THE SIN OF PROJECTION

 

                            GIVEN AT LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR HOME 4-7-2027

When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her. They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

Projection, in a psychological sense, refers to the act of attributing one's own thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. In a biblical context, projection can be understood as a form of self-deception or misjudgment, where individuals may ascribe their own faults or intentions to others, often leading to misunderstanding and conflict.

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "projection," the concept can be seen in various narratives and teachings. One notable example is found in our first reading today. Two old men, who were officially judges of other people, used to visit the house of the rich man Joakim and his wife Susanna. They noticed that Susanna liked to walk in the garden alone every day. After lusting after her and her refusal to give into them, they project their own sins onto her and accuse her of adultery. The story ends with them being trapped in their own lies.

Projection can lead to false judgments and accusations, which are cautioned against in Scripture. Jesus teaches about the dangers of judging others without self-reflection: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). This teaching underscores the importance of self-awareness and humility, encouraging believers to examine their own hearts before casting judgment on others.

Projection is closely related to self-deception, where individuals fail to recognize their own faults. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights the human tendency to deceive oneself, which can manifest as projection.

Projection often leads to hypocrisy, where individuals criticize others for faults they themselves possess. Jesus warns against this behavior, particularly among religious leaders, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity."

While the Bible does not directly address the modern psychological concept of projection, its teachings on self-awareness, judgment, and humility provide a framework for understanding and overcoming this tendency. Through introspection and reliance on God's wisdom, believers can strive to align their perceptions and actions with biblical truth.

some ideas borrowed from BIBLE HUB