Some say that we shouldn't go around criticizing others. I strongly disagree. I say that criticism is a good thing and every rational person should beg the world for it.
If not for criticism when we were children, many of us would be littering the streets, sucking our thumbs, and picking our noses all the time. We probably would still believe that the earth is flat and the sun goes around it. Every adult is a child in some ways. So, if criticism benefitted us when we were children, it sure would help us now. Then, why not desire it?
I noticed that we (educated desi's with western orientation) are not exactly known for our ability to handle criticism. We get pretty defensive easily. Though I got a lot better at it over time, I too am guilty of mishandling criticism on spur of the moments, once in a while.
If criticism bothers us, it sure means one thing - we haven't yet (sufficiently) conquered our ego and our brain needs a tune-up. In my opinion, a criticism need not even be constructive (i.e., a criticism with recommended solution).
Say I meet someone in Austin, who is planning on driving East on US 290 to go to Minneapolis. Also say, I know that US 290 would not take that person to Minneapolis, and I don't know that I-35 would. What should I do? Should I not criticize (i.e., tell that person that going east is wrong) as I have no clue on what route that person must take? I think not. At a minimum, I should attempt to stop that person from going the wrong way. Of course, I do think that criticism should be offered calmly, guilelessly, and if possible, impersonally.
I came across a writing that interpreted John 5:22 as saying, we shouldn't criticize others. I believe that "The Father makes no judgment, but hath committed all judgment unto the son" is essentially saying that we are responsible for our own karma. It is not asking us to abstain from criticism.
If not for criticism when we were children, many of us would be littering the streets, sucking our thumbs, and picking our noses all the time. We probably would still believe that the earth is flat and the sun goes around it. Every adult is a child in some ways. So, if criticism benefitted us when we were children, it sure would help us now. Then, why not desire it?
I noticed that we (educated desi's with western orientation) are not exactly known for our ability to handle criticism. We get pretty defensive easily. Though I got a lot better at it over time, I too am guilty of mishandling criticism on spur of the moments, once in a while.
If criticism bothers us, it sure means one thing - we haven't yet (sufficiently) conquered our ego and our brain needs a tune-up. In my opinion, a criticism need not even be constructive (i.e., a criticism with recommended solution).
Say I meet someone in Austin, who is planning on driving East on US 290 to go to Minneapolis. Also say, I know that US 290 would not take that person to Minneapolis, and I don't know that I-35 would. What should I do? Should I not criticize (i.e., tell that person that going east is wrong) as I have no clue on what route that person must take? I think not. At a minimum, I should attempt to stop that person from going the wrong way. Of course, I do think that criticism should be offered calmly, guilelessly, and if possible, impersonally.
I came across a writing that interpreted John 5:22 as saying, we shouldn't criticize others. I believe that "The Father makes no judgment, but hath committed all judgment unto the son" is essentially saying that we are responsible for our own karma. It is not asking us to abstain from criticism.
