Sinful Blaming

Jun 23

To blame is to accuse another of wrongdoing. This accusation may be correct or false. Unfortunately, we humans often engage in sinful blaming. Sinful blaming is rooted in fear, shame, and guilt (Gen 3:7-13). We have a fragile self-image and don’t want to accept responsibility because that would mean we aren’t perfect, we are flawed. The consequence? We would need to change, to repent. This is humbling. Blame also leads us to be defensive and is hurtful to others. Blame is a display of lovelessness since it seeks to lay unearned guilt on others. It stifles creativity and a willingness to make decisions. Others become anxious about being blamed. Hence, they look to make sure that everything they do absolutely conforms to the letter of the law. Risk-taking and a willingness to focus on the spirit of the law diminish in an atmosphere of blame.

Union General McClellan was afraid of failure. As a result, he refused to attack so he wouldn’t have to risk failure. However, not wanting to be seen as a coward, he tried to shift the blame for his inactivity onto others. He kept protesting that the Confederates vastly outnumbered his army even when he had at least a 2 to 1 advantage over them (McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, p 365). Blaming others was a result of his fear and pride. McClellan needed to confess his unwillingness to do what was right (1 Jn 1:9) then start acting properly (Prov 28:13).

Furthermore, it is often true that “blame is most readily averted by being so much like everybody else that one passes unnoticed” (John Dewey). This is a reason why teens, who pursue being cool, emphasize conformity and the censure of those who don’t conform to their group’s norms. They avoid being blamed by those in their group through conformity. Adults do the same thing. However, this can be a form of idolatry (Gal 1:10).

We should not unfairly blame others. We ought to live in a way that pleases the Lord and, thus, does not expose us to justified blame. When blamed, let us also accept whatever is legitimate but put it in the larger picture. Our mistake is probably not truly catastrophic.

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