Criticism

1. Criticism Criticism – the act of criticising, especially adversely Adversely – Acting or serving to oppose The emphasis is on the person who gives criticism and the person who receives criticism

2. What does the bible say? Happy are those whose hearts do not condemn them, and who have not given up their hope(Sirach 14:2) Taking his stand among them he said, Are you such fools, O Israelites, as to condemn a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts? (Dan 13:48) Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven(Luke 6:47) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17)

3. Other viewpoints H.H Pope ShenoudaIII • Criticism is required to be objective • Healthy criticism is a form of analysis, and a process of careful evaluation which highlights good as well as bad points, and gives the subject its full dues, making excuses for any weaknesses if there is scope to do so. • Criticism which only mentions the bad points, however is a kind of attack, and anyone doing this is not being just.

4. Cont’d • Various types and degrees of criticism: calm, serious, spiteful and wounding criticism. • Be objective and fair, and do not be harsh in your criticism.

5. John Climacus Giving criticism • Entering obedience, we can no longer start criticising the umpire, even if we should notice some faults in him. After all, he is human. • I knew a man who sinned openly but repented in secret. • Do not condemn. Not even if your very eyes are seeing something, for they may be deceived.

6. Receiving Criticism • But he who refuses to accept a criticism, just or not, renounces his own salvation, while he who accepts it, hard or not thought it may be, will soon have his sins forgiven. • The first step towards freedom from anger is to keep the lips silent when the heart is stirred: the next, to keep thoughts silent when the soul is upset; the last, to be totally calm when unclean winds are blowing. • Three stages: the first is to accept dishonour with bitterness, the intermediate is to be free from pain amid such things, the perfect stage (if that is attainable) is to think of dishonour and praise.

7. Cont’d • Rather it is the man who continues to love the person who has criticised him. • A proud person argues bitterly with others. • To reject criticism is to show pride, while to accept it is to show oneself free of this restraint.

8. Reflection • Criticism can be beneficial and harmful. • We seem to believe that people need to know what’s wrong with them so that they can ‘improve’ themselves. • Since when are differences imperfections, nobody is perfect anyway. • People are more grateful to those who encourage, appreciate and accept us for who we are. • Criticism can kill confidence

9. Recommendations • Be very careful of what you criticise, and how you do this. • Be prepared to accept criticism, and act appropriately.... people will always find something to criticise. • Constructive criticism is the key to being objective and fair. • Love your neighbour: Do not get angry with him, do not bear resentment or a grudge against him, do not ..... condemn anyone.

10. Examples • Fr Abdelmessih the Ethiopian – called himself a donkey + ‘when I am ill, God will protect me and bless me even more, and I do not ask for more than that’. • Think about yourself – criticism follows you, and you have to get over it and act accordingly.