It Can Be Realistically Implemented or Discussed
I’m just working with the term and definition here, so if the criticism is an impossibility—would never work—then it seems to me it isn’t “serving a useful purpose.” (Extreme example: I once had someone criticize my allowance of phones in the worship center. They thought I should be like a school teacher and take them up at the door. Okay…)
It Is Not Overly Divisive
Constructive criticism serves to build up—not tear down, so to meet the definition it must not divide people as much as it at least makes an attempt to bring people together around common values and vision. Of course, this is not always possible. It’s near impossible to get everyone to agree on anything, but constructive criticism doesn’t seem to be the type criticism which would splinter the groups opinions or divide people extensively.
This may simply be my personal rambling thoughts on the issue—maybe it’s not even constructive, but I’m all for offering better criticism.
There may be a need for non-constructive or destructive criticism sometime. Jesus cleared the temple this way. We may need to clear some things. If so, let’s deconstruct.
If we are going to attempt to constructively criticize constructive criticism should live up its name.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
