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!
GBC Day 2, plenary 2: The Nicene Creed of Blogging?
6:00 pm update: Here's what the 2nd plenary session, "Blogging for Cultural Impact" made me think about
====================================================
Uh, oh....it looks like a format is more free form and conversational. Liveblogging might be more stream of consciousness than usual.
Joe: Need to stop aping the culture. Instead, need to start shaping the culture.
Andy: Need to interpret culture properly, as it is changing very fast. Spend time with bible, but also culture.
Joe: Gospel is good for all creation, not only the individual.
Andy: Believers should examine institutional formations. Saw Western Europe and was shocked; reality that West Europe has no idealogicial foundation against Islam and its increase of numbers. West Civilization in Europe is radically declining.
How are Christian bloggers different than other bloggers?
Joe: Must come together as a church, before impacting culture and become a counter-cultural force. "Just can't slap a WWJD sticker on it"
How to use blogging evangelistically? Liberal friends think evangelicalism is a Karl Rove plot to make everyone a conservative Republican.
Andy: Bloggers talk about worldview issues, that are "pre-political" issues.
Joe: Must examine how Gospel affects issues
Follow up:
For outreach purposes, how to use blogging for pre-evangelism and evangelism.
"Santification results in Republicanism" ;-)
Dave: Avoid too narrow a definition of evangelism. CS Lewis: Need more believers writing Christian books about science, art, history, etc. So, blog on my field of interest from a biblical worldview, but keep Gospel in mind while writing and seek opportunities.
Women in blogging. How can female bloggers help serve the evangelistic cause?
Strategic objective of the blogger is what we should keep in mind. Ask "What am I blogging?"
...and "For whom am I blogging?"
How is blogging evolving? How do we look at allying ourselves differently. Can have political, gender-based communities, but might also include disciplemaking, Calvinism.
Joe: "Why does it matter if there's a woman up here? We're not nominating someone for the Supreme Court"
We need to come together as one whole Body.
Andy: Can't stay individual bloggers or even alliances to impact culture. Need organized network of Christian bloggers for unified, strategic action.
Dave: Yet, there is no central authority for blogs. For those who have a burden to impact the culture, realize that there are such things as culture-shaping institutions (academy, law, entertainment). Couch as "If you wish to say ......"
How can blogs impact our practices in life?
Not many bloggers that form small little units working together, but that's needed. Consider World Mag blog: main site visitors often chose to go to bioethics, and other sub-blogs.
How many people have other people's input on their blogs?
Only a smattering of hands go up.
Dave: Blogging harnesses democratic potential of the web. But we must avoid excessive individualization .
Joe: Josh Claybourn has had a bigger impact by stepping back and letting other people participate.
Evangelism and blogging:
Joe: How do you treat other people on your blog (see notes from morning worksession on "When non-Christians visit your site")
Dave: In blog, might not give full Gospel everyday, but should continue "dripping" it out in small portions. Don't necessarily need the "silver bullet" to close the deal immediately.
Joe: And that's why we need the community as everyone has a different gift: pre-evangelism, evangelism, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, etc.
Role of Christians in political blogging. Can we do that by lobbying? Is politics an effective way to redeem culture? Is it part of the package? Or is it a distraction?
Andy? Depends up on definition of politics. Gospel has public policy implications in some places. For believers, partisan politics should not drive public policy, but biblical worldview. Then, look at the vehicle (party, movement, media, office holders, etc.). Lots of accusations about believers using political party for power and losing biblical principles in the process.
Joe: Politics is way too much of our culture right now. If Roe V. Wade was overturned, there would still be abortions. So need to address the underlying issue, too.
Dave: CS Lewis on devils: give too much attention or ignore him. Need right balance. Politics is neither redemptive nor insignificant
[typing muscles getting tired...]
On internicene squabbles
Joe: Wish there were more liberal evangelicals here
Dave: Emergent church was a hobgoblin at first. But found they were not so bad. Thus, need rigorous dialogue to expose nuances of the issue. Shouldn't be threatened by squabbles, if properly done.
Discussion on life and Roe v. Wade
Need to address background assumptions to impact the culture.
Audience question: How do we become powerful? Create of group of blogs as a business. What is the business model? What sort of opposition has been encountered in organizing this event? Shouldn't church lead in building this collaborative business model?
Joe: We first need to have a theology of blogging to make this happen?
Should we have a session to start a group blogs on various topics?
Blogging is not a good, standalone medium. Need to carry over to other media, even including telephone, teleconferences.
Audience comment: Uncomfortable with business model approach to Christian blogosphere
Andy: Well, there will be some type of organizing model
Audience comment: Blogging can be stressful, especially when engaging opposition. Need support system for times of difficulty.
Joe: As we look at theology of blogging, can't forget the basics. When a Christian blogger starts, read and encourage them appropriately.
John: Pray for bloggers I read. Would like to see commitment to pray for bloggers we read. And hit their Google ads ;-)
LaShawn: For high-profile bloggers, they should consider linking to newer blogs
Audience commenter: Pray for high-profile bloggers
Joe: Expect abuse for proclaiming the Gospel
Audience commenter: Blogosphere presents opportunity to connect to people never would've had otherwise.
How to work as bloggers for missions?
Andy: Need to realize it is just not in the US. We're a little myopic, but can use blogs to get informed on goings-on in other countries. Need to cultivate this globalization through blogging.
- Stop aping, start shaping: Andy drove home the need for believers to shape the culture by alluding to the Islamization of Europe. Having abandoned the biblical worldview, our Old World kin lack the moral base to stand up the demographic and spiritual power of Islam. I shudder to think of what will happen to Western Europe within my lifetime. Will the US avoid the same fate? Friends, a lot rides on us faithfully discharging the duties of our calling.
