Faith Quote by Gordon B. Hinckley
““To have a simple, untroubled faith, you must keep your spiritual innocence. That requires avoiding cynicism and criticism. This is the day of the cynics, the critics, and the pickle-suckers. Criticism is the forerunner of divorce, the cultivator of rebellion, sometimes a catalyst that leads to failure. In the Church, it sows the seed of inactivity and finally apostasy.””
About This Quote
True, untroubled faith needs spiritual innocence, which is eroded by cynicism and criticism that breed rebellion and disengagement.
In simple terms: Faith needs innocence; cynicism harms it.
Guard innocence, avoid cynicism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- church leadership
- community discussions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does criticism affect your personal faith?
- Can you distinguish constructive critique from destructive cynicism?
Criticism can also prompt necessary reform and healthy boundaries.