In Defense of Criticism
Before I get into my thoughts on Chapter 4, I would like to put in a short defense of criticism. It seems I am coming off as "riled up," as Chadd put it, and some people who have been around me when I do this have even said that I seem unloving (this was a criticism in San Antonio). For my perspective, that is not the case. I view my criticism as service. I love coaching. And even more, I love the people that I will influence with it. That is why it is essential, at least for me, to test it through and through. It is because of my love for both of theses that I do this.History teaches, at least how I see it, that there are two ways that Satan usually poisons God-movements. One, he attacks the character of the catalysts. While it's not right for me to critique other's characters, I will critique me own vigorously, and will mention observations where I think others should think if critigue is needed. Two, through the principles and ideas attached to the Gospel -- through the expedients that get the job done. Therefore, I will criticize every one of these. I think this is the role of the prophetic in a potential movement such as ours. Apostolicly gifted people could often care less. They are interested in moving forward. While that is understandable, God has given prophetically gifted people for health as we move forward. Few people have intended to start cults, heresies, and corrupt movements. But the errors of the pinoneers are multiplied and magnified in those who proceed them. Our own heritage should be proof enough of that.
I would call for a witness Jeremiah. During the reign of Josiah, one of the few good kings after David, there was a move towards revival [2 Cr 34-35]. The temple was restored, the law found, the people recommitted. But Jeremiah, while he knew Josiah was legit, criticized that people saying they were just following the king, but their hearts weren't with it [Jer 3:6-10]. His criticism was mostly ignored, the weaknesses subverted the movement, and the revival never really happened. Josiah died, his successor was evil, and the nation sped towards the exile.
posted by soulster @ 6:08 AM
2 Comments:
Thanks for your clarification my brother and for helping in this way. You mentioned in one of your posts below a need for "accountability" from your coreaders. What do you have in mind?
One thing I do not want is to use my criticisms as a justification for laziness or lack of growth on my part. To talk about where this material needs adjustment is not the same as invalidating the whole thing. But it is easier to be lazy and self-justified then to do the hard work of learning and adjusting. I want to learn to be a better coach. I want to be serious about coaching people. So when I say accountability, I mean that it would be good for my co-journeyers to keep track of my personal practice of coaching while I am critiquing it.
One way you can do this to summarize how you invision coaching or what you're getting from the text, and then ask me how I'm doing with the parts of the text you think are helpful.
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