- We can't be an island. Need organized network of Christian bloggers for unified, strategic action. I agree, though should re-emphasize that this online Christian community should only be a supplement to the local church. Also, I talked with Pat Sikora about this unified community after the session. She mentioned that she was a homeschooler and that they were hard too organize because they were so independent minded. Bloggers are the same way. How do we avoid the "cat herding syndrome"?
- Unity requires something to unify around. IMHO, Joe Carter's comment on the need for a theology of blogging is the most pressing thing that this discourse community needs to develop. The operational unity envisioned above needs to have a set of documented, biblical principles that members of the Christian community can agree to. When this gets hammered out, the particulars can begin to fall into place.
- Get out of the blogospheric bubble: Call someone? On a telephone? What's that? Don't they have an instant message account ;-)
- Support your local, Christian blogger: Engaging the online world for Christ is a stern calling, at times. Those who are leading the way need our prayers, encouragement and support. I wonder if "tip of the spear" bloggers like LaShawn Barber, Joe Carter, Dr. Reynolds, Pastor Roberts, Hugh Hewitt, and others should raise support in a similar way as to missionaries in closed countries.
====================================================
Uh, oh....it looks like a format is more free form and conversational. Liveblogging might be more stream of consciousness than usual.
Joe: Need to stop aping the culture. Instead, need to start shaping the culture.
Andy: Need to interpret culture properly, as it is changing very fast. Spend time with bible, but also culture.
Joe: Gospel is good for all creation, not only the individual.
Andy: Believers should examine institutional formations. Saw Western Europe and was shocked; reality that West Europe has no idealogicial foundation against Islam and its increase of numbers. West Civilization in Europe is radically declining.
How are Christian bloggers different than other bloggers?
Joe: Must come together as a church, before impacting culture and become a counter-cultural force. "Just can't slap a WWJD sticker on it"
How to use blogging evangelistically? Liberal friends think evangelicalism is a Karl Rove plot to make everyone a conservative Republican.
Andy: Bloggers talk about worldview issues, that are "pre-political" issues.
Joe: Must examine how Gospel affects issues
Follow up:
For outreach purposes, how to use blogging for pre-evangelism and evangelism.
"Santification results in Republicanism" ;-)
Dave: Avoid too narrow a definition of evangelism. CS Lewis: Need more believers writing Christian books about science, art, history, etc. So, blog on my field of interest from a biblical worldview, but keep Gospel in mind while writing and seek opportunities.
Women in blogging. How can female bloggers help serve the evangelistic cause?
Strategic objective of the blogger is what we should keep in mind. Ask "What am I blogging?"
...and "For whom am I blogging?"
How is blogging evolving? How do we look at allying ourselves differently. Can have political, gender-based communities, but might also include disciplemaking, Calvinism.
Joe: "Why does it matter if there's a woman up here? We're not nominating someone for the Supreme Court"
We need to come together as one whole Body.
Andy: Can't stay individual bloggers or even alliances to impact culture. Need organized network of Christian bloggers for unified, strategic action.
Dave: Yet, there is no central authority for blogs. For those who have a burden to impact the culture, realize that there are such things as culture-shaping institutions (academy, law, entertainment). Couch as "If you wish to say ......"
How can blogs impact our practices in life?
Not many bloggers that form small little units working together, but that's needed. Consider World Mag blog: main site visitors often chose to go to bioethics, and other sub-blogs.
How many people have other people's input on their blogs?
Only a smattering of hands go up.
Dave: Blogging harnesses democratic potential of the web. But we must avoid excessive individualization .
Joe: Josh Claybourn has had a bigger impact by stepping back and letting other people participate.
Evangelism and blogging:
Joe: How do you treat other people on your blog (see notes from morning worksession on "When non-Christians visit your site")
Dave: In blog, might not give full Gospel everyday, but should continue "dripping" it out in small portions. Don't necessarily need the "silver bullet" to close the deal immediately.
Joe: And that's why we need the community as everyone has a different gift: pre-evangelism, evangelism, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, etc.
Role of Christians in political blogging. Can we do that by lobbying? Is politics an effective way to redeem culture? Is it part of the package? Or is it a distraction?
Andy? Depends up on definition of politics. Gospel has public policy implications in some places. For believers, partisan politics should not drive public policy, but biblical worldview. Then, look at the vehicle (party, movement, media, office holders, etc.). Lots of accusations about believers using political party for power and losing biblical principles in the process.
Joe: Politics is way too much of our culture right now. If Roe V. Wade was overturned, there would still be abortions. So need to address the underlying issue, too.
Dave: CS Lewis on devils: give too much attention or ignore him. Need right balance. Politics is neither redemptive nor insignificant
[typing muscles getting tired...]
On internicene squabbles
Joe: Wish there were more liberal evangelicals here
Dave: Emergent church was a hobgoblin at first. But found they were not so bad. Thus, need rigorous dialogue to expose nuances of the issue. Shouldn't be threatened by squabbles, if properly done.
Discussion on life and Roe v. Wade
Need to address background assumptions to impact the culture.
Audience question: How do we become powerful? Create of group of blogs as a business. What is the business model? What sort of opposition has been encountered in organizing this event? Shouldn't church lead in building this collaborative business model?
Joe: We first need to have a theology of blogging to make this happen?
Should we have a session to start a group blogs on various topics?
Blogging is not a good, standalone medium. Need to carry over to other media, even including telephone, teleconferences.
