Can One Be Critical of Church?

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a friend about their concerns related to someone else's outspoken criticism of the Catholic Church. Specifically, this criticism that the Church, and it's Popes were "not catholic enough". The concern was so great that it challenged my friend to the core, causing him to wonder if there was any credibility at all to the claims. The overwhelming thought was simply, "What if they were right? What if we're 'not catholic enough'?" When it comes to dealing with such religious criticisms and concerns, my first inclination i

s to be skeptical. Isn't that the tenant of our human spirit? In other words, why would a criticism like "the Catholic Church is not catholic enough" be of any concern?

I have to say here that there are plenty of criticisms of the Church that are of concern these days, like the abuse scandal and how to respond and improve, or the level of attendance and participation in the pews. But when a criticism comes from "the fringe", and seemingly seeks to aim torpedoes at the core of a system, I think there needs to be a level of responsibility demanded of the "criticizer" and of course the "criticizee" as well. A level headed debate is always a good thing, but a barrage of accusations, without concern for accuracy, academia, discussion or compromise is, in itself, very destructive and should be greeted with MUCH SKEPTICISM.

Now you're saying, "What's the criticism? I want to know more!" While I respect your curiosity, I am not blogging about this to enter into this particular debate. I am curious, though. What what makes a "fringe" like criticism worth responding to, especially when an organization claims to know that "Satan lives in the Vatican"? Here's the point... Can one be critical of Church and the people that claim to serve God? Absolutely! But, in an educated and enlightened society, there must be some "rules of engagement. While researching and reading about some of "the fringe", I came upon this particular list that seeks to guide the critical thinker in times of dealing with controversy. The following came from a discussion thread in a religion forum, and is seemingly attributed to a writer named John Daly. I can't find much bio info, so while you should never trust what is on the internet, I still find the info that was quoted in this particular forum very interesting and worth some reflection:

When confronting a controversy or a critical issue, one should take care to present concerns with the following "rules of engagement" in mind...

Form the quoted list...
"a. It (the argument) must be clear. 
b. It must be amply based on authorities with due references. 
c. Its facts must be true and its arguments valid. 
d. It must avoid overstatement.
e. It must be mild and charitable in expressing disagreement with the controverted issues."

Furthermore, and with respect to theological debate, take these principles to heart...

The list continues... "To write in public on matters of theological controversy it is necessary to be competent. That competence comprises the following elements: 

a. Correct use of the mind - thinking straight. Distinguishing between a valid and an invalid argument; identifying a convincing proof, a probable proof, suggestive evidence, tenuous possibility and outright sophistry. 

b. Sound general education: background familiarity with philosophy, history, etc. 

c. The ability to write clear and correct English communicating exactly what one means. 

d. Good all-round familiarity with all aspects of the theological doctrine. 

e. Ability to read and understand the language of the theology itself.

f. A profound knowledge of the specific subjects being written about. 

g. Integrity. I do not mean by this a high degree of sanctity. I mean the minimal austere uprightness that would never twist the truth, abuse logic or muster up unjustified certitude on doubtful matters and would always retract any mistake made. 

h. Orthodoxy - [Consideration] to what [theological] authorities teach (which entails knowing what [they] are obliged in conscience to accept as sound doctrine and the different ways in which the [theology] teaches us)."

While I'm a little nervous to offer all of this, for fear of getting more than what I am bargaining for, I do feel that there is a responsibility that comes with criticizing the hearts of God's People!