Do we even know what we are criticizing?

As I continue to read Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities by Roger Olson I am struck by the comments made by Calvinist theologians against Arminian theology. The book highlights some of the myths and false charges made against Arminian theology by its critics, and one has to wonder if these accusers had ever actually studied this theology they are criticizing. Their claims seem to be so wrong that one has to wonder how they formed the opinions they have.

Of course, this is not the first time I've seen this type of disconnect in the church world. As an American Baptist I've heard numerous criticisms made against our denomination. Some of these I agree with, but many of them cause me to shake my head. I don't know where some people get their ideas unless they are reading headlines without actually reading and attempting to confirm the story. I certainly do not pretend our denomination is without flaws, but we are nothing like some critics would make us appear to be.

The same thing could be said of political adversaries from both parties. I grow weary of claims made by both sides against their political rivals that are obviously not true, and even when they are true, they are often true of people from both parties. The hypocrisy found in politics is incredible. It makes one wonder how some of these people sleep at night knowing of their deceit and hypocrisy.

Sadly, we find the same thing happening in churches. Pastors are often accused of failings that are not true and reflect more on the accuser than the pastor. As a judicatory minister I was once called to a leadership meeting in a church where complaints were made against the pastor. One of those complaints had to do with the lack of growth the church had experienced since this pastor arrived. The fact is, this church had been in decline for many years before this particular pastor was called to the church, but facts had nothing to do with the complaint. I turned the charge onto the one making it and asked how many years he had attended that church. (All his life) I then asked how many people had he brought into the church during his lifetime. He couldn't name any. The meeting ended soon after that discussion. When everyone left I encouraged the pastor to move to another church as soon as possible.

We live in a rebellious age. We are quick to criticize and complain whether we have the facts or not. Newspaper headlines blare the latest charge against the politician it doesn't support, and any required retractions are buried on page 34. We see a piece of a video and assume we know everything that occurred forgetting how easy it is for someone to spin a story with offering only the pieces of information that support their perspective.

Why is it so difficult to listen to both sides of an issue before forming an opinion? Why do we demand people take action before we actually know for certain what we are talking about? Why do we criticize the beliefs of others without even knowing what those beliefs are?

Proverbs 18: 17 tells us, "There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight." Let's be sure we have the facts right before we start criticizing.