In the context of constant social and religious tensions, we often notice that people tend to correct others’ shortcomings instead of focusing on their own weaknesses.

The Pitfalls of Self-Righteous Correction

In the context of constant social and religious tensions, we often notice that people tend to correct others’ shortcomings instead of focusing on their own weaknesses. This mindset creates an illusion of moral superiority, intensifies tension, and soon leads to aggressive criticism, which is particularly dangerous in the religious sphere where dogmatic disagreements can escalate into full-blown conflicts.

At the root of the problem lie vanity and the desire to dominate, when correcting someone else's mistakes becomes a means of self-expression rather than a search for truth or inner growth. The refusal to engage in self-criticism and the drive to prove one's own correctness contribute to the fragmentation of communities and the deterioration of trust among people, regardless of their beliefs. As a result, when attention shifts from personal self-improvement to correcting the mistakes of others, a destructive dynamic is created, leading to disagreements and even enmity.

It is important to understand that genuine spirituality and the pursuit of harmony begin with a deep analysis of one's own shortcomings and errors. Only by accepting responsibility for our personal development can we sincerely support dialogue and build bridges of trust rather than walls of hostility. This approach has the potential to transform criticism into constructive discussion, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening interpersonal relationships.

In what way can the tendency to correct others’ mistakes instead of one’s own contribute to the emergence of religious conflicts?

The tendency to correct others' errors without first examining one’s own faults breeds a sense of self-righteousness and superiority, which in turn leads to condemnation and aggressive criticism of others. This mindset creates tension and a desire to impose one’s opinions on others, which is especially dangerous in the religious context where any dogmatic differences can quickly escalate into conflict.

For example, one source states:

"We are vain and glory-loving, considering ourselves smarter and better than others, with no intention of yielding in anything, and lacking any signs of modesty; we enviously compare everything: wealth, happiness, health, talents, and the achievements of others. From this, we make every effort to belittle the merits of others, or even to slander or defame our neighbor. What kind of peacefulness is this? Lord, forgive us, sinners! The next cause of broken harmony and peace is the desire to dominate and lecture others. Who among us in our circle is not afflicted by this sinful desire? And what discord, irritation, even hatred do these desires bring into our relationships! Now, no one wants to obey, yield, or listen to anyone..."
(source: link 23.txt)

This quote emphasizes that the urge to correct others is often driven by vanity and the desire to dominate. When people, including religious leaders or believers, bypass their inner work of addressing their own mistakes and focus solely on condemning others, it deepens divisions and sows mistrust among communities.

Another quote draws attention specifically to the issue of imposing one’s own righteousness on others instead of first addressing one’s inner world:

"Engaging in another’s sin is a complex matter. Sometimes we should, sometimes we should not; sometimes we can engage, and sometimes we should refrain. But as for our own sin—there is no doubt. We must definitely address our own sin. We, and only we, and above all, we must. Therefore, all our hatred for sin should be directed primarily at our own sin..."
(source: link 1214.txt)

This thought underlines that criticizing others should not serve as a means of self-expression or a claim to moral superiority. When groups or individuals begin to correct others’ mistakes from a place of arrogance, they create fertile ground for conflicts – especially in the realm of religion, where questions of faith and doctrine often become central, and the sensitivities of even a few can be easily triggered.

Thus, the tendency to correct others’ mistakes instead of engaging in self-criticism undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue and contributes to divisions and enmity, which can eventually evolve into religious conflicts.

Supporting citation(s):
"We are vain and glory-loving, considering ourselves smarter and better than others, with no intention of yielding in anything, and lacking any signs of modesty; we enviously compare everything: wealth, happiness, health, talents, and the achievements of others. From this, we make every effort to belittle the merits of others, or even to slander or defame our neighbor. What kind of peacefulness is this? Lord, forgive us, sinners! The next cause of broken harmony and peace is the desire to dominate and lecture others. Who among us in our circle is not afflicted by this sinful desire? And what discord, irritation, even hatred do these desires bring into our relationships! Now, no one wants to obey, yield, or listen to anyone..." (source: link 23.txt)

"Engaging in another’s sin is a complex matter. Sometimes we should, sometimes we should not; sometimes we can engage, and sometimes we should refrain. But as for our own sin—there is no doubt. We must definitely address our own sin. We, and only we, and above all, we must. Therefore, all our hatred for sin should be directed primarily at our own sin..." (source: link 1214.txt)