I’m fine with honest and loving critique of any person, including myself. What saddens me is when people who wear the name of Christ cast stones unjustly, or try to slander others. We are to 'put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his (our) neighbor(s), for we are all members of one body.' (Eph 4:24)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph 4:29-32)
(Marysecretary wrote:) I like to hear more people preach on sin and hell myself
I think many churches are afraid of 'offending' people with unpleasant aspects of scripture. The thinking seems to go that people don't 'like' to hear about sin or hell, so we should avoid the subject. Yet we are told that friendship with the world is hatred towards God' (James 4:4).
We need the full message of God delivered, and not just a portion of it. Without knowledge of our absolute sinfulness and the rightious judgement of God, the gospel fails to be Good News.
God himself forbids us to criticize a brother/sister in the Lord. Most criticism is not honest and loving, sadly. I don’t have any problem with someone telling me to my face that what I’m doing isn’t pleasing to the Lord, but it’s not good for Christians to constantly criticize another brother who is in the ministry. If they don’t like what he does, go to him or write to him personally. Warren isn’t my cup of tea but we did do a small group in the church at our home and it was fine.