I read an interesting article in First Things that compares St. Paul and St. Augustine to the critical theorists of today. Like the critical theorists, they used the tools of critique to poke holes in the prevailing worldview of the time. However, they replaced it with a message of grace, unlike the modern critical theorists, who are unable to articulate a positive vision of the world they hope to bring about.
Discussion
Exactly. Constructive criticism is valuable when well done and a part of doing it well is showing how things can be made better. Critical Theory is against articulating a vision based on data and outcomes for a better or more flourishing human society. All of this looking back and criticising the past and calling everyone racist is pointless, there's nothing that can or should be done about what our ancestors may or may not have done.
Critical theory and political conservatism (at least in the US) are similar to me in that I see both complaining a lot, but neither are good at articulating any positive vision.