It's Okay for Christians to Criticize Church

Pretending something is perfect will never make it so.

Today I was called a pot stirrer.

Apparently, this is because I am comfortable criticizing my church, my faith, and my country.

I don’t understand this desire to suppress valid criticisms of things that can and should change. Pretending something is perfect will never make it so.

That mindset is called “toxic positivity”, and it’s something I really hate.

A big sign of toxic positivity (and frankly patriarchal society) is an attempt to police the frustrations of women by shaming them into complicity.

The two most common examples I encounter on this page are:

“If you don’t like XYZ about America, then leave.”

“Christians shouldn’t criticize the church.”

Y’all, pointing out problems in a relationship is NOT the same as breaking up. I love America, but I hate gun culture. I love Jesus, but the church has serious problems. I will continue to say these things.

I grew up in the South where girls are raised to believe that it’s better to be nice than just rock the boat.

But you know what problem that causes?

It causes people to be silent in the face of serious issues. It asks people to silently suffer abuse.

When I criticize the church, that’s because I LOVE the church and I want her to collectively heal.

When I criticize America, it’s because I love her and I want her to be a better nation.

Calling out problems isn’t mean or divisive. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I will always, always call out problems when I see them—especially when those problems are the root cause of widespread mental and spiritual harm.

I love Jesus, but my faith is a struggle. The church has hurt me a lot.

I love America, but I don’t blast Toby Keith from a truck with a flag on the back.

And neither of those things make me unpatriotic or anti-Christian.

If anything, I believe quite the opposite.

The healthiest interpersonal relationships are those that are founded in truth, and are courageous and humble enough to correct harmful patterns.

I see no reason my relationship with faith and country should be any different.

I am actively deconstructing what I grew up believing about culture, religion, and patriotism. This has been a terrifyingly beautiful journey for me. Because it turns out, so much of what I believed was NOT Biblical or true. And that part is really freaking scary.

But as it turns out, the truth is MUCH better than what I was taught. So now I’m NOT going to settle for less.

If you perceive this as “stirring the pot” you and I are in very different kitchens.

On this page, I will continue to speak from my heart on issues that matter to me. If my thoughts ruffle your feathers, I hope that you stay. The last thing I want is to live in a bubble where my beliefs are echoed back at me.

I left that bubble about two years ago, and I breathe so much better out here.

Note from the author: Over the last few weeks, I have received many messages about church hurt, deconstruction, and healing. I know there is a need for these conversations to continue, and there is a desire (at least for some readers) to dig deeper into this healing process. For this reason, I am so excited to announce the first of my brand new webinar series, Cycle Breaking Church Hurt. I am leading this course with a very special guest, my friend Father Nathan Monk.

And you, dear reader, are invited to attend. (discount code: Substack).

For more info, click here.