221 - Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner: When Do We Speak Up?

In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge brings a phrase he's been chewing on: “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”

It's a phrase that sounds simple enough, but something about it bothers Ridge. What does it actually mean? At what point do we confront the sin instead of simply loving the sinner? Can we genuinely care about someone while avoiding the very thing we believe is hurting them? And is refusing to address wrongdoing an act of compassion, or are we just making ourselves more comfortable?

We dig into the tension between loving people, disagreeing with their choices, and deciding when—or whether—we should speak up.

Shelby, meanwhile, has developed a much less intellectually demanding approach: dismiss both the sin and the sinner and move on with his life. It's probably not the answer Ridge was looking for, but it does save Shelby a lot of mental energy.

It's a conversation about faith, judgment, compassion, and the uncomfortable space between accepting people and challenging them. We may not solve the problem, but at least Ridge has something new to think about—and Shelby can go back to not thinking about it.

Rate the show, follow The Barn Philosopher, and share this episode with someone who enjoys a good conversation—even when there's no easy answer. Have thoughts of your own? Send them to thebarnphilosopher@gmail.com.