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CRITICISM

Rotten Reviews, a book edited by Bill Henderson, contains some negative reviews some works of art including Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Henderson reports that “Children’s Books” called Alice in Wonderland “stiff,” and “overwrought.” “Century Magazine” said A Tale of Two Cities was “a sheer dead pull from start to finish.” And the “Saturday Review of Literature” said the author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, “deserves a good shaking.”

—Reader’s Digest, January 2004, p. 73 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

A suppose one lesson we can draw from these criticisms that did not stand the test of time is to ignore our critics, but that wouldn’t always be wise. Sometimes criticism is valid. But the point is that sometimes it is not. Even critics can be wrong. Ultimately, it is God, not our critics that will judge us.

1 Cor. 4:3-5 (NASB) “But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. [4] For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. [5] Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.”

For more information on Rotten Reviews, go to: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140112480/fm082-20

CRITICISM

In their book, "A is for Abductive", Sweet & McClaren write, "...it is uncharitable for non-pioneers to condemn pioneers for trying and failing at something that at least needs to be tried. Finding better paths often involves failing at first attempts."

—"A is for Abductive", p. 240. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Ephesians 4:32 (CEV) "Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ."

CRITICISM/ENCOURAGEMENT

SK Telecom, the largest mobile phone provider in South Korea is offering their customers a new service with the cell phones which will allow them to do more than keep in touch. The mobile phone company claims their newest noise service will repel mosquitoes.

Subscribers can pay 3000 won ($2.50 US) to download a sound wave that cannot be heard by human ears, but which annoys mosquitoes within a three-foot range. Selecting a combination of numbers on the phone’s keypad plays the sound.

The company claims the service worked well during recent tests. The only problem with the service is that one blast to get rid of mosquitoes consumes as much battery power as several normal cell phone rings.

—Associated Press, Noise From Phone Can Chase Mosquitoes, July 10, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Have you noticed that the same thing is true of dealing with critical people? They tend to zap our energy. Have you also noticed how invigorating a word of encouragement can be?

Proverbs 12:25 NASB “Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.”

You may have more in common with Priscilla Presley, who married Elvis in 1967 than you think. As she reflected on her marriage to the King, she said “I was hated for marrying him, hated for getting a divorce,” she said. “Having people being critical but not knowing what your life was and not knowing that you were trying desperately to be a good wife, to be a good mother, to be a good companion—it was a hard road.”—Jim L. Wilson

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/priscilla-presley-reveals-the-hardest-part-of-being-married-to-elvis_56310a16e4b00aa54a4c43d9

While criticism of others comes easy to most of us, it is hard to take—especially when you know you are doing the best you can.

James 5:9 (HCSB) Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! 
 

CRITICISM

Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy that reached the top of the Box Office list. It is a fun comedy with all the elements that make up the genre. One thing that is not so funny is the criticism the characters receive. Some criticize them for not being American enough. Others criticize them for not being Asian enough.

World Magazine, September 15, 2018, p. 20

We should be careful, really careful, about any criticisms we level at one another. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

James 5:9 (CSB)

Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

CRITICISM

In his book, Bezonomics: How Amazon Is Changing Our Lives and What the World's Best Companies Are Learning from It, Brian Dumaine quotes Bezos as saying, “Even the best innovators always look a little clueless at the beginning because to get a great return you have to be doing something most people aren’t. So, look in the mirror and ask if you agree with your critics. If not, water the garden and ignore the weeds.”

--Bezonomics, 238.

Proverbs 27:6 (CSB)

“The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,

but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.”