This talk dates from nearly thirty years ago, but it is just as relevant today.
Throughout our history we have had members who have criticized the Church and its leaders. Church disciplinary action against such members has been rare or nonexistent. Persistent, public critics punish themselves. By deliberately separating themselves from those who have been called as their leaders, critics forfeit the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord. They drift from prayer, from the scriptures, from Church activity, and from keeping the commandments. They inevitably lose spirituality and blessings. As the prophet Nephi observed, those who succumb to pride and “works of darkness” are on the way to spiritual destruction, “for the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man.” (2 Ne. 26:10–11.)
Thoughts?
I think that the only way to criticize a church leader, any church leader, is to take the disagreement to the party personally. Public criticism, no matter how sincere, only leads to schisms and can damage the fith of those who publicly criticize and others whose faith may not be firmed.
ReplyDeleteIf a person were to read and heed much of the LDS blogosphere, such an one would get the idea that the LDS leaders hardly ever get anything right. The criticism is a constant bit of noise daily, and seems to rise to a crescendo after every General Conference.
It seems that everybody knows how to run the Church better than those who have been called and spent their lives in service to their fellow man and their God.
But at some time or the other, we all will have to face the same God. I don't want my Heavenly Father to ask me why I was so harsh in judging his Propets and other leaders.
Just my two cents worth.
Glenn