Friday, October 14, 2005
GBC Day 2: Courting the Harsh Mistress
Friday night, Tod Bolsinger, Mark D. Roberts, and Dr. John Mark Reynolds treated the GodBlogConians to a large draft from their barrel of bloggy wisdom. Here's what the the panel discussion made me think about.....
Pastor Roberts called blogging "a harsh mistress".This is an allusion to the time and strain involved in the blogging enterprise and how it seems to take time away from wife and family. It is hard. It often causes me to stay up way past my bedtime on school nights. It occassionally causes me to drop the F-bomb (like when I click "Save as Draft" in Blogspot after working on a post for an hour and a half, only to lose all the text because Blogspot timed out). However, I prefer not to think of blogging as a mistress. To me, that term is heavy with connotations of the illicit, unfaithful, and rebellious. To blog is to be true to my calling, and I prefer to think of blogging as a labor of love:
Attitude of service covers a multitude of blog sins.The responses to Hugh's 4th question below can, in large part, be mitigated if the blogger thinks of themselves as a servant to the people reading.
Go for the big payoff. Big payoff in blogging? I've earned $3 since January using Google Ads. What big payoff could their be? The real payoff, says Pastor Roberts, is being able to make a tangible difference in someone's life because of your blog. But, you first need a spirit of sacrificial service to make this happen.
The poignant, closing statements by the panelists really drove home these points for me. That God may direct a struggling, searching soul in an hour of desperation to Voice in the Wilderness to find an answer in words he/she can understand is both sobering and deeply satisfying.
Begin liveblog
=================================================================
Tod Bolsinger: oops, got in too late :-(
Mark D. Roberts: The payoff is connecting with, encouraging, and winning people
Knows a lot about NT and theology, decided to put that knowledge into action. Blogging enabled much greater reach than had previously
Checkout 4 painting post: how different Gospels can more clearly communicate different aspects of Christ's character
Dr. John Mark Reynolds:
Why do some political blogging? Wants to reveal ongoing discussion with himself.
Don't want people to think he's hiding anything.
Good to remember that the Internet is kinda' permanent. May be held accountable for what you say....even many years after the fact. Be careful!
He really likes to ask himself hard questions. Spends most of time on the blogosphere on sites that disagree with him. Then respond on his own blog in respectful way. Develop fully orbed piece and drive content. Tries to find the niche for online essays
Avoid GodBlog version of Drudge
Seven Questions
1. Where do you get the time to blogs?
JMR: Month of experimentation, w/consent of wife. Then made 1 hr/day rule. Has 50 hr/wk job, 4 home schooled kids.....so, less football, less free time. 1 hr covers reading and writing
MDR: A harsh mistress, it is. Gave up things that weren't such a big sacrifice. Bigger challenge is tempering ambition of subjects to tackle. Called a hobby, but found was more than a hobby. It's his lay ministry (amen to that!).
TB: Learning curve was the steepest learning curve: spent whole sleepless night thinking about name, color (praise God, I'm not alone!) @ first, did on day off....wife not cool wit dat. Now, is more integrated. Supplements sermons. So he limits topics. Allows multiple use of material.
JMR: What are ethics of ghost bloggers?
2. What are the dangers of blogging? What scripture would you put on monitor to guard against that dangers?
MDR: Very easy to send angry content into the world. Angry posts are too edgy. Colossians 3...discusses who we are as God's chosen people. "Speak the truth in love"
TB: "Do not let the Send button go down on your anger." There's a heady moment when you realize people are reading your stuff. Finds he needs to pull back, and think about what he's going to say, without "striking a blow". Write then wait 12 hours.
JMR: David being forced from Jerusalem by Absalom and being cursed by citizen. So, must develop a thick skin. Don't react to need for long self-justification. Think about why critics may be right. Instead, wait until something else comes along that suggests your position was right.