Audience comment: Uncomfortable with business model approach to Christian blogosphere
Andy: Well, there will be some type of organizing model
Audience comment: Blogging can be stressful, especially when engaging opposition. Need support system for times of difficulty.
Joe: As we look at theology of blogging, can't forget the basics. When a Christian blogger starts, read and encourage them appropriately.
John: Pray for bloggers I read. Would like to see commitment to pray for bloggers we read. And hit their Google ads ;-)
LaShawn: For high-profile bloggers, they should consider linking to newer blogs
Audience commenter: Pray for high-profile bloggers
Joe: Expect abuse for proclaiming the Gospel
Audience commenter: Blogosphere presents opportunity to connect to people never would've had otherwise.
How to work as bloggers for missions?
Andy: Need to realize it is just not in the US. We're a little myopic, but can use blogs to get informed on goings-on in other countries. Need to cultivate this globalization through blogging.
GBD Day 2, plenary 1: Community, Control, & Accountability
1:26 pm update: More thoughts on "The Role of Blogging in Christendom"
I had a chance to chew on this morning's session whilst chewing on lunch. The big ideas that stick out in my mind are:
Begin liveblog
========================================
Liveblog on "The Role of Blogging in Christendom" - commentary coming soon
John Schroeder of Blogotional moderating the plenary session: "A chemist who reads comic books"
No wireless at last night's session mean no dictionary.com (to figure out what Dr. Reynolds was talking about)
Andy Jackson: SmartChristian.com ("a lot of blog names represent wishful thinking"). Indepundit of Christian blogosphere.
Slightly on the uphill side of Methuselah...I got it, see Genesis 5.
Joe Carter: Evangelical Outpost. Uber geek....a leader of geeks.
David Wayne: Jollyblogger. Florida Gator. Jazz as a framework for the discussion?
Blogging inside Christianity. Everyone looks like they're praying. Oopps, they're just hunched over their laptops.
Opening salvo's: Why did you start blogging?
David: 12/2003 got blogspot site, then got Typepad site, read Joe's EO.
Joe: Ran East Texas newspaper. Shutdown around 12/2003 (date?). Read HH book "In, but not Of"
Andy: A teaching pastor. Started a resource website, turned into SmartChristian.com, then added blog
Has blogging affected family life?
David: Wife a "blog widow";-) But, family really gets behind him w/blogging tho'
Joe: Started as obsession, blogged after wife went to sleep
Andy: Blogging didn't make that much difference....he was already too busy!
How has blogging affected personal, spiritual development?
Andy: Community, conversation, connection, spiritual formation, influence.
Joe: It can be a spritual discipline. Needs to sit down and write something down to really understand it
David: No quiet time on blog, but all life is lived before the face of God. A good iron sharpens iron factor, too.
Blogging in Christendom: Extension of ministry? Or new ministry?
Joe: More of a service...we serve others thru blogging.... Amen
Dave: Both extension and new. Gives chance to expand audience - 7 to 8x the audience on blog vs. Sunday morn
Andy: It's a natural extension of his calling and passions. Should not just be another task. Provides means for greater integration: I concur
Is blogging a hobby, vocation, or calling?
Dave: Could be all three. Many start as hobby. All believers have a call to something, could be blogging.
Joe: Could be all three, but fewer do as vocation.
Andy: Doesn't like idea of blogging as "hobby". Part of movement to impact society for Christ and engage the culture....this goes beyond hobby. Need to take seriously!
Dave: Hobby vs. vocation/calling: Luther wanted to have a theological discussion with his 95 theses, but tapped into something that was much bigger in society.
Where should Christian blogger maintain allegience: Christian blogosphere or local Christian community?
Dave: not an either/or question
Joe: I agree. Primary allegience to Christ, secondary to local church. Need to maintain
Andy: Neither, seek first the Kingdom of God
Can Christian blogosphere replace local church?
Joe: A false dichotomy. Will never replace local church, but believers should have community w/in Christian blogosphere
Dave: Need local church to administer very sensate things in person. See the various ordinances and commands in Bible.
Andy: Blogosphere helps with connection. Unfortunately, in many institutional churches, believers are not experiencing biblical community. Blogosphere is providing contects of connection where closer relationships could be developed. "Facing a crisis of community in our churches." Blogosphere can help.
What are appropriate limits for self-revelation on blogs?
Andy: Public blogging is one thing. But not best place to air dirty linens.
As pastors, do you have problems with people in congregations being jealous of time spent blogging?
Dave: Not too much. Many people still do not understand what is going on w/blogs. Reactions have changed in last 18 mo.
Andy: No negative rxn. blog/rsc site is heavily promoted. In large church, discipleship is hard, blog/website helps. Should intentionally and strategically integrate blogs into disciplemaking.
Dave: Traditional website is a brochure. Blogging is more personal.
What are some good strategies for getting good stuff from blogosphere into congregation?
Joe: ID interests of congregation, then introduce to affinity blogs
Andy: Amen. Still tremendous ignorance in churches about blogs...need to intentionally educate. Show on overhead on Sunday morn. There is opportunity for people in smaller churches to really connect via blogs. Need to work up the learning curve....need to make practical for the congregation
Andy: Pastors need to get past the idea that they are the authoritative fount of truth. Pastors must be open to other ideas and questions. In other words, must be secure in fact that they are part of a much larger and intellectually diverse body of Christ.
Will blogging reform the church? If so, how?
Andy: God, I hope so! Blogging may be one piece, though God is reforming the church (global movement of the kingdom). Blogging is entering the conversation of understanding the mind of Christ. Living in unique and exciting time in what God is doing. Blogging give us chance to interact with larger church. Gives an awareness that we live in exciting times and join the greater conversation.
