting others without condemning them. It explores the difference between tone and heart and why love must drive correction. Biblical passages and a mother-hen image illustrate fierce compassion. Practical distinctions include contempt versus courage and how to speak truth in love.