why are people so against judging criminals, fraudsters and chronic scroungers?

[YourWaryPlumBalonz]

There's someone at my church who is well known for avoiding work whenever possible and was actually convicted of fraud. Yet whenever anyone expresses a negative opinion about her, we're told not to judge.
I understand that nobody is perfect and that people can make mistakes. I also appreciate that people can have difficult backgrounds, health problems or circumstances that contribute to bad decisions.
However, at what point is judgement simply a reasonable response to someone's actions? If someone repeatedly lies, cheats, commits fraud or lives off others while expecting sympathy, why is it wrong to think less of them because of that behaviour?
To me, there seems to be a difference between judging a person's worth as a human being and judging their actions and character. If someone's behaviour consistently harms other people, shouldn't we be able to say that's unacceptable without being told we're being unkind?

Interesting that you mention your church.

Doesn't your religion teach you not to judge others?

To add, I don't suppose anyone is condoning the actual bad behaviour.

but tis hard not to feel contempt towards someone so criminal

Christian’s are taught not to judge others. They are abiding by those rules. Nothing good can come of judging anyone, nothing will change because somebody has judged so maybe just leave the judging to god!

Everyone judges inwardly no matter what they claim.

The people at your church mean you shouldn’t do it out loud.

Well yes, but isn’t that part of the religion you follow?

Here's a few reasons why your church is trying not to judge this guy. Christians aren't supposed to judge..

• Matthew 7:3–5 (The Speck and the Log): Jesus asks why you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye while ignoring the wooden plank in your own eye, calling for self-reflection before trying to fix others.
• Luke 6:37: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
• James 4:11–12: Warns believers not to speak evil against or judge one another, noting that God is the sole Lawgiver and Judge who has the power to save or destroy.
• Romans 14:13: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

What’s she done?

I think it varies depending on the severity of the crime for me. Fraud, assault, sexual impropriety and murder, I think there is forgiveness in there somewhere if the person is sufficiently remorseful and wants to be better.

Some crimes like being right wing are unforgivable however.

You may find it helpful to talk to your priest or vicar about this viewpoint.

Well I suppose the question is why do you need a level at which you can be comfortable to judge someone? And what would the outcome be? Will they change? Will it be positive? Will it just make you feel better?
I thought church is supposed to be about trying to learn to be compassionate and focus on understanding and support, Even if your initial feeling is one of judgement. Of course it’s hard otherwise no one would judge anyone, and isn’t that one of the reasons to go to church to remind you and support you of the values and how to follow them.

I think you should have a wee read of your bible again OP . @Sotiredimightreallydie has pointed you in the right direction of where to start.

I’d be wondering if the people saying that were hiding even worse secrets tbh because very religious people can be very hypocritical about things and until you’re caught, you are innocent.

WWJD OP?

There but for the grace of God.

She’ll have dirt on them, or they helped/ encouraged with the fraud….

Of course you are allowed to judge, just as long as you are not also doing the same thing you are judging i.e. being a hypocrite.

Judge not lest ye be judged.

What a typical response from you!

OP it’s because we are in a dystopian nightmare where working hard, wanting to reap the fruits of your labour, abiding by the law and not being a piece of shit is now called ‘NIMBYism’.

Whereas being fraudulent, criminal, feckless or irresponsible is worthy of protection and infantilisation.

Does it make you feel better to judge them? Does it improve your life in any way?

Yes. It’s called venting. Forcing it all down isn’t good for you. There’s evidence pent up frustration in women leads to health problems, hence us being in worse health than men who just spunk their anger all over the place.

Yes, I do that. I scream into my pillow.
No need to try and get the pitchfork welders out online.

I abandoned church and have never looked back

Reading this OP, I am so glad I did.

What else is the internet for.

I have kids, I can’t just scream into a cushion and frighten them. The luxuries of only being responsible for yourself.

I leave judgement up to the legal system. Also judge not, lest ye be judged - and I'm an atheist.

Lastly, wasting your mental energy judging someone is a waste. You could be using that effort actually helping people.

OK, so you can bitch about them online instead and other people can tell you how awful your kids are. Is that what you want?