Why not just celebrate (and not criticize) the different ways God has worked in people’s lives?
I think this question has two important presuppositions: • Criticism is a bad thing. • A lot of latitude exists in the practical out-working of faith in community (i.e. church) From an emotional perspective, I understand the first presupposition. For many people the term “criticism” is associated with unloving, unnecessary, or unsolicited slander. Of course such slander is painful and, therefore, judged as a bad thing. However, from a logical perspective I must disagree. Criticism can be either constructive or destructive, helpful or hurtful, but it isn’t necessarily either one. I hope the criticism I have offered has been layered with love and grace. I do not mean to slander or be unhelpful. I have tried very much to offer constructive solutions to all the problems I have pointed out. Of all the definitions of “criticism” that Merriam Webster offers the one I have tried to embody above all others is, “exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious evaluation.” Criticism (and it
