Article May 11, 1981 Issue

Let your criticism be Christly

JEFFREY PAUL McCULLOCH

We sometimes hear that it is never right to criticize. This may be true when destructive, personal criticism is meant; but there is another side of criticism.

Christian Science shows us that criticism in Christianity can serve as valuable a function as do critiques in drama, athletics, or ballet. No one intent on mastering any of these disciplines would want to be without corrective guidance. To improve one's precision and performance in any of these endeavors, one needs to know when he or she is right, as well as what mistakes are being made and how to correct them. True artists and athletes value this expert analysis—and so does the true Christian, who seeks and treasures the criticism that is a result of hearing the Christ.

Peter thrived on the criticism of the Master, Christ Jesus. Jesus was quick to compliment Peter when he did well but was also ready with a rebuke when Peter failed to practice the highest Christianity. In one case he declared, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"^{ Matt. 14:31.} Perhaps Jesus' sternest comment was, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."^{ 16:23 .}

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