Think Before You Do
Denee argues that since teens are often capricious, blogging can be dangerous. Yes, teens are often capricious, but so are many adults. Yes, it's unwise to act solely on emotion. However, people are less likely to act rashly when they express themselves in writing rather than speaking.
Nonetheless, people will at times write or post something with little, if any thought for the consequences. Acting without thinking is often foolish and sometimes sinful, but it does not suggest an inherent evil in blogging. It suggests the fallen nature of man.
Boredom
Denee suggests that blogging is not an effective use of a Christian's time. While I agree that sitting in front of a computer for hours on end isn't an effective use of one's time, maintaining a blog doesn't necessitate hours of time - not to mention my point that a blog can be used to glorify God.
Furthermore, we are bombarded with things that distract us from doing God's work - television, entertainment, work, and even sometimes family. The sin lies in making such things our priority, not in the things themselves.
Appearances of Evil
Denee cites I Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearances of evil." He then explains ways in which a blogger can give the appearance of evil. One way is posting photos or other material that could cause the viewer or reader to question one's character. This is a valid point to some extent. I've confronted a few of my students over the years about objectionable things they've posted that conflict with their espousal of faith.
Again, the wrong lies in the use of the medium, not the medium itself. Denee also warns that a viewer may interpret a questionable pop-up ad as the work of the blogger himself. Anyone who has used the Internet for longer than thirty seconds should be aware of pop-up ads, so I don't see how his argument carries any weight.
Ultimately, Denee's article reeks of legalism. Throughout the gospels Christ makes it clear that He calls us not to man-made restrictions and observances, but to Himself.
Article comments
1 - Brother Ed
Thank you for your thoughtful post! As a pastor who also blogs I agree with your observations. I tried to read Denee's article, but I confess I gave up before I got all the way through. I'm not sure where he got his bizarre interpretation of Revelation 2 and 3. For me, the bottom line is this: where is a Christian voice more needed than in the blogosphere? With institutional Christianity having pretty much abandoned the culture of youth (with a few worthy exceptions), it has never been more important to share the Christian message through cyberspace. Blessings!
2 - Donnie Marler
Well done, Jason.
3 - Jason Middlekauff
Thanks, Brother Ed and Donnie. I agree with you Brother Ed. It's a medium that can be used to be a light to the world.
4 - Christopher Rose
Given that Christianity is just one in a long line of goofy superstitions, I rather think it would be a good , albeit unlikely, thing for the human spirit to keep it off the internet.
5 - Jared White
Very few things in this world are inherently sinful. His article does sound similar to other misguided views such as alcohol, music, sex, etc. are evil. Paul has a saying: "to the pure, all things are pure." If we live with a striving in our hearts to follow Jesus and His ways, in holiness and purity, we will know the proper way to conduct ourselves in the world. We may drink, but not get drunk. We may make music and dance, but not lose our manners. We may have sex, but only in a sanctified marriage. We may blog, but only say that which is important and edifying.
God bless you! Jared
6 - WahooRob
First of all, Denee writes from the seat of the "Restored" Church of God. A little research shows this church is a small offshoot of Herbert W. Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God. The beliefs of this tiny little group are easy to track down and don't line up with Biblical Christianity. Conclusion: only the Internet could grant the small amount of credibility given Denee's message.
Of course, there will ALWAYS be folks who think that ANY faith is a goofy superstition. They are welcome to their own goofy faith in themselves.
7 - duane
Wahoo guy says:
Of course, there will ALWAYS be folks who think that ANY faith is a goofy superstition.
I admire that kind of optimism. I hope you're right.
8 - chantal
I'm sick of so-called Christians using the Bible and religion to try to control people by saying what they can and can't do. The point of Christianity is to spread love, and to win souls for the kingdon of God. By always telling people that every little thing they do is sinful, is just scaring people away or putting them off religion and church altogether.
Jason...fantastic article.
9 - Christopher Rose
WahooRob: It doesn't follow that to state that any faith based belief system is goofy in any way equates to a goofy faith in themselves. It is quite possible not to belief in creation myths and superstition yet still retain a sense of reverence and spirituality...
10 - Jason Middlekauff
Well, I'm pleased that my article has provoked so many responses. However, I'd like to encourage anyone who responds to keep his/her response focused on Denee's article or my response and not to make assumptions and/or quips about the greater scope of another poster's spiritual beliefs.
11 - duane
Ha! Good one, Jason.
Hmmm ... wait a sec ....
You are joking, right?
12 - gonzo marx
Jason..a most excellent Read...
/golfclap
this coming from BC's resident apostate and heretic, take it for what it's Worth
as for this person's assertation on inherent evil...
it reminds me of the Church's fighting against the Bible being translated from the Latin into local languages, as well as the resistence to Gutenberg providing anyone who wants it with the means to read other's Work and learn for themselves...
in all the cases mentioned, i perceive an Authoritarian dogmatist seeking to maintain control, rather than nurturing the Individual's growth and Learning...
"good" and "evil" are in an Individual's actions, not inherent in some medium or style of expression or communication...
some just refuse to Accept that, and are quite clever at quoting authoritarian sources out of Context to cudgel those who would Question in order to Grow
i look forward to reading your next Article
Excelsior?
13 - Jason Middlekauff
Duane, my response was directed mainly to WahooRob and Christopher. A comment box is not a sufficient forum for them to thoroughly articulate a defense for what either of them believes or to gain a reasonable understanding of what the other believes. I think dialogue on spiritual matters is important, but I don't think making terse quips about another person's post is dialogue.
14 - Mary K. Williams
Great Article Jason - I told you I'd stop by. Here's my "I agree!".
Denee's article is so similiar to a website I just found regarding Godspell. The assertion there is that the play is blasphemous and unGodly.
Since I'm right smack in the middle of rehearsals for this production - it made me particularly aggrevated.
One thing though, unless comments are personal attacks or otherwise nasty, you really can't control what people say, or request that they only disucss the main topic of your article. That's a big part of BC, the dialogue in the commentary - no matter where it ends up.
Keep up the good work Jason!
15 - Jason Middlekauff
Thanks, Mary. I should've phrased response #10 better. I want open dialogue. I just hope folks provide support for their arguments.
16 - Iloz Zoc
Blogging gives voices to people who normally wouldn't speak. It gives meaning to the words "We the People" and provides more positive outlets for young people facing the pressures of our age. And us older people, too.
It is sad to think that some people saddle their every thought, action, and word with a need for godly guidance and supplication. While I believe a spiritual life is important, blind obedience to the collective rituals of religious dogma is stifling to personal spiritual growth.
Blogging fosters self-importance and self-reflection--things that all religions do not, unless it's in the service of that religion's precepts and god.
Long live the blogger!
17 - gonzo marx
Illoz sez...
*Blogging gives voices to people who normally wouldn't speak. It gives meaning to the words "We the People" and provides more positive outlets for young people facing the pressures of our age. And us older people, too.*
Quoted for Truth
Excelsior?
18 - Jason Middlekauff
I concur, Iloz Zoc.
19 - Jason Middlekauff
Well, with the first two paragraphs