Criticism and the Big Book

[nandm]

What does the Big Book say about critisism? I needed this reminder today so I thought I would share it with you as well. Your thoughts, comments, and input is appreciated.

never be critical

(from Bill's Story)
Never was I to be critical of them. I was to right all such matters to the utmost of my ability.

we avoid retaliation or argument

(from How it Works)
We avoid retaliation or argument. We wouldn't treat sick people that way. If we do, we destroy our chance of being helpful. We cannot be helpful to all people, but at least God will show us how to take a kindly and tolerant view of each and every one.

we try to disregard other's faults

(from How it Works)
Though a situation had not been entirely our fault, we tried to disregard the other person involved entirely. Where we we to blame? The inventory was ours, not he other man's.

other's faults are not discussed

(from Into Action)
Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue. Simply we tell him that we will never get over drinking until we have done our utmost to straighten out the past. We are there to sweep off our side of the street, realizing that nothing worth while can be accomplished until we do so, never trying to tell him what he should do. His faults are not discussed. We stick to our own.

These are specific instructions for us to follow. If we want the promised results we must follow the example of those who have gone before us. Our focus must be on giving not taking. We are not doing this to extract confessions of wrong doing from those we have harmed. If they wish to their own wrongdoings we let them, but we should not attempt to manipulate them into doing this.


other's faults do not concern us
98:16-19

(from Working With Others)
He should concentrate on his own spritual demonstration. Argument and fault-finding are to be avoided like leprosy. In many homes this is a difficult thing to do, but it must be done if any results are to be expected.

[Reality]

Those are just some of the spiritual principles I aim to live by, but being human, and imperfect, I do fall short.

Boy, just reading them as you wrote them, seems quite overwhelming. I guess thats why its "progress, not perfection".

Great thread!!

[bballdad]

my wife,sponsor, and boss has permission to criticize me,so I do not take Criticism from anyone else..

[CarolD]

If anyone has the 24 Hours A Day book...
July 18 talks abbout Criticism and Gossip.

[jimhere]

What cured me of gossip was having to go to everyone I had gossiped to and make amends for spreading emotional poison. And then go to the one whom I had gossiped about, all the while feeling like a phony and like I was lower than a snake's belly. My big mouth has gotten me into trouble more times than I care to admit.
Jim

[RufusACanal]

I second that, my opinions and what I think to be "right" gets in the way of my usefulness.