Joe: Christian bloggers can help change the church, not "blogging". Bloggers should help move forward (CC to Dr. Reynolds' democritization paradigm from last night)
Dave: Amen
95 Theses lead to huge explosion in systematic thought. Is blogging helping bring this around?
Joe: Printing press helped spread ideas, blogging helps spread conversations
Andy: We just don't know what is happening. May have to rely on the Holy Spirit. We're just at the beginning of what is going on. Need to think about h2 harness and focus Christian blogosphere for greater impact. Lots of Christian bloggers in Africa, China, around the world.
Any such thing as theology of blogging? Should there be?
Joe: We need theology of culture. Need hermeneutics of theology and culture. Is blogging a good medium for the Gospel? If so, how? What are limitations?
Dave: Bloggers are very individualistic. Everything we do is under the soveriegnty of God.
Andy: Need focus for greater cultural impact. What is theological purpose of blogging? Maybe more a topic for this afternoon?
How are Christian blogosphere labels useful (like apologetics blogs, pastor blogs, etc.)?
Joe: Blogs are just reflections of the people running them.
Andy: Blogs can't become an island in themselves, though can still have specialized blogs.
With pastor blogs, is there a mechanism to just check out the persons credentials?
Andy: Cannot stand pseudonyms. (uh-oh....TexasTommy's getting nervous! But check out my "About" page)
Dave: Put up an "About" page!
John: See what other blogs say about that blog/person
Audience question: blogging reflects Christendom for better or worse. H2 avoid giving bad impression of Body of Christ thru' blogs?
Andy: When you enter the blogosphere, you're entering a community. No blog is self contained. Must see blogosphere as a corporate identity.
How to encourage excellence in Christian blogging?
Dave: Need interaction with others and refine ideas. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Joe: Roger Ebert looked at what the movie is trying to do to judge movies. Do the same with blogs. Judge by highest standards of individual blog. Don't buy into aesthetic relativism though.
Andy: Need to have proper accountability. Can't let Body of Christ be identified in world's eyes with just a few, high-profile people. Blogosphere can bring some measure of accountability to these areas and individuals. Mainstream media folks will listen and can be influenced by Christian blogosphere.
Matt Anderson: How does blogosphere avoid "celebrity spokesman complex"?
Joe: Blogosphere enables equal exposure to more rightly judge merits of ideas. The strength of Christian blogosphere is the community aspect. Would like to see more diverse, Christian voices in the MSM (not just Pat Roberts, James Dobson, Chuck Colson).
I had a chance to chew on this morning's session whilst chewing on lunch. The big ideas that stick out in my mind are:
- Bloggy connections: Blogging helps break barriers to true, biblical community. I'd like to see more about how this can happen, though. At my own church in Austin, First Evangelical Free Church, it's kinda hard to get to know people past the usual Sunday morning superficialities. It takes purposeful, persistent effort. I'm not sure how blogging would necessarily help. Of course, being a part of a community of Christian bloggers would be a totally different ball of yarn and a welcome supplement to the local body, especially for my calling to engage the online world for the Lord
- Get past the "man behind the curtain": Pastors must cede some control, can't restrict blogs or other sources of theological ideas. This thought reveals one of the dirty little secrets of protestantism: we have our own, surrepticious form of the papacy. We have the grand poobah behind the pulpit telling us what the Bible says. Of course, that's not all bad and all pastors do not abuse that power. But the temptation is there.
- Into the mind of Christ: "Blogging is entering the conversation of understanding the mind of Christ." I need to meditate more upon this. I think establishing the unified, Christian community that Joe Carter spoke about in the second session would help me in tapping into informed, rigourous ideas on the Gospel as applied to issues of the day.
- Accountability, good. Pseudonyms, bad. When Andy started in about the use of pseudonyms on blogs and how we should not hide behind anonymity, ol' TexasTommy wanted to shrink down in the pew. But see my About page.
Begin liveblog
========================================
Liveblog on "The Role of Blogging in Christendom" - commentary coming soon
John Schroeder of Blogotional moderating the plenary session: "A chemist who reads comic books"
No wireless at last night's session mean no dictionary.com (to figure out what Dr. Reynolds was talking about)
Andy Jackson: SmartChristian.com ("a lot of blog names represent wishful thinking"). Indepundit of Christian blogosphere.
Slightly on the uphill side of Methuselah...I got it, see Genesis 5.
Joe Carter: Evangelical Outpost. Uber geek....a leader of geeks.
David Wayne: Jollyblogger. Florida Gator. Jazz as a framework for the discussion?
Blogging inside Christianity. Everyone looks like they're praying. Oopps, they're just hunched over their laptops.
Opening salvo's: Why did you start blogging?
David: 12/2003 got blogspot site, then got Typepad site, read Joe's EO.
Joe: Ran East Texas newspaper. Shutdown around 12/2003 (date?). Read HH book "In, but not Of"
Andy: A teaching pastor. Started a resource website, turned into SmartChristian.com, then added blog
Has blogging affected family life?
David: Wife a "blog widow";-) But, family really gets behind him w/blogging tho'
Joe: Started as obsession, blogged after wife went to sleep
Andy: Blogging didn't make that much difference....he was already too busy!
How has blogging affected personal, spiritual development?
Andy: Community, conversation, connection, spiritual formation, influence.
Joe: It can be a spritual discipline. Needs to sit down and write something down to really understand it
David: No quiet time on blog, but all life is lived before the face of God. A good iron sharpens iron factor, too.
Blogging in Christendom: Extension of ministry? Or new ministry?
