Criticism-READ IT!

[Juliette]

Criticism



By Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Of the Quorum of the Twelve

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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This is an edited version of a talk delivered at a Latter-day Saint Student Association fireside in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on 4 May 1986.

Criticism



I am persuaded that many do not understand the Church’s teachings about personal criticism, especially the criticism of Church leaders by Church members.

I do not refer to the kind of criticism the dictionary defines as “the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.” (Random House Dictionary, unabridged ed., s.v. “criticism.”) That kind of criticism is inherent in the exercise of agency and freedom. In the political world, critical evaluation inevitably accompanies any knowledgeable exercise of the cherished freedoms of speech and of the press. In the private world, we have a right to expect critical evaluation of anything that is put into the marketplace or the public domain. Sports writers, reviewers of books and music, scholars, investment analysts, and those who test products and services must be free to exercise their critical faculties and to inform the public accordingly. This kind of criticism is usually directed toward issues, and it is usually constructive.

My cautions against criticism refer to another of its meanings, which the dictionary defines as “the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding.” (Ibid., s.v. “criticism.”) Faultfinding is “the act of pointing out faults, especially faults of a petty nature.” (Ibid., s.v. “faultfinding.”) It is related to “backbiting,” which means “to attack the character or reputation of [a person who is not present].” (Ibid., s.v. “backbite.”) This kind of criticism is generally directed toward persons, and it is generally destructive.

Faultfinding, evil speaking, and backbiting are obviously unchristian. The Bible commands us to avoid “evil speakings.” (See 1 Pet. 2:1.) It tells us to “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you.” (Eph. 4:31.) Modern revelations direct us to avoid “backbiting,” “evil speaking,” and “find[ing] fault one with another.” (See D&C 20:53–54; D&C 42:27; D&C 88:124; and D&C 136:23.)

We are given these commandments for a reason. The Apostle Paul advised the Saints to “grieve not the holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30) by evil speaking. Of faultfinders, President Brigham Young said, “The Spirit of God has no place in [such] persons.” (Journal of Discourses, 8:13.) The primary reason we are commanded to avoid criticism is to preserve our own spiritual well-being, not to protect the person whom we would criticize.

“‘When we say anything bad about the leaders of the Church, whether true or false, we tend to impair their influence and their usefulness and are thus working against the Lord and his cause.’ (In Conference Report, Apr. 1947, p. 24.)” (Address to Church Educational System teachers, Aug. 16, 1985.)

“Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I commanded them.” (D&C 121:16.)

The first—and most benign—of the procedures is to overlook the difference. President Brigham Young described his own application of this method in a circumstance in which he felt “a want of confidence” in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s financial management. After entertaining such thoughts for a short time, President Young saw that they could cause him to lose confidence in the Prophet and ultimately to question God as well. President Young concluded:

“Though I admitted in my feelings and knew all the time that Joseph was a human being and subject to err, still it was none of my business to look after his faults. … He was called of God; God dictated him, and if He had a mind to leave him to himself and let him commit an error, that was no business of mine. … He was God’s servant, and not mine.” (Journal of Discourses, 4:297.)

[Original_Intent]

:-BD ^:)^ :YMAPPLAUSE:

[karend77]

Thanks Juliette. I have grown very tired of the criticism of the church leaders on this forum. Thank you for bringing this talk to people's attention. I fear that those who need this the most will justify their words and actions and continue on. But again thank you!! :ymhug:

[Nan]

I had an interesting thought while in the Temple. When we are covered by the atonement we cannot point our finger in accusation towards anyone.

[karend77]

I had an interesting thought while in the Temple. When we are covered by the atonement we cannot point our finger in accusation towards anyone.

So my dear sister, when we watch somebody who is taking the road to the edge of the cliff, our job is to just say "have a nice trip?"

[Melissa]

I had an interesting thought while in the Temple. When we are covered by the atonement we cannot point our finger in accusation towards anyone.

So my dear sister, when we watch somebody who is taking the road to the edge of the cliff, our job is to just say "have a nice trip?"

Don't think that is what was meant.



Thanks for the article.