3. What should Christian bloggers learn about fame in blogosphere?
TB: See Mt. 6:1. Don't display piety to others for wrong motive. But, we all want to be seen and praised publicly. Must submit self to the Lord: Lord, what does it mean for me to blog on this topic at this time (or something like that)
JMR: Hard to imagine humility when owning "johnmarkreynolds.com". Philosophers want a different kind of fame than blogging infers. CS Lewis: Ultimate trick of the devil is to make one who is humble think he is humble. So, think about how to serve others: other bloggers, students, unborn, etc.
MDR: Met strangers who read his blog. First time in his life strangers said good things about him...was weird feeling. It is God's grace that pulls him back. He's not serving the visitor count or people who want to like him.....We are serving the Lord with blogging! Also, making real difference in real person's life, who is struggling.
4. Give warning signs of pastor/Christian who should not blog.
JMR: I'll give three 1.) Absolutely convinced you have something to say that world wants to hear. Ask self: who are three people to whom I'm accountable who will ask impertinent questions every other day. 2.) Person who does not want to engage in give and take of dialectic. Instead, they just pontificate. 3.) Person who can't make any strong statements about anything for fear of someone not liking them. Must take a stand in a pithy way.
MDR: Five....1.) Blogging is an escape from pain 2.) Family really needs time right now 3.) Have a hard time dealing with anger 4.) A perfectionist, it will kill you 5.) If you really don't care about words, grammar, and usage. At least use the spellcheck; blogging is about words!
TB: two....1.) Properly use writing style, as we are not all called to a writing ministry. If you're not comfortable with writing, blogging prolly is not for you. Think about blogging as a workshop of rough drafts to sharpen ideas. First drafts should not be perfect 2.) Should have accountability, not a lone ranger blogging Christian.
5. With private blogs, pastors can support candidates and outright politicking. Should they?
MDR: Must be careful, esp. w/politically diverse congregation. He's a pastor first and foremost. Yet, all pastors may not have the same dynamic. But, every pastor should think through and discuss with governing board of the church.
TB: Amen to MDR. Didn't blog through church web site. Wanted separation between personal takes and "church-approved" site. Must be true to first calling (pastoring), but also need room to engage topics outside of scope of primary ministry
JMR: Sacramental traditions have more restrictions. Poliblogging guidelines: Feels comfortable saying things on personal websited vs. Biola website because of the separation. Also, strives for communicating equitably with people who disagree. Pastors do not lay down roll as citizen
6. Encouraged someone to blog who did blog? Someone you thing should blog and why?
TB: Liberal Evangelical from Muslim background. Did good at first, but succumbed to the "harsh mistress". Would like to see him back.
JMR: Matthew Anderson. JP Morgan and traditionalist Muslims, but hate hijacking of Islam by terrorists. But it is dangerous for them. People I wish wouldn't blog: those who confuse compassion for Palestine with hatred for Israel
MDR: Worship leader did one post. Finds it a treasure when ppl who are bright (like JMR) because of exposure to new ideas. Leads to a richness of discussion and growth.
7. What 3 Christians, post-discipleship era, would you like to see blog.
JMR: Joan of Arc (fascinates him b/c it made Marc Twain a Godblogger), Charles Stuart (Charles the I of England)
MDR: Luther, was a blogger in a way. Apostle Paul: Epistles are similar to blogs; used medium day and transformed for the cause of Christ. Calvin, as he is currently hard to read; blogging might be better medium.
TB: The Puritans, early American Christian Godbloggers for their theological depth. Abraham Kuyper. Jurgen Moltmand, most of theology of the Cross in post WWII Germany.
Audience response.....
Sharmaine: Hostility yes, but not 'cause of being a woman, more b/c of politics.
Stacy H.: There are woman, Christian bloggers, just not here
MDR: Specific or general? As a writer, develop particular, unique voice. Then can address a wide range of issues.
John Schroeder, Blogotional: How do Christian bloggers engage culture to renew through constructive, not destructive means
MDR: Took apart Jesus Seminar, but also need to stand for true Gospel
TB: Witnessed 5 church splits over leadership issues. In midst of critical posts, need to explain what it takes to avoid hostile church splits
Stacy Harp: Part of solution is to clean up the church, B4 clean up the world
JMR: Spend more time building positive platform first, then can fisk
Dawn's Early Light: What will God use out of this conference? How will his kingdom be advanced?
