Wise Judgement in Jesus's Teachings

Wise Judgement Steps

• Three steps of wise judgement: seeing reality clearly, figuring out the good, and knowing personal feelings and motives.
• In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus recognizes disrespect from Simon, the Pharisee, and sees the potential for goodness in the sinful woman.
• Jesus's emotional response includes anger towards the Pharisees' arrogance and compassion for the woman.

Jesus's Wise Judgement

• Jesus views individuals holistically, focusing on their potential rather than just their sins.
• The story of "A Woman Caught in Adultery" showcases Jesus's risk-taking and wisdom when he challenges the crowd's intent to stone her.
• His response emphasizes a fair judgement based on personal integrity rather than strict adherence to the law, as evidenced by "Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone."

Rationalization in Decision Making

• Rationalization occurs when individuals justify actions based on peer behavior, personal circumstances, or social expectations.
• Example: At a party, the individual feels pressure to partake in drinking due to the actions of friends and concerns about their image.

Moral Virtues

• Moral virtues are habits that predispose individuals to do good, reflecting their character and intentions.

Theological Virtues

• The statement regarding theological virtues being developed through practice is false; they are inherent and need not be practiced.

Virtues Defined

• A virtue is characterized as a good habit rather than a compulsion.

Characteristics of Character

• Character encompasses a blend of qualities, including virtues, vices, talents, and weaknesses.

Well-formed Conscience

• A well-formed conscience enhances one's capacity for wise judgement and moral discernment.

LISTEN Process

• The LISTEN process comes before the ability to make wise judgements, assisting in conscience formation.

Cardinal Virtues

• Cardinal virtues act like hinges to other moral virtues, facilitating ethical behavior rather than simply being related to a lock and door concept.

Wise Judgement and Risks

• Wise judgement sometimes necessitates taking risks, especially when acting for the greater good.

Conscience Formation

• The LISTEN process is integral to developing a well-informed conscience.

Decision Making in Followers of Jesus

• Wise judgement incorporates decision-making according to a well-formed conscience and a commitment to execute these decisions faithfully.

Risks of Wise Judgement

• Jesus often engaged in risky behavior for the sake of good, counter to the belief that he never did.

Essential Qualities for Wise Judgement

• To judge wisely, awareness of reality is imperative for sound decision-making.

Prudent Judgement

• Wise judgement is synonymous with being prudent, indicating thoughtful consideration in decision-making.

Expectations from Jesus's Followers

• Followers of Jesus must prioritize actions that are inherently good and loving to align with the principles of wise judgement.

Consequences of Wise Judgement

• The virtue of wise judgement encourages careful evaluation of potential consequences in decision-making processes.

Understanding Rationalization

• People often rationalize actions to avoid confronting their true motives, leading to distorted decision-making.

Others’ Perception of Wise Judgement

• Judgements made by followers of Jesus may be perceived by others as risky, unconventional, or foolish owing to their counter-cultural nature.