[Nan]

I had an interesting thought while in the Temple. When we are covered by the atonement we cannot point our finger in accusation towards anyone.

So my dear sister, when we watch somebody who is taking the road to the edge of the cliff, our job is to just say "have a nice trip?"

Pointing a finger in accusation is very different than warning someone of danger in their path. I truly believe that if we are still accusing people even people who have done great wrongs to us, we will not be given mercy. To receive mercy, I believe we must be willing to lay down everything and allow the Lord to take care of it.

[Silas]

Thanks for posting this. I wish everyone would read it. People here who criticize church leaders always talk about how they are just humans as if we didn't know that. Those of us who sustain church leaders don't do so because we think they are infallible beings. We know they are people with faults like us, but we understand that principle that Brigham Young taught, the leaders of the church are not our servants, they are the Lord's servants, so when they do make mistakes it is not our job to correct them. That is God's job and he will do it whenever he sees fit.

[Juliette]

Thanks for posting this. I wish everyone would read it. People here who criticize church leaders always talk about how they are just humans as if we didn't know that. Those of us who sustain church leaders don't do so because we think they are infallible beings. We know they are people with faults like us, but we understand that principle that Brigham Young taught, the leaders of the church are not our servants, they are the Lord's servants, so when they do make mistakes it is not our job to correct them. That is God's job and he will do it whenever he sees fit.

I loved this article too. I love my leaders. My heart sings when they speak at general conference! I feel the spririt and I know what they say is true. It hurts me when people talk down about them. I will never do that. Never.

[natasha]

You are right, Juliette...and the article was great! Before we "openly" and especially via the internet, bring criticism against the brethren...we might want to stop and consider what we are doing. How do we handle things in our personal homes? Do we tell the whole neighborhood or stand up in testimony meeting and express our criticism of our husband, wife, or children? No...we handle those things in private. As for the brethren, if we have a disagreement and we have made it a matter of constant prayer...then there is a channel that we should take it to.

[LateOutOfBed]

Obviously, our First Presideny couldn't agree more!

Called of God and Sustained by the People
As members of the Church, we are invited often to sustain people in callings to serve. Years ago an 18-year-old student showed me what it means to sustain the Lord’s servants. I am still blessed by his humble example.

He had just begun his first year in college. He was baptized less than a year before he left home to begin his studies at a large university. There I served as his bishop.

As the school year began, I had a brief interview with him in the bishop’s office. I remember little of that first conversation except that he spoke of his challenges in a new place, but I will never forget our second conversation.

He asked to see me in my office. I was surprised when he said, “Could we pray together, and may I be voice?” I was about to say that I had already prayed and expected that he had as well. Instead I agreed.

He began his prayer with a testimony that he knew the bishop was called of God. He asked God to tell me what he should do in a matter of great spiritual consequence. The young man told God he was sure the bishop already knew his needs and would be given the counsel he needed to hear.

As he spoke, the specific dangers he would face came to my mind. The counsel was simple but given in great clarity: pray always, obey the commandments, and have no fear.

That young man, one year in the Church, taught by example what God can do with a leader as he is sustained by the faith and prayers of those he is called to lead. That young man demonstrated for me the power of the law of common consent in the Church (see D&C 26:2). Even though the Lord calls His servants by revelation, they can function only after being sustained by those they are called to serve.

Rest of the article can be found at the link below:

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/call ... e?lang=eng

--Geoff

[Jason]

Appreciate the articles.

Here is a link to the 1st -
http://www.lds.org/ensign/print/1987/02 ... &clang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[awake]

they are the Lord's servants, so when they do make mistakes it is not our job to correct them. That is God's job and he will do it whenever he sees fit.

I believe that part of sustaining is our obligation to be able to make righteous judgments about our leaders and what they do and say, so we know if they and their counsel are righteous and correct to follow or not.

If we see they are hurting others or leading others astray because they are in error, then I believe we do have an obligation to warn others around us in as respectful way as possible, we can also take it to higher authority if we think we will be heard.

We should also help leaders repent if needed, or help them gain better understanding on something if we have that knowledge to give. No one is above our sincere help.