TB: Face to face interaction helps build the community
JMR: Should see much more collaborative blogging....less work, increased quality, increase dialogue
On building up of community, what is role of a creed?
JMR: No creed necessary, Nicene creed works fine
Stacy H.: People who review books wanted to see the blogroll. Tries to call people who work for her at Mind in Media.
Joshua Claybourn: Group blogging has tremendous positives b/c of content, quality. But do lose personality and individuality. How to balance?
MRD: I dunno'
HH: Watch the size. 6 is max!
TB: Specific, purposeful blogs might be better for collaborative blogs.
HH: Like wacky roommate problem in college also applies.
JMR: People on collaborative blogs should like, respect, and fight with in a good way. That spirit comes through in posts. Be willing to cut the string.
Closing thots:
JMR: I love my stds, live in world where being traditional Christians, where this is difficult. Some of us provide role models for students. Smart too, and that's hard. Culture doesn't care about them. JMR, blogs for them. Think of them sometimes, as we may be saving a soul.
TB: Each Wednesday, half done sermon night. Blogging makes him a better communicator because people read, respond, reprove, and refine the message for the broader audience.
MDR: Difference he can make comes from response to things that are not good. Post-Katrina, tried to find New Orleans partner church, found one, pastor was old friend. MDR told them to get PayPal link. Making tangible difference with blogging is exciting!
Pastor Roberts called blogging "a harsh mistress".This is an allusion to the time and strain involved in the blogging enterprise and how it seems to take time away from wife and family. It is hard. It often causes me to stay up way past my bedtime on school nights. It occassionally causes me to drop the F-bomb (like when I click "Save as Draft" in Blogspot after working on a post for an hour and a half, only to lose all the text because Blogspot timed out). However, I prefer not to think of blogging as a mistress. To me, that term is heavy with connotations of the illicit, unfaithful, and rebellious. To blog is to be true to my calling, and I prefer to think of blogging as a labor of love:
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58No matter the toils and snares sometimes involved with blogging, I would always blog for love and clear conscience.
Attitude of service covers a multitude of blog sins.The responses to Hugh's 4th question below can, in large part, be mitigated if the blogger thinks of themselves as a servant to the people reading.
Go for the big payoff. Big payoff in blogging? I've earned $3 since January using Google Ads. What big payoff could their be? The real payoff, says Pastor Roberts, is being able to make a tangible difference in someone's life because of your blog. But, you first need a spirit of sacrificial service to make this happen.
The poignant, closing statements by the panelists really drove home these points for me. That God may direct a struggling, searching soul in an hour of desperation to Voice in the Wilderness to find an answer in words he/she can understand is both sobering and deeply satisfying.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10
Begin liveblog
=================================================================
Tod Bolsinger: oops, got in too late :-(
Mark D. Roberts: The payoff is connecting with, encouraging, and winning people
Knows a lot about NT and theology, decided to put that knowledge into action. Blogging enabled much greater reach than had previously
Checkout 4 painting post: how different Gospels can more clearly communicate different aspects of Christ's character
Dr. John Mark Reynolds:
Why do some political blogging? Wants to reveal ongoing discussion with himself.
Don't want people to think he's hiding anything.
Good to remember that the Internet is kinda' permanent. May be held accountable for what you say....even many years after the fact. Be careful!
He really likes to ask himself hard questions. Spends most of time on the blogosphere on sites that disagree with him. Then respond on his own blog in respectful way. Develop fully orbed piece and drive content. Tries to find the niche for online essays
Avoid GodBlog version of Drudge
Seven Questions
1. Where do you get the time to blogs?
JMR: Month of experimentation, w/consent of wife. Then made 1 hr/day rule. Has 50 hr/wk job, 4 home schooled kids.....so, less football, less free time. 1 hr covers reading and writing
MDR: A harsh mistress, it is. Gave up things that weren't such a big sacrifice. Bigger challenge is tempering ambition of subjects to tackle. Called a hobby, but found was more than a hobby. It's his lay ministry (amen to that!).