Joe: More of a service...we serve others thru blogging.... Amen
Dave: Both extension and new. Gives chance to expand audience - 7 to 8x the audience on blog vs. Sunday morn
Andy: It's a natural extension of his calling and passions. Should not just be another task. Provides means for greater integration: I concur
Is blogging a hobby, vocation, or calling?
Dave: Could be all three. Many start as hobby. All believers have a call to something, could be blogging.
Joe: Could be all three, but fewer do as vocation.
Andy: Doesn't like idea of blogging as "hobby". Part of movement to impact society for Christ and engage the culture....this goes beyond hobby. Need to take seriously!
Dave: Hobby vs. vocation/calling: Luther wanted to have a theological discussion with his 95 theses, but tapped into something that was much bigger in society.
Where should Christian blogger maintain allegience: Christian blogosphere or local Christian community?
Dave: not an either/or question
Joe: I agree. Primary allegience to Christ, secondary to local church. Need to maintain
Andy: Neither, seek first the Kingdom of God
Can Christian blogosphere replace local church?
Joe: A false dichotomy. Will never replace local church, but believers should have community w/in Christian blogosphere
Dave: Need local church to administer very sensate things in person. See the various ordinances and commands in Bible.
Andy: Blogosphere helps with connection. Unfortunately, in many institutional churches, believers are not experiencing biblical community. Blogosphere is providing contects of connection where closer relationships could be developed. "Facing a crisis of community in our churches." Blogosphere can help.
What are appropriate limits for self-revelation on blogs?
Andy: Public blogging is one thing. But not best place to air dirty linens.
As pastors, do you have problems with people in congregations being jealous of time spent blogging?
Dave: Not too much. Many people still do not understand what is going on w/blogs. Reactions have changed in last 18 mo.
Andy: No negative rxn. blog/rsc site is heavily promoted. In large church, discipleship is hard, blog/website helps. Should intentionally and strategically integrate blogs into disciplemaking.
Dave: Traditional website is a brochure. Blogging is more personal.
What are some good strategies for getting good stuff from blogosphere into congregation?
Joe: ID interests of congregation, then introduce to affinity blogs
Andy: Amen. Still tremendous ignorance in churches about blogs...need to intentionally educate. Show on overhead on Sunday morn. There is opportunity for people in smaller churches to really connect via blogs. Need to work up the learning curve....need to make practical for the congregation
Andy: Pastors need to get past the idea that they are the authoritative fount of truth. Pastors must be open to other ideas and questions. In other words, must be secure in fact that they are part of a much larger and intellectually diverse body of Christ.
Will blogging reform the church? If so, how?
Andy: God, I hope so! Blogging may be one piece, though God is reforming the church (global movement of the kingdom). Blogging is entering the conversation of understanding the mind of Christ. Living in unique and exciting time in what God is doing. Blogging give us chance to interact with larger church. Gives an awareness that we live in exciting times and join the greater conversation.
Joe: Christian bloggers can help change the church, not "blogging". Bloggers should help move forward (CC to Dr. Reynolds' democritization paradigm from last night)
Dave: Amen
95 Theses lead to huge explosion in systematic thought. Is blogging helping bring this around?
Joe: Printing press helped spread ideas, blogging helps spread conversations
Andy: We just don't know what is happening. May have to rely on the Holy Spirit. We're just at the beginning of what is going on. Need to think about h2 harness and focus Christian blogosphere for greater impact. Lots of Christian bloggers in Africa, China, around the world.
Any such thing as theology of blogging? Should there be?
Joe: We need theology of culture. Need hermeneutics of theology and culture. Is blogging a good medium for the Gospel? If so, how? What are limitations?
Dave: Bloggers are very individualistic. Everything we do is under the soveriegnty of God.
Andy: Need focus for greater cultural impact. What is theological purpose of blogging? Maybe more a topic for this afternoon?
How are Christian blogosphere labels useful (like apologetics blogs, pastor blogs, etc.)?
Joe: Blogs are just reflections of the people running them.
Andy: Blogs can't become an island in themselves, though can still have specialized blogs.
With pastor blogs, is there a mechanism to just check out the persons credentials?
Andy: Cannot stand pseudonyms. (uh-oh....TexasTommy's getting nervous! But check out my "About" page)
Dave: Put up an "About" page!
John: See what other blogs say about that blog/person
Audience question: blogging reflects Christendom for better or worse. H2 avoid giving bad impression of Body of Christ thru' blogs?
Andy: When you enter the blogosphere, you're entering a community. No blog is self contained. Must see blogosphere as a corporate identity.
How to encourage excellence in Christian blogging?
Dave: Need interaction with others and refine ideas. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Joe: Roger Ebert looked at what the movie is trying to do to judge movies. Do the same with blogs. Judge by highest standards of individual blog. Don't buy into aesthetic relativism though.
Andy: Need to have proper accountability. Can't let Body of Christ be identified in world's eyes with just a few, high-profile people. Blogosphere can bring some measure of accountability to these areas and individuals. Mainstream media folks will listen and can be influenced by Christian blogosphere.
Matt Anderson: How does blogosphere avoid "celebrity spokesman complex"?
Joe: Blogosphere enables equal exposure to more rightly judge merits of ideas. The strength of Christian blogosphere is the community aspect. Would like to see more diverse, Christian voices in the MSM (not just Pat Roberts, James Dobson, Chuck Colson).