I know a lady who wrote to the Brethren about a problem she saw happening in the Church and the Brethren changed church-wide policy just because of her letter and the insight she gave them. They even framed her letter for her in thanks for her bringing to their attention.

[Jason]

they are the Lord's servants, so when they do make mistakes it is not our job to correct them. That is God's job and he will do it whenever he sees fit.

I believe that part of sustaining is our obligation to be able to make righteous judgments about our leaders and what they do and say, so we know if they and their counsel are righteous and correct to follow or not.

If we see they are hurting others or leading others astray because they are in error, then I believe we do have an obligation to warn others around us in as respectful way as possible, we can also take it to higher authority if we think we will be heard.

We should also help leaders repent if needed, or help them gain better understanding on something if we have that knowledge to give. No one is above our sincere help.

I know a lady who wrote to the Brethren about a problem she saw happening in the Church and the Brethren changed church-wide policy just because of her letter and the insight she gave them. They even framed her letter for her in thanks for her bringing to their attention.

The difference is that she went directly to the source....instead of running her lips off about it on the internet (while never actually addressing the source - directly or via chain of command).

Also that "self appointed" perch (steadying the ark w/o divine instruction) is apostate and guaranteed to take you straight to hell if you don't repent. If its not your stewardship and you don't answer for it....best not to mettle. jmo fwiw

Let us for a moment look at some examples of disobedience, even men who had righteous intent but nevertheless disobeyed. One example would be Uzza in 1 Chr. 13:7–10. The people had been warned not to touch the ark, the symbol of the covenant. But when the oxen stumbled and the ark appeared to be falling, Uzza stretched forth his hand to steady it and was immediately killed by the Lord. Uzza seemed justified and today we think his punishment was very severe, but as President David O. McKay stated, this incident conveys a lesson of life: obedience—full obedience.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/05/obedi ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[awake]

Also that "self appointed" perch (steadying the ark w/o divine instruction) is apostate and guaranteed to take you straight to hell if you don't repent. If its not your stewardship and you don't answer for it....best not to mettle. jmo fwiw

Let us for a moment look at some examples of disobedience, even men who had righteous intent but nevertheless disobeyed. One example would be Uzza in 1 Chr. 13:7–10. The people had been warned not to touch the ark, the symbol of the covenant. But when the oxen stumbled and the ark appeared to be falling, Uzza stretched forth his hand to steady it and was immediately killed by the Lord. Uzza seemed justified and today we think his punishment was very severe, but as President David O. McKay stated, this incident conveys a lesson of life: obedience—full obedience.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/05/obedi ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The difference with Uzza is that he disobeyed God, a perfect person and a known commandment.

When things happen between leaders and members it is different, for we are dealing with very fallible men and there really could often be serious things going on that you need to warn others about, things higher authority may or may not do anything about. I have seen this happen many many times.

If going to higher authority does the trick then you may not have to worry about it anymore, but if they don't do anything about the problem and you have a local leader trying to get members to do evil or causing harm (which I know many accounts of), I believe you are justified and even obligated to warn others as respectfully as you can.

Or if a G.A. teaches something you believe is false, which you see is leading many astray in the Church to do evil, then I believe we have an obligation to warn others of the false teaching and teach them the truth. For we have been told to not write the Brethren anymore, even if we think they are wrong. The letter from the lady I mentioned happened over 15 years ago.

We only run into trouble with the Lord if we happen to be wrong in our judgment, thus why we must make sure we are making a righteous judgment.

I actually believe we will get to 'you know where' alot faster by staying silent, than by speaking up against evil or wrong.

Silence in the face of evil is evil, no matter who you are dealing with.

But we can agree to disagree with you feel different.

[Jason]

Also that "self appointed" perch (steadying the ark w/o divine instruction) is apostate and guaranteed to take you straight to hell if you don't repent. If its not your stewardship and you don't answer for it....best not to mettle. jmo fwiw

Let us for a moment look at some examples of disobedience, even men who had righteous intent but nevertheless disobeyed. One example would be Uzza in 1 Chr. 13:7–10. The people had been warned not to touch the ark, the symbol of the covenant. But when the oxen stumbled and the ark appeared to be falling, Uzza stretched forth his hand to steady it and was immediately killed by the Lord. Uzza seemed justified and today we think his punishment was very severe, but as President David O. McKay stated, this incident conveys a lesson of life: obedience—full obedience.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/05/obedi ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The difference with Uzza is that he disobeyed God, a perfect person and a known commandment.