TB: Learning curve was the steepest learning curve: spent whole sleepless night thinking about name, color (praise God, I'm not alone!) @ first, did on day off....wife not cool wit dat. Now, is more integrated. Supplements sermons. So he limits topics. Allows multiple use of material.
JMR: What are ethics of ghost bloggers?
2. What are the dangers of blogging? What scripture would you put on monitor to guard against that dangers?
MDR: Very easy to send angry content into the world. Angry posts are too edgy. Colossians 3...discusses who we are as God's chosen people. "Speak the truth in love"
TB: "Do not let the Send button go down on your anger." There's a heady moment when you realize people are reading your stuff. Finds he needs to pull back, and think about what he's going to say, without "striking a blow". Write then wait 12 hours.
JMR: David being forced from Jerusalem by Absalom and being cursed by citizen. So, must develop a thick skin. Don't react to need for long self-justification. Think about why critics may be right. Instead, wait until something else comes along that suggests your position was right.
3. What should Christian bloggers learn about fame in blogosphere?
TB: See Mt. 6:1. Don't display piety to others for wrong motive. But, we all want to be seen and praised publicly. Must submit self to the Lord: Lord, what does it mean for me to blog on this topic at this time (or something like that)
JMR: Hard to imagine humility when owning "johnmarkreynolds.com". Philosophers want a different kind of fame than blogging infers. CS Lewis: Ultimate trick of the devil is to make one who is humble think he is humble. So, think about how to serve others: other bloggers, students, unborn, etc.
MDR: Met strangers who read his blog. First time in his life strangers said good things about him...was weird feeling. It is God's grace that pulls him back. He's not serving the visitor count or people who want to like him.....We are serving the Lord with blogging! Also, making real difference in real person's life, who is struggling.
4. Give warning signs of pastor/Christian who should not blog.
JMR: I'll give three 1.) Absolutely convinced you have something to say that world wants to hear. Ask self: who are three people to whom I'm accountable who will ask impertinent questions every other day. 2.) Person who does not want to engage in give and take of dialectic. Instead, they just pontificate. 3.) Person who can't make any strong statements about anything for fear of someone not liking them. Must take a stand in a pithy way.
MDR: Five....1.) Blogging is an escape from pain 2.) Family really needs time right now 3.) Have a hard time dealing with anger 4.) A perfectionist, it will kill you 5.) If you really don't care about words, grammar, and usage. At least use the spellcheck; blogging is about words!
TB: two....1.) Properly use writing style, as we are not all called to a writing ministry. If you're not comfortable with writing, blogging prolly is not for you. Think about blogging as a workshop of rough drafts to sharpen ideas. First drafts should not be perfect 2.) Should have accountability, not a lone ranger blogging Christian.
5. With private blogs, pastors can support candidates and outright politicking. Should they?
MDR: Must be careful, esp. w/politically diverse congregation. He's a pastor first and foremost. Yet, all pastors may not have the same dynamic. But, every pastor should think through and discuss with governing board of the church.
TB: Amen to MDR. Didn't blog through church web site. Wanted separation between personal takes and "church-approved" site. Must be true to first calling (pastoring), but also need room to engage topics outside of scope of primary ministry
JMR: Sacramental traditions have more restrictions. Poliblogging guidelines: Feels comfortable saying things on personal websited vs. Biola website because of the separation. Also, strives for communicating equitably with people who disagree. Pastors do not lay down roll as citizen
6. Encouraged someone to blog who did blog? Someone you thing should blog and why?
TB: Liberal Evangelical from Muslim background. Did good at first, but succumbed to the "harsh mistress". Would like to see him back.
JMR: Matthew Anderson. JP Morgan and traditionalist Muslims, but hate hijacking of Islam by terrorists. But it is dangerous for them. People I wish wouldn't blog: those who confuse compassion for Palestine with hatred for Israel
MDR: Worship leader did one post. Finds it a treasure when ppl who are bright (like JMR) because of exposure to new ideas. Leads to a richness of discussion and growth.
