A Critique of Criticism

Accepting and growing from criticism and complaints

01/29/2018

2 Samuel 16:5-13 As David was approaching Bahurim, a man named Shimei, the son of Gera of the same clan as Saul's family,was coming out of the place, cursing as he came. He threw stones at David and at all the king's officers, even though all the soldiers, including the royal guard, were on David's right and on his left. Shimei was saying as he cursed: "Away, away, you murderous and wicked man! The LORD has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of Saul, in whose stead you became king, and the LORD has given over the kingdom to your son Absalom. And now you suffer ruin because you are a murderer." Abishai, son of Zeruiah, said to the king: "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, please, and lop off his head." But the king replied: "What business is it of mine or of yours, sons of Zeruiah, that he curses? Suppose the LORD has told him to curse David; who then will dare to say, 'Why are you doing this?'" Then the king said to Abishai and to all his servants: "If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life, how much more might this Benjaminite do so? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day." David and his men continued on the road, while Shimei kept abreast of them on the hillside, all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went.

            One of the hardest things to handle well is criticism, when someone criticizes us or complains about something we’ve done. Most people tend to shy away from conflict and controversy, and I’m one of them. My only criticism or complaint is, “Why can’t we all just get along?” which is really a criticism of criticism. But Bishop Taylor has helped me see that sometimes (not always) criticism can be a sign of effective pastoral ministry, that you’re doing a good job as a pastor. I love that old maxim, “the sign of a good sermon is that it comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.” If we haven’t afflicted the comfortable then we haven’t learned how criticism is a critical component of Christianity.

            Recently, I’ve delved deeply into the teaching called the “theology of the body” by Pope Saint John Paul II. In one sense, he wrote it as a criticism of the great German philosopher, Immanuel Kant. Kant himself wrote a book in 1787 called Critique of Pure Reason, one of the most influential books in the history of philosophy, and it still shapes much of the modern mentality. Kant didn’t criticize a person but rather principles, what we can know and what we cannot know. My point is not to take sides in that controversy (but clearly John Paul was correct!) but simply to say that criticism can be a healthy part of growing and maturing as humans and as humanity. Bishop Taylor is right: developing a critical eye is key to Christianity.

             King David is dealing with his own critics in 2 Samuel 16. As he’s approaching the town of Bahurim, a man named Shimei comes out not only to criticize the king but cursing him and even throwing stones and dirt at him. Shimei gave a good sermon that day because he was definitely afflicting the comfortable king and his retinue. But David’s reaction is both holy and humble, and very instructive for us. While his military officers could easily have dispatched Shimei’s head – and very much wanted to – David rather replies: “Suppose the Lord has told him to curse David; who then will dare to say, ‘Why are you doing this?’” David understood the necessary role that criticism plays in the development of people and personalities. He didn’t cave into the common lament: why can’t we all just get along? David had learned to turn a critical eye toward criticism itself, and he saw its value.

            Let me draw out just two practical conclusions from this critique of criticism. First, create healthy habits of criticizing yourself. At the end of each day conduct a brief examination of conscience and reflect on what you could have done better (that’s a nice way of saying your sins). Our conscience can be our best critic, if we give it time and listen to its counsel. When someone criticizes you or corrects you, refrain from becoming defensive or giving reasons justifying your actions. Rather, listen humbly like King David and think, “Suppose the Lord has told this person to correct me?” Receive others’ criticism as if Jesus were correcting you.

            Second, be gentle in your criticism or complaints of others. It’s good to call a spade a spade, that is, to be honest and straight-forward. But maybe you could tell someone their spade is a really pretty spade. You don’t have to use a sledgehammer when you afflict the comfortable; you could use a small ball peen hammer instead. We must hate the sin while loving the sinner. Criticize with compassion.

           It is often said that the Church is “ecclesia semper reformanda,” meaning the Church is always in need of reform and deepening her discipleship. Not only do we turn a critical eye to correct the weaknesses of the world, but we must also welcome the world to criticize us, properly speaking. Criticism can be a good thing, because sometimes, we can’t all just get along.

Praised be Jesus Christ!