The Doctrine of Criticism: Balancing Truth, Authority, and the Spirit

The commandment to speak the truth is foundational to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are taught, both in scripture and in the living word of our prophets, that truth has no shadow. Yet, when that truth is directed at the highest levels of spiritual authority—at the Prophet, the Apostles, or the general presidency—the doctrine becomes fraught with tension. How do we reconcile the sacred mandate to speak truth (John 8:32) with the seemingly strict counsel to refrain from criticizing those we hold to be Lord’s anointed?

This tension was recently brought into focus by scholars discussing the concept of "evil speaking of the Lord's anointed." The discussion draws upon quotes from leaders, such as Elder George Richards and Elder Dallin Oaks, who emphasize that criticism is objectionable regardless of its veracity, because it diminishes the individual's effectiveness in the Lord's cause. The sentiment is clear: such criticism, even if true, is seen as impairing the influence and usefulness of those in authority, thereby working against the Lord and His covenant people.

Reconciling Truth and Authority: A Scholarly View

For the committed disciple, the question is not merely one of compliance, but of deeper doctrinal understanding. The scholar-pastoral approach demands that we look beyond the simple prohibition and study the eternal principles at play. What is the nature of the priesthood covenant? What is the nature of the prophetic calling? And what is the nature of the Spirit?

The doctrine does not say that criticism is always wrong; rather, it speaks to the *effect* and the *timing* of the criticism. It is a counsel designed to preserve the unity of the Body of Christ and to ensure that the focus remains on the Savior, not on the servants.

When we study the Book of Mormon, we see instances where profound doctrinal disagreements occur—often leading to persecution and division. But even there, the ultimate goal of the restored gospel was always the reunification of the Saints under the mantle of the Prophet. The emphasis remains on the source of the authority, which is always the Lord, and the divinely appointed structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Spirit’s Guide in Doctrinal Debate

If we treat this topic as a study in covenant stewardship, we realize that the primary covenant is with the Lord, not with any individual leader. The priesthood is a power delegated by God, and the prophets and apostles are merely stewards of that power. The counsel to refrain from criticism, therefore, is best understood as a request to channel our critical spirit—our desire for doctrinal perfection and organizational purity—through established, Spirit-led channels of scholarly dialogue, rather than through public, disruptive polemics.

We must differentiate between *loving counsel* (which is commanded and encouraged, as taught by the Prophet) and *destructive criticism*. The former seeks to build up the individual and the Church; the latter, by its nature, is designed to undermine and diminish. The Spirit guides us to the former, always remembering that our highest calling is to prepare hearts to receive the fullness of the gospel restored through the Restoration.

This is not a doctrine of silence; it is a doctrine of *reverence*. It is the sacred covenant understanding that while we are free to study and challenge doctrine through scholarly means, we must do so with the utmost respect for the divine pattern established by the Lord through His authorized servants. Our goal must always be to strengthen the Lord's kingdom, not to dissect its visible structure.

The true measure of a disciple is not the fervor of their critique, but the depth of their obedience to the Spirit, and their willingness to submit their personal scholarly conclusions back to the established, living prophet. Let us commit ourselves to the higher calling of scholarly study, submitting our best thoughts and findings to the collective wisdom of the Iron Rod community, thereby serving both the Lord and the Body.