3 July, 2004 7:38 PM
In the comments to my last post where I said:
'To be honest I get a bit turned off by blogs that are 'overtly Christian' too'
Felix responded by asking why I wrote that. I thought I should explain as it is a comment that two people have already emailed to ask about. Thanks to those who have asked for clarification and expressed concern at my statement. Let me attempt a response.
Perhaps I shouldn't have used the terms 'turned off' or 'overtly Christian' - I was just using Fat Buddha's quote as a basis for what I was saying.
Rather if I was to put it into my own words I would say that I personally find that SOME 'Christian' Blogs a tad dull and one dimensional.
I'll probably get in trouble for saying that but I just don't read many blogs that post only about faith issues these days. Maybe its a stage I'm going through but I guess I get enough 'Christian' input from other mediums and from life in general.
I like to read blogs that are more diverse in their subject matter - that don't just talk about the spiritual life of their owner or issues of theology or spirituality. Its not that I never read such stuff, but rather I like to see what else a blogger is interested in.
In my 32 years of life I've met a lot of Christians whose whole life seems wrapped up in their Christianity. Whilst I see some good in this (who I am is very linked to my faith in Christ) it also worries me. It is possible to go through life without really interacting with the world one lives in and living in something of a holy enclave. I think we're called to engage with our world and not isolate ourselves from it.
Having said this I am not against blogs that choose to only write on Christian issues - I think there is a place for such focused writing on blogs (similarly to the place for 'Christian' books. I respect bloggers who choose to take this approach - however blogging for me is not about this. It is an extension of a variety of areas in my life (including spirituality and my church) and therefore I tend to be drawn to other blogs that are like this. I still read a variety of Christian Blogs on a daily basis but they tend to be one's that pick up a variety of topics and themes such as Tall Skinny Kiwi, Jonny Baker, Bloggedy Blog, Jordon Cooper, Cre8d, Backyard Missionaries, Bene Diction, Neurotribe, Flying Blue Sky and Serenity Dawn (to name just a few).
I hope that clarifies things a little.
Comments
Page:
I think your comments are in pretty poor form. I only read Christian Blogs and enjoy those that are most focused upon Christian issues alone (which is why I rarely come to your blog any more. It is filled with unimportant issues on blogging, making money and pop culture which I find distractions.)
I take offense at your comments. Are you saying that I don't have a life if I choose to focus solely upon Christian views? You are a narrow minded blogger.
Anon » 4 July, 2004 10:26 AM
"...I am not against blogs that choose to only write on Christian issues - I think there is a place for such focused writing on blogs... I respect bloggers who choose to take this approach..."
I am quoting Darren there. Anon, I don't see Darren telling you what your blogging habits should be. As we tell our kids, "Take a chill pill."
Jon Reid » 4 July, 2004 12:16 PM
I guess I can see what you're saying, Darren. And, of course, you're entitled to your preferences as to which blogs you do or don't read.
Now that I think of it, if I was reading a blog that never ever strayed off of its chosen topic... well, I'd conclude that that wasn't a blog. It's not real or personal.
Yet, I'm thinking of making my blog even more intentionally 'overtly Christian' - but I don't see this as any different to you having an overtly 'digital photography' blog.
And at the end of the day, bloggers have a remarkable ability to be boring *whatever* they're talking about! :o)
felix » 5 July, 2004 4:31 AM
Go for it Felix, I guess the main thing is that we all stay true to ourselves in both the blogs we read and the blog we write.
As I look back over the 18 months of my blog journey there have been times when I've swung between focusing upon different topics. For months at a time I've focused heavily upon Faith issues, Politics, Blogging etc.....
Each to their own I guess.
Darren Rowse » 5 July, 2004 10:29 AM
I agree with your comments, Darren. I find that I'm not attracted to blogs which write about 'religion' and nothing else. Like you, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, it's just not what I want to read, or write. The great thing about blogging is that each person can choose how broad or how narrow to make their focus. I try and make mine fairly broad, touching on matters of faith but exploring many other areas of life. I do see a role for focussed blogs too though, like your photography blog, or my wife's blog, which is focussed mainly on women's interests. Each to his/her own.
Baggas » 5 July, 2004 11:24 PM
I think a better word choice would be that you object to websites that are "overly Christian" rather than "overtly Christian".
Being overtly Christian, in my book, is the equivalent of putting an appropriate amount of Chanel perfume in the right spots, while overly Christian is the equivalent of drenching oneself in it like a six-year-old. In the former case it adds a sweetnes, in the latter it is cloying.
PrecinctChair » 6 July, 2004 12:25 AM
Wow...something definately touched a nerve. I recently decided to try blogging, and I suprised myself when I found that I didn't have much to write about aside from church, church friends and specific ministry issues. My goal, unspoken and unwritten yet still a goal, is to do away with some of this dividing lines in my life so that there is not 'Christian' and 'not Christian' segments, but just life. Don't know if that makes sense or is relevant to this blog, just felt like throwing in my two cents :-).
Fiona » 6 July, 2004 1:55 PM
I'm sitting here continuing to question my faith in our president. He said John Kerry exaggerated in the last debate but he said what he said. Now, Pat Robertson whom I trust says the President said there would be no casualties and his staff basically says Pat Robertson is not remembering things clearly. I have to start asking myself who is really telling the truth! I thought the President was a good Christian but is it possible that everyone else is wrong and he is always right. I was raised to believe that only the Almighty was infalable.
Frank » 24 October, 2004 3:10 AM
Thanks for the list of Christian blogs to try out. I do sympathize with the "holy enclave" concept. Christ instructed Christians to be "in the world, but not of it." That means we are to engage the world, and at the same time see the world with the eyes of Christ.
I'm sponsoring LivingRoom this week with my blog, DOUBLE TOOTHPICKS (http://christnu.org). My blog also mixes it up, commenting on politics and culture, but from a Christian point of view. While some of the things there won't resonate with unbelievers, anyone with an eye to politics and having a moral point of view should find something of interest.
I enjoy LivingRoom. Keep up the good work.
Steve Bragg
Steve Bragg » 4 July, 2004 5:27 AM