There is something I’ve been pondering I would like to share with you. If you would share your feedback. Is it ok to call people things that are less than flattering? Is it ok, permissible to call out or be rude in a serious or confrontational situation?
Here is the basis for my question, in a discussion on social media, one individual told another he was much smarter, tools the individual to admit he was mentally outclassed. He then called him an ignoramus multiple times, then tossed out some Theological labels. I addresses the situation, pointing out the problem of being rude. The individual declared he was simply condemning heresy. Was he justified?
It seems a cut and dry, the Bible tells us only to build one another up. This is problematic for me because Jesus had a tendency to use less than flattering language. Brood of vipers, white washed tombs, hypocrite, blind guides. Jesus could be pretty harsh. Paul had his moments, calling the church in Galatia foolish. The scriptures could be hard on some folks.
Jesus used harsh language, so does this justify calling someone an ignoramus? Here is where I see a huge difference. Jesus never used harsh language to win an argument. Most of the time, we use harsh words to belittle our opponent to win the argument. The foundation is pride. We are so intent on being right. Jesus was speaking truth, the spiritual condition of the religious leaders was not in question. This is who they were, Jesus looked into their hearts.
When we belittle each other for very ungodly reasons. We mock one another to win arguments, to amuse ourselves and to feed our pride. Is this alway the case? Are there times this sort of rhetoric is appropriate? Is there a time we use harsh language for constructive purposes? Should we ever call someone an ignoramus? What do you think?