Critics

 

I was recently reflecting on a conversation with a friend who is a constant critic of Gospel principles and leaders.  It would seem that no matter what the topic, this individual has their own interpretation and suggested updates and changes that should be made.  Sometimes those ideas are in direct conflict with teachings from prophets and scripture.  So what do we do in situations like this?

When Joseph Smith had that question, he was instructed in D&C 71:

 7Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.

8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.

9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;

10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.

11 Wherefore, keep my commandments; they are true and faithful.

Bear testimony of the truth in the words of Christ.  Respectfully let them speak their part.  Know that their damaging words won't be allowed to succeed in the long term.  Trust that God will show the errors of their words in His own time.  Keep the commandments - they are what will keep us on track.  

And we must always remember whose gospel it is and that we are all students still learning.  

In 1963, the University of Notre Dame President made this statement, "I have often been reminded this past winter of the young student who found Christianity inadequate and decided to found his own new and better religion. He asked a wise old theologian for advice on how to get started. The old scholar, with a twinkle in his eye, said, 'I suggest that you arrange to get yourself crucified, and then rise from the dead on the third day.'—Your primary role as students here is to learn, not to teach. Students who think otherwise should go out, found their own universities and then take lessons from their students."