CRITIC – The Hebraic Philosophy of ‘Critique From Within’

A woman crossing a bridge with the word critic written on it.

There has been much talk lately on social media about how we should behave on the internet.

What is the line between debate and hate speak. What divides critique from trolling.

The Hebrew scriptures are full of critique of the nations around, but the most cutting critiques are reserved for Israel itself. This is an idea called ‘critique from within’ and was a major part of hebraic spirituality, even the religious and political leaders were not beyond reproach.

Micah 3:1-3 states:

"Then I said,

“Listen, you leaders of Jacob,
you rulers of Israel.
Should you not embrace justice,
you who hate good and love evil;
who tear the skin from my people
and the flesh from their bones;
who eat my people’s flesh,
strip off their skin
and break their bones in pieces;
who chop them up like meat for the pan,
like flesh for the pot?”

As Christians we stand in this prophetic tradition, to critique the bride of Christ, in all its various contexts, this is a healthy and life giving discipline.

We also stand in the tradition of love, for all things. And it is in love, as members of the same family that critique is offered (and accepted). We must always do things in love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness.

Therefore critique over the internet should be expected, but should always be given in a loving and caring way for all parties involved, that does not seek to belittle them or shun their ideas.

May we be those that provide a prophetic voice of critique from within the bride of Christ, may we be those that accept critique as life-giving words that can confirm or change our current path, and above all, may we be those that live lives of love, in all that we do.

If you want to look more into this topic then I highly recommend Walter Wink's ground-breaking book "The Prophetic Imagination"*
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*Please note that this is an affiliate link. This means that if you purchase the book through this link I receive a small percentage of the purchase price.

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