In the post modern world criticism has become a socially acceptable practice. A practice that people often engage in with absolutely no regard to the consequences. Why should we? It’s portrayed as such a normal thing everywhere we look, not that normal is by default good by any means. Many of these so-called reality TV shows revolve around placing people in a position of spectacle. Unfortunately, that’s why many people tune in, to watch people be criticized and humiliated. Many of the sitcoms out there are just people criticizing one another all for a laugh. Journalism is often an act of finding fault with whatever can be found, and projecting that harsh opinion before the entire nation. If you spend any time on the internet, where anybody can post a comment, you will find many hateful words. The phenomenon of blogging is often used as a virtual soapbox from which they can gripe. It’s not even about relevant things all the time, for often people are using the universal access of the internet to make a huge spectacle concerning the most trivial of issues. People even go out of their way to criticize critics ironically enough. There have even been a few isolated incidents where internet bullying has lead to suicide, which is a rather strong testament to just how powerful words can be. Overall the world has become so narcissistic and arrogant it seems like many people act as if the whole world exists to live up to their expectations, and verbally abuse everyone who displeases them. From the average person’s point of view it always seems like it’s the quickest and easiest way to get what we want out of, and change people to our liking. But the reality is, even when it works, the change is only surface. So we are only diluting ourselves by utilizing criticism. When it doesn’t work at all, it inspires only hatred and resentment. We even see reckless tongues in the church, including high profile voices of the church. Should we though? It’s a question few have asked, but I believe that it’s time that we did.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless -James 1:26
Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. - Psalm 64:1-4
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| altar of viciousness |
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