When things happen between leaders and members it is different, for we are dealing with very fallible men and there really could often be serious things going on that you need to warn others about, things higher authority may or may not do anything about. I have seen this happen many many times.

If going to higher authority does the trick then you may not have to worry about it anymore, but if they don't do anything about the problem and you have a local leader trying to get members to do evil or causing harm (which I know many accounts of), I believe you are justified and even obligated to warn others as respectfully as you can.

Or if a G.A. teaches something you believe is false, which you see is leading many astray in the Church to do evil, then I believe we have an obligation to warn others of the false teaching and teach them the truth. For we have been told to not write the Brethren anymore, even if we think they are wrong. The letter from the lady I mentioned happened over 15 years ago.

We only run into trouble with the Lord if we happen to be wrong in our judgment, thus why we must make sure we are making a righteous judgment.

I actually believe we will get to 'you know where' alot faster by staying silent, than by speaking up against evil or wrong.

Silence in the face of evil is evil, no matter who you are dealing with.

But we can agree to disagree with you feel different.

Agree to disagree. You go up the chain of command or go straight to the source. To my knowledge their is no scripture that justifies a person in opposition to leadership of whom God testifies of and supports.

If a Bishop crosses what you perceive to be a line in the sand....then you take it to the Stake President....and so on and so on up the chain of command. If you went around "warning" all the ward members....it wouldn't be good. Same with going public with "stuff" on the internet rather than going directly to the source. Who are you warning and have you been called to that position by God? Especially when it concerns His servants whom He has ultimately called?

[awake]

If a Bishop crosses what you perceive to be a line in the sand....then you take it to the Stake President....and so on and so on up the chain of command. If you went around "warning" all the ward members....it wouldn't be good. Same with going public with "stuff" on the internet rather than going directly to the source. Who are you warning and have you been called to that position by God? Especially when it concerns His servants whom He has ultimately called?

Sometimes it's not possible to go up the chain and sometimes they don't do anything about it. Thus, doesn't God command us in the scriptures 'to warn our neighbors once we have been warned' by the Spirit of something or someone? I believe he does.

Not every leader is called of God, especially ones' who do evil. Even Joseph Smith made a mistake in calling a wicked man to be an Apostle (Elder Bennett). So 1st we have to receive personal revelation if a leader at any level is even called of God or not.

[Jason]

If a Bishop crosses what you perceive to be a line in the sand....then you take it to the Stake President....and so on and so on up the chain of command. If you went around "warning" all the ward members....it wouldn't be good. Same with going public with "stuff" on the internet rather than going directly to the source. Who are you warning and have you been called to that position by God? Especially when it concerns His servants whom He has ultimately called?

Sometimes it's not possible to go up the chain and sometimes they don't do anything about it. Thus, doesn't God command us in the scriptures 'to warn our neighbors once we have been warned' by the Spirit of something or someone? I believe he does.

Not every leader is called of God, especially ones' who do evil. Even Joseph Smith made a mistake in calling a wicked man to be an Apostle (Elder Bennett). So 1st we have to receive personal revelation if a leader at any level is even called of God or not.

Love to see your scripture that states God has commanded you to warn your neighbors about God's chosen leaders....

Christ chose Judas as an apostle. What's your point? If everyone ran around running their mouth off about what a crappy person Judas was (before God was done giving him all the golden rope he needed to hang himself)....and more importantly guilt by association (running their mouth off about the church or the ministry Christ set up and its leadership)....then that would do what good? Was Christ wrong for choosing Judas?

Sure you pray for individual inspiration about whether leaders are called of God....and make your individual choice. But if you take it upon yourself to influence others based upon your personal inspiration without guidance from God to do so.....

[HeirofNumenor]

Sometimes it's not possible to go up the chain and sometimes they don't do anything about it.