GodBlogCon Day 1: "Playful Amusement Concerning God Blogging"
Below is my pseudo-liveblog from Dr. John Mark Reynold's talk on Thursday evening at GodBlogCon, "Playful Amusement Concerning God Blogging". It's mainly a stream of consciouness brain dump from a MS Word file, with very little editing. When I'm more awake, I'll attempt a more concise and cogent analysis. In the meantime, my initial thoughts include:
Still on central time. Getting sleepy.....verrrrry sleeeeeepppyyyy....zzzzzzzzz
Begin pseudo live blog
=================================================================
"Playful Amusement Concerning God Blogging"
Intro:
No wireless :(
Dr. John Mark Reynolds: "Towards a Platonic, Unified Human Psychology" - whoo hooo!
His is Mr. Anderson's time...."we have the on/off switch"
JMR: A passionate leader for the cause of Christ
Dr. Reynolds:
A philosopher, with some mild self-deprecation.
Asking big questions about blogging
Light hearted HH digs, but defends Hugh's contention that blogging is a reformation of sorts
Blogging = new media (including whole future, individualistic media like podcasting, videocasting, virtual movies)
"Long running tension between live versus preserved performance"
silly to argue between stage and screen
Blogging should right the imbalance.....intriguing
Books are preserved; this talk is live
Socrates...Attacks books in "Phaedrus"....a book
In theater, interaction the audience impacts the performance. Not so in film.
"Great! The culture that makes the Da Vinci Code a best seller now can produce more 'stuff'!" In print, forever...b/c Google is forever.
Problems w/preserved performance:
Athenian to Golden Age had good balance between. Oxford and Cambridge will always have Christian witness b/c it is inscribed in the most beautiful buildings, which were built to the glory of God. Printing press and radio changed. But was a loss (gospel, bluegrass came about b/c little preserved performance available....led to great innovation)
Implications in the rise of reserved performance.
So, blogging.....
Was for tech elites, becoming simpler open to all - it may restore the middle ground.
Summary:
Can't be round heads or cavaliers....must embrace arts, science, Bible, the Mass, accept Jesus, assent to creeds, blogging forces us to do both
Old Right: Just tied to old propositions
Secular Left: Child of "preserved" Enlightenment. No ability to sustain wholesome mass movements. Chinese gerontocracy won't stand! They can't stand hard, persistent questions!
What should be done?
Community to the 3rd power
Epilogue: What was this speech about? What's it make me think about?
- I like the idea of being able to "talk back" to the media pharisees. A good, recent example is Matt Bramanti from Lone Star Times masterful fisking of the Houston Chronicle editorial board for its pompous, ham handed attempt at sports commentary.
- Democritizing media and theology is a welcome change because we do not have to take the recycled humanist pap anymore. But what will be given in return? One could, after all, argue that Beavis and Butthead are blogs' cultural progenitors.
- Perhaps we should say that the "folks" talking back to the established authorities have the same responsibility that the grand poobah in the pulpit or on TV should have: intellectual rigor, pure and loving motive, submissive spirit, a heart after God's
- Can the same type of democritization take place in the academic aristocracy?
- I need to meditate more on the idea of how the rise of preservation has led to a cultural diminishing. It seems to have taken away the impetus for improvisation in many spheres. Perhaps this is a manifestation of the urge to control on the part of the Preservers?
- "Even "live" performances have been tinted with "preserved" things: teaching, music" Wow, is that the truth! I've been to some southern megachuches where the worship and teaching are as canned as the laugh tracks to old "Hogan's Heroes" episodes.
Begin pseudo live blog
=================================================================
"Playful Amusement Concerning God Blogging"
Intro:
No wireless :(
Dr. John Mark Reynolds: "Towards a Platonic, Unified Human Psychology" - whoo hooo!
His is Mr. Anderson's time...."we have the on/off switch"
JMR: A passionate leader for the cause of Christ
Dr. Reynolds:
A philosopher, with some mild self-deprecation.
Asking big questions about blogging
Light hearted HH digs, but defends Hugh's contention that blogging is a reformation of sorts
Blogging = new media (including whole future, individualistic media like podcasting, videocasting, virtual movies)
"Long running tension between live versus preserved performance"
silly to argue between stage and screen
Blogging should right the imbalance.....intriguing
Books are preserved; this talk is live
Socrates...Attacks books in "Phaedrus"....a book
In theater, interaction the audience impacts the performance. Not so in film.
"Great! The culture that makes the Da Vinci Code a best seller now can produce more 'stuff'!" In print, forever...b/c Google is forever.
Problems w/preserved performance:
- Performance is "frozen". "There's no such thing as a perfect performance of Bach. Authorial intent is not all there is inside a performance" Performers may interpret piece differently
- No way to monitor access to information that may be harmful. Don't tell insane person where the guns are. Can't monitor access to a book. Thus, a degree of irresponsibility in our blogging; thus could be wrong in that case for a particular reader
- I don't know if you noticed, but there's lots of nutty people on the 'net
- Text or performance cannot defend itself. Art has a subsidiary existence. Putting something beautiful in a public place is a risk. Allows for public profanation of that beauty.
- Permanent: enables argument and community to build over time (like Emily Rose...or Star Trek)
- Allows original argument to be extended
- Allow community of experts to create amazing works (like films or newspapers) that are potentially greater than the sum of their parts. Old media won't be replaced by blogging. They may change, tho'. Still need cumulative group to form an idea into a polished media product
Athenian to Golden Age had good balance between. Oxford and Cambridge will always have Christian witness b/c it is inscribed in the most beautiful buildings, which were built to the glory of God. Printing press and radio changed. But was a loss (gospel, bluegrass came about b/c little preserved performance available....led to great innovation)
Implications in the rise of reserved performance.
