What are the standards by which the community of faith is judged?

Answer 1

While it's true -- there is such a thing as 'community responsibility'; in the finale, it boils down to 'individual responsibility'.

The standards used to JUDGE, are God's righteous standards recorded in his holy word The Bible. God requires mankind to live by the 'moral' standards he has outlined. Forgiveness is granted where we might err; but not to all; only those who are genuinely repentant, and who work hard at compliance with what God requires.

Some standards:

Jesus mentioned first & foremost, the standard of: - - LOVE. Love of God; and love of neighbor (including enemies). Love encompasses a broad spectrum of good conduct. 1 Cor 13 describes what love is like; and what love is not-like.

The Bible mentions following the standard of: -- Justice.We must be fair, and impartial. It would include honesty, truthfulness. It would preclude prejudice; revenge. (Example: God might look at parents to see if they lie to their children. ie Santa brings the gifts. God would judge, not only the 'individual' adults involved; but God would also JUDGE the religious organizations who wink at such lying, thus actually promoting it.)

The Bible also mentions standards of: - - Morality. Adultery is forbidden. Likewise other forms of immorality. Yes the 'community' which approves / permits it, will be judged; (ie government laws permitting adultery, fornication, homosexuality, abortion) -- but it boils down to 'individuals' being judged directly by God.