I have always counseled my past girlfriends (single moms) that if their bishop (or stake president) was treating them like trash, whatever - to call the person above them...whether stake president, regional representative/area authority, or Area President/70. Many of them did that, and got action taken immediately. Of course their leaders of whom they complained was very angry, but nonetheless he did was he should have done in the first place.

[HeirofNumenor]

Thus, doesn't God command us in the scriptures 'to warn our neighbors once we have been warned' by the Spirit of something or someone? I believe he does.

Context, Context, Context....

D&C 88:
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.

82 Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.

83 He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.

84 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;

[Continues into a list of coming destruction and the Second Coming in Glory of the Savior, and the stages of resurrection.]


The Lord is basically saying that if you have the Gospel, you must share your testimony with those around you about the Gospel, coming destruction, as well as plead for people to repent and come unto Christ.
There is nothing that can be reasonably inferred as warn your fellow man/saint that the apostles are teaching false doctrine - unless you already are of the viewpoint that the prophets and apostles have fallen / lost the heavenly gift of revelation.

[awake]

Love to see your scripture that states God has commanded you to warn your neighbors about God's chosen leaders....

Christ chose Judas as an apostle. What's your point? If everyone ran around running their mouth off about what a crappy person Judas was (before God was done giving him all the golden rope he needed to hang himself)....and more importantly guilt by association (running their mouth off about the church or the ministry Christ set up and its leadership)....then that would do what good? Was Christ wrong for choosing Judas?

Sure you pray for individual inspiration about whether leaders are called of God....and make your individual choice. But if you take it upon yourself to influence others based upon your personal inspiration without guidance from God to do so.....

D&C 88:81 "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor."

I believe that scripture includes warning others about any aspect of the gospel or warning of any kind of evil we may see. We are all missionaries who are to testify of right and wrong.

I believe Christ choosing Judas was much different than Joseph choosing Bennett. Christ knew what he was doing, he needed someone to fulfill that purpose. Joseph would not have chosen Bennett if he had known of his true character and past. The Lord clearly did not inspire Joseph to pick Bennett, for that would be contrary to his teachings.

I believe Joseph would have been very grateful to any member who would have warned him or others about Bennett, thus Joseph may have caught on to his real character even sooner and been able to save some members from falling for his evil.

I believe righteous leaders appreciate any warnings members may give about any leader who is doing or teaching wrong.

And I agree, I would not try to influence anyone about anything that I didn't feel guidance from God to do.

[Silas]

Love to see your scripture that states God has commanded you to warn your neighbors about God's chosen leaders....

Christ chose Judas as an apostle. What's your point? If everyone ran around running their mouth off about what a crappy person Judas was (before God was done giving him all the golden rope he needed to hang himself)....and more importantly guilt by association (running their mouth off about the church or the ministry Christ set up and its leadership)....then that would do what good? Was Christ wrong for choosing Judas?

Sure you pray for individual inspiration about whether leaders are called of God....and make your individual choice. But if you take it upon yourself to influence others based upon your personal inspiration without guidance from God to do so.....

D&C 88:81 "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor."

I believe that scripture includes warning others about any aspect of the gospel or warning of any kind of evil we may see. We are all missionaries who are to testify of right and wrong.

I believe Christ choosing Judas was much different than Joseph choosing Bennett. Christ knew what he was doing, he needed someone to fulfill that purpose. Joseph would not have chosen Bennett if he had known of his true character and past. The Lord clearly did not inspire Joseph to pick Bennett, for that would be contrary to his teachings.

I believe Joseph would have been very grateful to any member who would have warned him or others about Bennett, thus Joseph may have caught on to his real character even sooner and been able to save some members from falling for his evil.

I believe righteous leaders appreciate any warnings members may give about any leader who is doing or teaching wrong.

And I agree, I would not try to influence anyone about anything that I didn't feel guidance from God to do.

