"Matt Walsh" (cartoon by nakedpastor David Hayward)
"Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him." (Nahum 1:6)
If you want to learn how to be truly judgmental, read
The Matt Walsh blog. He's excellent at it.
Mr. Walsh is clever in many ways. He does know how to form a strong opinion and how to articulate it in popular fashion. He's also savvy when it comes to the internet, branding and marketing. He's created a brand that appeals to many like-minded people.
But after observing him for a while, I've come to the conclusion that he is actually an slick conduit of radical right public opinion. He represents the Christian equivalent of the Taliban. Actually, I have wondered if he's a real person or in fact some kind of right-wing Christian newsfeed aggregator that's personalized then posted by Anonymous.
Walsh is judgmental. We all are to differing degrees. But Walsh makes it a profound public performance that deserves attention because it is so popular while being so divisive.
What does it take to be judgmental? I think it takes a
superior attitude, a
lack of empathy, a strong does of
condescension, and it helps if you have a
religion that validates it.
When you are judgmental, you can say things like:
- transgendered people are confused;
- divorcees are weak, wimpy, defeatist ingrates;
- kids graduating from elementary school are coddled by delusional parents;
- pro-choice people aren't Christians;
- women are narcissistic propagandists for protesting misogynist violence;
- poor people fighting to raise minimum wage are sobbing parasites...
I could go on about his racism, misogyny, sexism, genderism, etcetera. But you probably already get the point: Just think about anyone who is not like you, judge them with condescension and quote scripture if you can.
I recognize that some might interpret this as ironic. Here I am judging a judgmental person. In response I will say: I do critique that which I think is unfair and harmful to any of us and our communities. And Walsh's blog is just that.
I believe Walsh and I are one. I'm sure he doesn't think the same. In the light of a gospel that is about unity, the reconciliation of all and equal rights for everyone, Walsh's project is about division, separation and discrimination.