- Rise in power of the university or seminary over the parish priest. Leads to centralization of power and influence. Story of simple prayer: community of Christ (humble prayer for humble woman helped him thru tough logic problem). Secularist/humanist mindset enabled partially by this
- Rise in power of an aristocracy of information and performance
- Locals can't compete w/Hollywood; lose indigenious flavor and innovation
- Local paper could not easily compete with the national news service
- This was a loss to be mourned
- Splendid growth in areas best served by "preserved discourse" (Science, "high arts"), but at a cost to those areas best served by "live" discourse ("human" things, folk culture). WV mountain man eliminated by .....socialism, Robert Byrd. Something has been lost!
- We're a community of believers. The living body of Christ cannot be captured, only experienced
- We are a people of the Book (and of Creed, centuries of literature, art, and music)."Better to read King James than read "Left Behind"
- Because of this balance, Christian orthodoxy cannot survive w/o life of the Spirit. It dies. What made possible the easy spread of "orthodox" teachings (at first a seeming advantage) also made difficult any life w/in them
- While part heirarchical faith (Trinity, Apostles), we also accept the importance of each individual human created in the Image of God.
- "Live" events suffered; "preserved" things prospered. Even "live" performances have been tinted with "preserved" things: teaching, music
- Commitment to both made it hard in "preserved culture".
So, blogging.....
Was for tech elites, becoming simpler open to all - it may restore the middle ground.
- Decline of religious left, increase of religious right: Ppl in the pews exert influence on church culture, doctrine, and teaching. Preserved media class may be threatened. But gives voice to "folk", who are more conservative
- Preserved discourse, but more dialogue than thesis. Need to understand the influencers of the blogger. Never been a technology like it. Books too slow. TV not interactive.
- Blogging is permanent, sort of.
- New tech will allow for living film (theater as film!)...art and music. Will allow collaborative fixing after the fact. Wiki-fied media!
- Since some "human things" are more interesting "live", these areas will fall to the blogosphere. Downloading "Desperate Housewives" to I Pod....not even watching TV together. Networked videogames are kicking Hollywood's butt. 99% of anything is "stuff"
- Science, tech, theology not affected by blogging too much. However, much harder to suppress information.
Summary:
- Wide spread of "Oxbridge" education
- More power to masses, less to elites (but will always be an elite)
- Rise of new elite that leans to lead in community and with their "whole soul". Dante is the model. (The creation is our field and all our interest should be integrated).
- Old media has only 5 Christian Republicans who they let on TV....and they're all lunatics." This media manipulation is no longer possible in the blogosphere.
- Blogosphere forces us to put out our beliefs for comment, discourse. "If anything, God's a monarchist"
- Blog cannot be Pro-life and happen to be a Christian. Must be other way around....be Christian first
- * Decline in orthodoxies and rise in a "orthodoxy" (a living doctrine)
Can't be round heads or cavaliers....must embrace arts, science, Bible, the Mass, accept Jesus, assent to creeds, blogging forces us to do both
Old Right: Just tied to old propositions
Secular Left: Child of "preserved" Enlightenment. No ability to sustain wholesome mass movements. Chinese gerontocracy won't stand! They can't stand hard, persistent questions!
What should be done?
Community to the 3rd power
- Incarnation not just about blogging
- Blogging not a substitute for f2f
- "Be not afraid" "look at France, we could live there"
- Err on side of liberty and embrace dialogue (allow "closed" communities to nuture ideas and students, but also move outside of those groups to broader communities)....must also engage the oppo...Read Kos!
- Don't be afraid of proposition and preserved discourse
- Need both elite and mass culture....both theologians and pastors
Epilogue: What was this speech about? What's it make me think about?
GodBlogCon Day 1: Confessions of a WiFi Junkie
Biola University is beautiful. However, I kinda' feel like a 6th grader at a kindergartner's party: Everyone here is so young and thin. When did I become so aged?
The orientation was business-like and too the point. Conference organizer Matthew Anderson, who has been recently married, suggested that we might blog any suggestions about how the conference could be better. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Anderson. God may use 50 gripe posts about lacking connectivity to prepare you for the joyful rigors of wedded life.
Met Pat Sikora of Mighty Oak Ministries, a freelance journalist covering GodBlogCon for several dead tree mags. She says she's never blogged before. I'm not sure if I should encourage her to get into it or not: a natural writer will naturally take to blogging immediately.....usually till 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. Do I pass onto her the blessing of blogging and the curse of day-after-blogging fatigue and crankiness? She's an adult and capable of making her own decisions. I suggest she should start a blog. The matter is now in God's hands.
Hung out at dinner with Matthew Eppinette and Joe Carter of Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (the latter also of one of my inspiration blogs, Evangelical Outpost) who have the coolest jobs ever, fellow tech-head Brant DeBow of sarcsmagorical.com and an ebullient, sanguine man who does not have his name on his card (please forgive me for blanking on your name!). He's pretty bright, though, check him out at http://www.biblestudyemail.com. They seemed interested in Austin. I guess living there all the time, I kinda' loose site of how cool it is. Maybe I'm becoming too jaded by the stark raving madness that also indwells my chosen city of residence. Perhaps it clouds my vision so that I miss the beauty and grace she possesses, with her emerald necklace of greenbelts and spice-laden mountains.
We chat for a bit about how to use the medium to preach the Gospel and how exciting it is to be among the first people to embrace blogs, wiki's, and podcasts as a communications medium. It's kinda' like being involved in TV back in the 1950's. Like then, we are starting by transmorphing existing paradigms into the new media. With TV, it was stage, movies, and radio. TV shows from that era came off as part radio drama, part stage production. Over time, innovative minds figured out how to tailor the production to the medium. With blogs, it's print media and, more specifically, the printed essay. The hyperlinked nature naturally enhances the cross referencability (I don't think that's a word), thus making the arguments presented more immediately verifiable and confirmable. So, we have pretty, highly annotated online essays. From here, what?