I don't see a difference between Bennett and Judas. Joseph Smith might not have known all that Bennett was but the Lord did and he did nothing to interfere with the call, the Lord could have inspired Joseph to call a different man but he didn't. Righteous leaders do appreciate helpful warnings, but as has already been pointed out you don't do that by deriding the brethren on the internet. You can contact church leadership. The rule about not writing directly is one of practicality, there are 14 million members of the church and the vast majority of their problems could and should be taken care of on a local level. Moses did the same thing when he appointed men to deal with smaller problems and stopped hearing every case himself. If you have a problem that your local priesthood leadership are not able to resolve, then you move up to a higher level. The First Presidency should not be called on to resolve an issue that your Bishop can deal with, they have a lot that only they can do and they need to focus on that.

Honesty intentioned constructive criticism is helpful to any leader. As a counselor in the Bishopric I consider it my job to voice my disagreements with the Bishop, so as to protect him from making mistakes, but often times he doesn't follow the concerns I bring up because he may have more details on a situation or the spirit has directed him otherwise. I am never offended by that. I sustain him by giving him the best counsel I can and supporting him still, though the final decision he makes does not always follow what I would prefer. If you see a problem that isn't being addressed start with your local leadership and move up as necessary to correct the problem, but if those with authority in the priesthood choose not to act on what you feel should be done don't worry about it. It could be that you don't have all the relevant information that they have and if you did you would be in perfect agreement with them. It could be that you are flat out wrong. It could also be that they are simply making a mistake. I have enough faith in the Lord to know that even though church leaders are fallible men who do make mistakes, the Lord won't let it be led completely astray. The Lord will correct his servants in his own time. If we believe that Christ is the head of this church then we should not worry. He will work it out eventually.

If you choose to publicly ridicule them, you aren't helping anyone. You are discouraging others from giving heed to their counsel and following the men that the Lord has called to lead his church. All is not well in Zion, but the Lord will work it out. It will probably take him longer than we might like but he will work it out. We simply do our best to live our covenants and encourage those around us to live righteously.

[Jason]

Love to see your scripture that states God has commanded you to warn your neighbors about God's chosen leaders....

Christ chose Judas as an apostle. What's your point? If everyone ran around running their mouth off about what a crappy person Judas was (before God was done giving him all the golden rope he needed to hang himself)....and more importantly guilt by association (running their mouth off about the church or the ministry Christ set up and its leadership)....then that would do what good? Was Christ wrong for choosing Judas?

Sure you pray for individual inspiration about whether leaders are called of God....and make your individual choice. But if you take it upon yourself to influence others based upon your personal inspiration without guidance from God to do so.....

D&C 88:81 "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor."

I believe that scripture includes warning others about any aspect of the gospel or warning of any kind of evil we may see. We are all missionaries who are to testify of right and wrong.

I believe Christ choosing Judas was much different than Joseph choosing Bennett. Christ knew what he was doing, he needed someone to fulfill that purpose. Joseph would not have chosen Bennett if he had known of his true character and past. The Lord clearly did not inspire Joseph to pick Bennett, for that would be contrary to his teachings.

I believe Joseph would have been very grateful to any member who would have warned him or others about Bennett, thus Joseph may have caught on to his real character even sooner and been able to save some members from falling for his evil.

I believe righteous leaders appreciate any warnings members may give about any leader who is doing or teaching wrong.

And I agree, I would not try to influence anyone about anything that I didn't feel guidance from God to do.

Context for your scripture is laid out above via Heir Of Numenor.

You may be right about Joseph choosing Bennett and you may be not. I wasn't privy to whatever guidance (feeling, inspiration, golden rope, etc) Joseph may have gotten or not gotten from the Lord for that choice nor am I personally acquainted with the will of the Lord concerning that decision and whatever knowledge/reasoning the Lord used......so I have no idea. I definitely would not dare to state what the Lord clearly (or clearly would not) do....when I don't have a clue.

Maybe.

Up the chain of command and direct to the source rather than gossiping in our wards, stakes, and internet (to the world at large).

[Original_Intent]

I have always counseled my past girlfriends (single moms)....

Note to self: Must be careful not to assign causation to association...

[Jason]

Love to see your scripture that states God has commanded you to warn your neighbors about God's chosen leaders....

