Judge Not: Pt. 3: Where's the furor?

Overview
In what is quickly becoming a series of posts elaborating on one of the most brazenly abused scriptures in the Bible, Matthew 7:1-2, otherwise known as "judge not, lest you be judged, we are going to take a look at another aspect of application.
In part one, we investigated the proper exegetical meaning of the scripture, that Jesus is making a proclamation against judging one another eternally, not against judging actions that are immoral or unbiblical.
In part two, we took a look at some practical implications of how a judgmental spirit may overtake, overrun and keep a church from fulfilling its purpose on earth.
Part three will deal with another application. The question has been asked if there are times and places for judging. The answer to that is dependent upon the purpose and motives for doing so. What follows will be a building of a case for a time in which loving judgments should be made.

The Imus predicament
This past spring, much deliberation occurred over statements made by Don Imus in regards to his statement about the Rutgers women's basketball team. In one fell stroke, Imus managed to offend both the female and African-American communities. The comments have cost Imus his lucrative job, at least on CBS and MSNBC. A quick attempt to hush the matter by the respective companies initially led to a two week suspension for Imus. That proverbial slap on the wrist was eventually replaced by the firing of Imus, mostly in response to the furor of both offended communities.
This situation calls for a bit of an editorial comment on my part. First, I support the decision to fire Imus. In this day and age - frankly in any day and age, that type of misogynistic and racially charged language has no place on the airwaves. Second, I stand in full support of the comments that were made by the Rutgers coach, in which she stated that the time has come in which NO ONE should be making those types of comments: neither white, nor black, nor male nor female. In other words, no one should be saying such things, whether it be on the airwaves or in song.
Third, I also stand in support of the investigation and spotlight being turned upon the hip-hop community. As one of the most popular forms of musical expression, accountability for apparent misogny must be in place. With all respect for Snoop Dogg as a man, I think that his argument, along with that of Russell Simmons, about rap artist simply writing about what they see rings incredibly hollow. Women are not female dogs and they aren't mere objects for quenching men's desires. They are men's partners and equals. Across the board, statements against women must stop. This isn't an opportunity to swipe at the hip-hop community, it's an opportunity to speak out in judgment, motivated by my love for women and the protection of our children.
Fourth, I wonder if it might be possible that a bit of hypersensitivity didn't come into play in this Imus/Rutgers situation. Really, should the Rutgers team have cared about what some dj said about them? How do the statements of a played-out, well past his prime shock jock have to impact a fine athletic accomplishment? Just a thought...

Application for the Christian
Now, while I have stated that I contend that Imus was out of line and that his firing is justified, I wonder if the type of moral indignation that was displayed by both the African-American community leaders and women's rights activists shouldn't be carried into another arena. It seems that pundits for nearly every interest group is given a forum on a national level in order to, rightfully, voice their displeasure about unfavorable and possibly degrading race and sex based statements.
My only concern about this process, is this. Where's the furor within the Christian community in regards to statements that have been made by, for example, Bill Maher on his show about the deluded and weak need for some to rely upon religion? His statements aren't far removed from a Marxian opinion of religion being the opiate of the masses. Yet, does anyone speak out or is anyone even given the opportunity to speak out on a national stage?
Further, while Rosie was catching flak her statements of belief in a national conspiracy in regards to 9/11, who was standing up in righteous indignation about her recent comments in which she compared fundamentalist Christian to fundamentalist terrorists? Who was calling for her firing? I believe with all of my heart that Christians need to take note of the climate of sensitivity that is being displayed in this country and see if some of that might be able to be used to defend and refine thoughts about Christianity today? Or would we have yet another case of tolerance for all things, except the cross of Christ?

A time for "judging"
What I'm saying is that there are times to stand up and to "not let your good be spoken evil of". There are times to stand up in defense of the most precious gift ever given to humanity. In a similar fashion, there are times to judge statements made by individuals. I believe that I have demonstrated at least two occasions in which protest and judgment is apropos. What I would warn against, however, would be the use of that righteous indignation in statements against the person, Rosie O'Donnell. That doesn't mean that I stand in support of her public lifestyle choices. It means that any potential public forum that a Christian advocate might receive needs to and must be directed towards the hateful comments against Christianity rather than at the person who made them.
In other words, the examples of the aforementioned pundits must be followed. No credible comments were made against the person of Don Imus. It was the statements of the man that were measured and found wanting. I believe that Christians, when making discerning and Holy Spirit-led statements need to direct their furor at statements. Might there still be backlash against the brave stand? Sure, but at least the ammunition that is given to those making the statements against religion or Christianity will be diminished.

Closing Comments
So while there are times in which judgment may be Biblically given - and this particular post is only examining one time and one direction in which judgments may be vocalized - they should only be given when guided by love, correction and of utmost importance, the Holy Spirit. Love is still the rule and the guidelines of love that are given in I Corinthians 13 must be followed. Be patient, kind and never rude. Judgment can't be directed by selfish motives and can't be given in order to continue legalistic practices.