Prior to the John Mark Reynolds keynote address, I make a dreadful discovery: no WiFi in the auditorium! I begin to go into convulsions and other withdrawal symptoms. I feel as though I'm missing a part of me! I must reconnect to the collective! Like those reviled smokers who have been banished to 15 feet outside the door, I find some fellow connectivity-deprived souls huddling around a small, outdoor hotspot getting their wireless fix. I can't believe what a WiFi addict I am.
Thus, it looks like the liveblogging is a no-go for this eve, so I'll have to cover it the old fashioned way. Stay tuned......
The orientation was business-like and too the point. Conference organizer Matthew Anderson, who has been recently married, suggested that we might blog any suggestions about how the conference could be better. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Anderson. God may use 50 gripe posts about lacking connectivity to prepare you for the joyful rigors of wedded life.
Met Pat Sikora of Mighty Oak Ministries, a freelance journalist covering GodBlogCon for several dead tree mags. She says she's never blogged before. I'm not sure if I should encourage her to get into it or not: a natural writer will naturally take to blogging immediately.....usually till 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. Do I pass onto her the blessing of blogging and the curse of day-after-blogging fatigue and crankiness? She's an adult and capable of making her own decisions. I suggest she should start a blog. The matter is now in God's hands.
Hung out at dinner with Matthew Eppinette and Joe Carter of Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (the latter also of one of my inspiration blogs, Evangelical Outpost) who have the coolest jobs ever, fellow tech-head Brant DeBow of sarcsmagorical.com and an ebullient, sanguine man who does not have his name on his card (please forgive me for blanking on your name!). He's pretty bright, though, check him out at http://www.biblestudyemail.com. They seemed interested in Austin. I guess living there all the time, I kinda' loose site of how cool it is. Maybe I'm becoming too jaded by the stark raving madness that also indwells my chosen city of residence. Perhaps it clouds my vision so that I miss the beauty and grace she possesses, with her emerald necklace of greenbelts and spice-laden mountains.
We chat for a bit about how to use the medium to preach the Gospel and how exciting it is to be among the first people to embrace blogs, wiki's, and podcasts as a communications medium. It's kinda' like being involved in TV back in the 1950's. Like then, we are starting by transmorphing existing paradigms into the new media. With TV, it was stage, movies, and radio. TV shows from that era came off as part radio drama, part stage production. Over time, innovative minds figured out how to tailor the production to the medium. With blogs, it's print media and, more specifically, the printed essay. The hyperlinked nature naturally enhances the cross referencability (I don't think that's a word), thus making the arguments presented more immediately verifiable and confirmable. So, we have pretty, highly annotated online essays. From here, what?
Prior to the John Mark Reynolds keynote address, I make a dreadful discovery: no WiFi in the auditorium! I begin to go into convulsions and other withdrawal symptoms. I feel as though I'm missing a part of me! I must reconnect to the collective! Like those reviled smokers who have been banished to 15 feet outside the door, I find some fellow connectivity-deprived souls huddling around a small, outdoor hotspot getting their wireless fix. I can't believe what a WiFi addict I am.
Thus, it looks like the liveblogging is a no-go for this eve, so I'll have to cover it the old fashioned way. Stay tuned......
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Off to GodBlogCon
Dear Faithful Blogreaders,
At last the God Bloggers Convention (GodBlogCon) is upon us. That's what the link at the top of the right nav bar is about.
For three days, I'll be rubbing elbows at Biola University in California with other luminaries of the Christian blogosphere like Hugh Hewitt, Joe Carter, Joshua Claybourn, LaShawn Barber and Mark D. Roberts. In addition to ample face time and buff panel discussions, check out some of the planned break out session:
I'll be posting intermittently from Biola, and might sneak in some liveblogging where appropriate. In the meantime, enjoy the following:
At last the God Bloggers Convention (GodBlogCon) is upon us. That's what the link at the top of the right nav bar is about.
For three days, I'll be rubbing elbows at Biola University in California with other luminaries of the Christian blogosphere like Hugh Hewitt, Joe Carter, Joshua Claybourn, LaShawn Barber and Mark D. Roberts. In addition to ample face time and buff panel discussions, check out some of the planned break out session:
- Christian Political Blogging
- The A-Team on Apologetics Blogging--Don't worry, no one will get hurt...
- Turning Your Blogging into a Writing Career
- When Non-Christians Read Your Blog
- God and Pop Culture
As they say out in Cali, "Dude, I'm totally stoked!"
- Josh Claybourn's recent post on the conservative blogosphere's growing reach: a conference call with RNC chair Mehlman
- Michael Yon's comparison of New Orleans to Mosul, Iraq
- Go to Google, type in "French Military Victories", then click the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Looks Like Feminists are the BPOC (Big Persons On Campus)
Russell and McCullough continue to highlight the descent into madness on the UT-Austin campus:
What's next at UT? Bevo-ette?
Update: This story seems to be a manifestation of the PC angst percolating just below the Burnt Orange surface that was chronicled here last spring: Something stirs in the 40 Acres
"The UT Austin Office of the Ombudsman just changed its name to Office of the OmbudsPERSON."I thought this hypersensitive, gender identity mindset vanished after the Monica Lewinsky affair, when feminists lost whatever credibility or moral authority they had previously manufactured. However, it appears that in some obscure corners of academe, feminists are still wearing the pants of the family.
What's next at UT? Bevo-ette?
Update: This story seems to be a manifestation of the PC angst percolating just below the Burnt Orange surface that was chronicled here last spring: Something stirs in the 40 Acres