Christ chose Judas as an apostle. What's your point? If everyone ran around running their mouth off about what a crappy person Judas was (before God was done giving him all the golden rope he needed to hang himself)....and more importantly guilt by association (running their mouth off about the church or the ministry Christ set up and its leadership)....then that would do what good? Was Christ wrong for choosing Judas?

Sure you pray for individual inspiration about whether leaders are called of God....and make your individual choice. But if you take it upon yourself to influence others based upon your personal inspiration without guidance from God to do so.....

D&C 88:81 "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor."

I believe that scripture includes warning others about any aspect of the gospel or warning of any kind of evil we may see. We are all missionaries who are to testify of right and wrong.

I believe Christ choosing Judas was much different than Joseph choosing Bennett. Christ knew what he was doing, he needed someone to fulfill that purpose. Joseph would not have chosen Bennett if he had known of his true character and past. The Lord clearly did not inspire Joseph to pick Bennett, for that would be contrary to his teachings.

I believe Joseph would have been very grateful to any member who would have warned him or others about Bennett, thus Joseph may have caught on to his real character even sooner and been able to save some members from falling for his evil.

I believe righteous leaders appreciate any warnings members may give about any leader who is doing or teaching wrong.

And I agree, I would not try to influence anyone about anything that I didn't feel guidance from God to do.

I don't see a difference between Bennett and Judas. Joseph Smith might not have known all that Bennett was but the Lord did and he did nothing to interfere with the call, the Lord could have inspired Joseph to call a different man but he didn't. Righteous leaders do appreciate helpful warnings, but as has already been pointed out you don't do that by deriding the brethren on the internet. You can contact church leadership. The rule about not writing directly is one of practicality, there are 14 million members of the church and the vast majority of their problems could and should be taken care of on a local level. Moses did the same thing when he appointed men to deal with smaller problems and stopped hearing every case himself. If you have a problem that your local priesthood leadership are not able to resolve, then you move up to a higher level. The First Presidency should not be called on to resolve an issue that your Bishop can deal with, they have a lot that only they can do and they need to focus on that.

Honesty intentioned constructive criticism is helpful to any leader. As a counselor in the Bishopric I consider it my job to voice my disagreements with the Bishop, so as to protect him from making mistakes, but often times he doesn't follow the concerns I bring up because he may have more details on a situation or the spirit has directed him otherwise. I am never offended by that. I sustain him by giving him the best counsel I can and supporting him still, though the final decision he makes does not always follow what I would prefer. If you see a problem that isn't being addressed start with your local leadership and move up as necessary to correct the problem, but if those with authority in the priesthood choose not to act on what you feel should be done don't worry about it. It could be that you don't have all the relevant information that they have and if you did you would be in perfect agreement with them. It could be that you are flat out wrong. It could also be that they are simply making a mistake. I have enough faith in the Lord to know that even though church leaders are fallible men who do make mistakes, the Lord won't let it be led completely astray. The Lord will correct his servants in his own time. If we believe that Christ is the head of this church then we should not worry. He will work it out eventually.

If you choose to publicly ridicule them, you aren't helping anyone. You are discouraging others from giving heed to their counsel and following the men that the Lord has called to lead his church. All is not well in Zion, but the Lord will work it out. It will probably take him longer than we might like but he will work it out. We simply do our best to live our covenants and encourage those around us to live righteously.

Well said Silas.

I have also been in that position. A counselor is just that....one who offers opinion/advice/knowledge. A position one is called to. Ultimately though the decision is made by the respective sole leader (bishop, stake president, prophet, etc) of whom the weight of authority and stewardship rests upon on their shoulders. A good counselor sustains their leader by supporting the leaders decision despite whatever personal opinion they may have on the matter.

Occasionally counselors seek to become leaders without being called (thinking they know better and are wiser)....and without repentance end up excommunicating themselves from the church (for instance Oliver Cowdery). General church members can and have gone down that same path.

I think if we publicly ridicule them....we'll pay a price and answer for that. They are not ours to correct. I think this is ultimately a lack of faith in God and His abilities to call people and govern His kingdom as He sees fit (allow the adversary to tempt us, allow destructions, allow inequalities, to test our obedience like Abraham, City Creek Mall, honorary doctorate for Cheney, etc etc etc).