Monday, June 28, 2010

Most Christian Blogs Suck (or at Least Aren't Very Much Fun)

I'll have further evidence in a bit, when a blog comment is moderated, but doesn't it seem as if most Christian blogs, if they spend any time at all discussing theology and doctrine, quickly become very nasty and unloving? Seriously. It may be the blog format, as people are making short statements in writing, to anonymous or unknown audiences, that makes it unavoidable. There is this air on many Christian blogs of having a corner on the truth, and anyone who believes otherwise, is not a Christian. I just have trouble with people voting others out of the Kingdom. We are so HUMAN and FINITE and LIMITED that I just don't see anyone having the bona fides to condemn another who professes to be a Christ follower that they are not somehow a true Christian. It seems totally contrary to what Jesus taught about love and judgment.

I'm not talking about people who don't even pretend to believe, or searchers, or those who are in plain error. One must speak the truth in love to such, as guided by His loving Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit do His convicting, teaching and guiding job. That's what He's here for.

Back in seminary days, there was the Cathedral Door--remember? That empty bulletin board in the basement. People could post stuff and others would/could respond. Most times it was a respectful exchange, and I do believe that AT moderated it (i.e. physically removed offensive posts), but sometimes it did get heated. But, by and large though a stop at the Cathedral Door was a fun thing, giving you something to think about. People also posted cartoons and other funny stuff. My favorite: The little Calvin character, appearing sometime in the last 4 weeks of one semester, with the saying, "They say that we are given a certain amount of things to accomplish during our lives. Right now I am so far behind I will never die!"

Right understanding of our faith is important, there is no doubt. There's stuff out there that is not Christian, that tries to get in to the Church. There are certain things upon which there can be no compromise. Our stand must be firm on those things. Those things also are the basis for the hope that is within us.

Here is my post, the response, and me, giving up.


Blogger the observer said...

You all are giving me a headache, as you must also give God a heartache. Such divisions among us, it's heart breaking and a terrible testimony to the world about the Christian faith.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

June 25, 2010 8:17 PM

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Blogger Onesimus said...

Divisions among US?

Firstly you have to define how people are considered part of "US".

Do we include mormons & JWs"? Do we include everyone and anyone who professes some belief in Jesus, no matter what that belief entails?

Do we sit back and agree to disagree on everything merely to maintain "unity" and prevent "division"?

Or do we become familiar with the truth and promote the truth?

Do we follow the example of Jesus and the apostles who warned people against the many errors being promoted in God' name or do we ignore it all and let others be led astray?

"They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie ..."

June 27, 2010 6:26 PM

Blogger the observer said...

Nice job...

I'll not be commenting again, now having been properly slapped.

Read what has been written in this comment section and tell me that is something that Jesus would have approved of. Seriously. Intellectually, you may have scored. As far as having the kind of love that attracts the sin-ridden and hurting, the separated from God, the actively questioning, maybe not so much.

A few may be argued and logic'ed into the Kingdom, but most will be loved into the Kingdom.

The love comes from God, the God of the Bible, the redemption of the Cross, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. Sharing of God's Truth in and with love. The one feeds the other. They come together in a wonderful circle that builds on itself.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15.

With that, I'll bid you adeau, although I'll be lurking.

June 28, 2010 4:08 PM

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