7. What 3 Christians, post-discipleship era, would you like to see blog.
JMR: Joan of Arc (fascinates him b/c it made Marc Twain a Godblogger), Charles Stuart (Charles the I of England)
MDR: Luther, was a blogger in a way. Apostle Paul: Epistles are similar to blogs; used medium day and transformed for the cause of Christ. Calvin, as he is currently hard to read; blogging might be better medium.
TB: The Puritans, early American Christian Godbloggers for their theological depth. Abraham Kuyper. Jurgen Moltmand, most of theology of the Cross in post WWII Germany.
Audience response.....
- Joe Carter: These guys represent servant leaders.
- Mark Daniels: Joe made good point about servant leadership. Servants think through their servanthood, b/c it is so contrary to our nature. Potential of what is doable on blogs is unlimited, which is both wonderful and awful. We all have to understand what our blogs are all about and their limits.
- Matt Anderson: Impact by being a specialist or a generalist? JMR says: God calls us to live whole lives. May have specialized blog, but well-rounded person. Can also show the whole person working out their salvation with fear and trembling. MA: What unique emphasis does Godblogging bring to table. JMR: Always start each post with notion that "Jesus is Lord". Parse everything through this filter.
Sharmaine: Hostility yes, but not 'cause of being a woman, more b/c of politics.
Stacy H.: There are woman, Christian bloggers, just not here
MDR: Specific or general? As a writer, develop particular, unique voice. Then can address a wide range of issues.
John Schroeder, Blogotional: How do Christian bloggers engage culture to renew through constructive, not destructive means
MDR: Took apart Jesus Seminar, but also need to stand for true Gospel
TB: Witnessed 5 church splits over leadership issues. In midst of critical posts, need to explain what it takes to avoid hostile church splits
Stacy Harp: Part of solution is to clean up the church, B4 clean up the world
JMR: Spend more time building positive platform first, then can fisk
Dawn's Early Light: What will God use out of this conference? How will his kingdom be advanced?
TB: Face to face interaction helps build the community
JMR: Should see much more collaborative blogging....less work, increased quality, increase dialogue
On building up of community, what is role of a creed?
JMR: No creed necessary, Nicene creed works fine
Stacy H.: People who review books wanted to see the blogroll. Tries to call people who work for her at Mind in Media.
Joshua Claybourn: Group blogging has tremendous positives b/c of content, quality. But do lose personality and individuality. How to balance?
MRD: I dunno'
HH: Watch the size. 6 is max!
TB: Specific, purposeful blogs might be better for collaborative blogs.
HH: Like wacky roommate problem in college also applies.
JMR: People on collaborative blogs should like, respect, and fight with in a good way. That spirit comes through in posts. Be willing to cut the string.
Closing thots:
JMR: I love my stds, live in world where being traditional Christians, where this is difficult. Some of us provide role models for students. Smart too, and that's hard. Culture doesn't care about them. JMR, blogs for them. Think of them sometimes, as we may be saving a soul.
TB: Each Wednesday, half done sermon night. Blogging makes him a better communicator because people read, respond, reprove, and refine the message for the broader audience.
MDR: Difference he can make comes from response to things that are not good. Post-Katrina, tried to find New Orleans partner church, found one, pastor was old friend. MDR told them to get PayPal link. Making tangible difference with blogging is exciting!
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It was great meeting you this evening.
You appear to have missed Dr. Mark Roberts allusion to blogging as "a harsh mistress" It was a reference to Robert A. Heinlein's classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" which is an updating of the story of the American revolution set in the future.
Blessings on you and your work!
You appear to have missed Dr. Mark Roberts allusion to blogging as "a harsh mistress" It was a reference to Robert A. Heinlein's classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" which is an updating of the story of the American revolution set in the future.
Blessings on you and your work!
"That God may direct a struggling, searching soul in an hour of desperation to Voice in the Wilderness to find an answer in words he/she can understand is both sobering and deeply satisfying." Perservere with this thought...and just remember times when you are dropping an F bomb at 2am over your blog, that you are more often than not going to affect people in ways you'll never see or know, but you will be affecting them more than you can imagine. God bless you and your labor of love...
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# posted by 
: 10/15/2005 12:45 PM
: 10/15/2005 12:45 PM Links to this post:
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