Christian Scientists deeply desire to express the Christ-spirit that brings healing. Therefore it is incumbent upon every Christian Scientist to consider whether his judgment of others rests upon the Christly desire to heal or, on the contrary, tends to fasten evil upon a person or persons.
There are two sides to criticism. A dictionary defines "criticism" as "faultfinding, censure" and a "critic" as "one given to harsh or captious judgment." Criticism of this kind does not manifest the healing spirit of Christ or demonstrate Christian Science. Our Master warned his followers against this kind of criticism when he succinctly said (Matt. 7:1), "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
On the other hand, a dictionary defines "criticism" in part as "the art of judging or evaluating with knowledge and propriety ..." and a "critic" as "one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter ..., involving a judgment of its value, truth, or righteousness, and appreciation of its beauty or technique." Jesus recommended this true method of criticism when he admonished, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).
