On September 6th I posted a blogging article from a Florida newspaper, the Lakeland Ledger. There were some well known columnists and bloggers mentioned.
In my post I disagreed with Ted Olsen, who is the online managing editor of Christianity Today.
Mr Olsen has responsed to the comments under my original post, and this is an opportunity to do some back and forth regarding his comment in the newspaper article that I and others took exception to.
What caught my attention was the statement by Ted Olsen. Olsen writes the popular Christianity Today weblog.
The public aspect of blogs offers a chance to engage the world in a positive way, said Olsen, the Christianity Today editor.
“I think there needs to be more thought given to what we’re trying to do with blogs. Are we trying to influence culture? Rant? Talk to a circle of friends? I’m not sure most bloggers have thought it through,” he said.
“It’s too ad hoc — `here’s a bunch of stuff I like.’ There needs to be a mission, a focus, more intentionality.”
I really disagree with that last statement.
Hey, this is just a little Canadian blog, I didn’t even think he’d have people assigned to follow up. :^)
If you’d like to wade in, please remember my site policy…..it isn’t very often a blogger and readers have the opportunity to engage a magazine editor…..who has clarified his original statement below.
Published 5 years, 2 months agoWell, time to wade into the fray, I suppose. First, a few clarifications: Not only do I run a weblog, but I run what is apparently the oldest Christian Weblog (since November 1999, originally titled “Amassed Media”). You can check it out daily at CT.
Second, yes, I blogged on animals and my town for a while, but running multiple blogs on multiple subjects came to be too much.
Now let’s get to the issue at hand. Are Christian blogs too unfocused? Should they be? Of course, the blogging world is so broad that any comment on blogging in general is going to be partly true and partly false–and thus no matter what you say, people are going to take issue with it.
But I stand by the statement that bloggers should be intentional with their blogs, although I intended this comment to apply more to each blogger in specific rather than Christian bloggers as a whole.
Should the Christian blogging community be united behind one particular mission? Indeed—to bring glory to God. But apart from that, I’m happy to see some blogs be devoted largely to media criticism, others focused on devotional material, others on theology, and still others on news about reform in a particular denomination. And I’m happy to see some blogs be a mix of these things and other comments. Mine, for example, is focused broadly on the people, events, and ideas that shape historic evangelicalism’s life, theology, and mission. But construing this expansively means that I note both Johnny Cash’s death and Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin’s retirement, both the Ten Commandments dispute and the small church’s zoning battle, and both the downfall of some religious leaders and the original ministry of others.
We bloggers spend an inordinate amount of time combing the web, much time (one hopes) thinking about what to say about the things we find, then quite a bit of time actually pounding the keys. How much time do we spend thinking about why we’re doing this? I still believe that too many blogs—Christian blogs included—spend so much time on self-aggrandizing navel gazing simply out of our sinful nature: we always want to see ourselves as the center of the universe. Having a Christian mission helps to guard us against seeking an audience simply for the same of having an audience. (How much time do we spend combing our referrers? Or checking up on our traffic numbers? Why?) Many comments in response to the original BD posting suggested I was promoting a success-oriented approach to blogging. Only in the Christian sense of success: bringing glory to God.
While the Christianity Today weblog that I run is not as community focused as others, I wholeheartedly support those who are blogging to build community. But here intentionality is important, too. What kind of community are you trying to build? For what purpose?
Some of the comments here concern me, since they suggest that intentionality in blogging is a bad thing. Do you really believe this? I’d be surprised to see a biblical argument made for it. Let us take seriously the words of Peter: “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” Serious words that I don’t live up to very often. But are we even trying?
Search
Subscribe 
You are currently browsing the Bene Diction Blogs On weblog archives.
Related Entries
For blog design, Wordpress or MovableType coding or blog consulting, see cre8d design.
I believe that the intentionality that Mr. Olsen speaks of here is important - not simply to blogging, but to life as Christ followers. “Why did I do what I did,” is a fair question to ask of ourselves, not just about blogging, but about everything.
Bene, I admit that when I read his words on your September 6th post, I read into them the idea that everything on my Christian blog had to overtly state that I am Christian - the “focus”, if you will. But in Mr. Olsen’s response I hear something akin to “let your every breath be a prayer to God”.
Hmmm… “let your every word be a prayer to God”… is that another way of saying, “Blog on!”
Blessings and peace - Richard Bott
Ummm, Mr. Olsen:
I’m not sure Christianity Today is the oldest weblog (nice plug by the way) relapsed catholic and holy weblog might have you beat on that record.
And, er, we don’t do ‘frays’ here, my readers are quite civilized and play nice. (Thier host has been known to lose it occasionally!) Carry on……:^)
Ted:
I’ll state the obvious and say that we each have disinct intentions with our blogs. Some of us are learning, some of us are finding friends, and some of us just ranting or whatever. In an odd sort of way our blogs are a picture in to our lives and not everything we do is done with any grand intention. If we don’t intend to make a difference in this world we probably need to learn how to care more than try to be intentional.
I think the diversity in the Christian blogosphere is really invigorating. Every blog I read approaches these issues of “purpose” and “focus” and “intentionality” differently.
I see some blogs which are “christian blogs” - focussed purely or predominantly on christian issues and reflections and have the sort of purpose that the writer is talking about.
And I see some blogs which are “blogs by christians” which present a more general catalogue of the bloggers general life and interests, of which christianity is one part.
The former are important because of the particular directed purposes they might accomplish, in particular to other christians. Our blog for example has enabled us to connect and contact people all over the world who can speak into the particular ministry that we are are engaging.
However, the latter are also important, perhaps more to non-christians. They reveal different people in different situations with different interests who are brought together by their shared faith.
Fascinating debate, though can’t resist the barb that long discussion about Christian blogs can become as navel gazing as some of the blogs themselves.
Anyway, those navel gazing Christian bloggers - they’re working out their relationship with the Lord. Good on them. It’s a bit embarrassing to do these things in public, but not many people notice.
It seems that some of the mainstream bloggers are starting to have an impact on political debate in the US. But do Christian bloggers have much impact on the church? I feel not. Not yet, anyway. Bring on Philip Yancey/Kathleen Norris and all the other Christian writers.
Quite frankly, I think christians have far bigger issues to concern themselves with rather than whether or not someone’s blog has a mission statement. If someone feels that they should have that on their blog, then fine, but why should it be that other christians should be encouraged to follow suit? Blogging is so diverse and for once, an individual can be heard. We’re not talking about a church here with it’s own little plan for world domination, but rather individual’s who are sharing their take on the world in which they live in; something that churches should try every once in a while.
I find it amusing that there is concern that bloggers may spend too much time on ’self-aggrandizing navel gazing’. Surely if we want to address that issue we should be directing that toward the messages that come from the pulpit everyweek. (Or don’t come, which ever way you choose to look at it). Bloggers, of most people, are actually thinking people. To sit down and write out something takes time and thought. Sure, sometimes you rant, but in writing you get the opportunity to organise your thoughts.
I’m tired of this whole ‘what is your mission’ thing. Why not just love your neighbor as yourself and love God with everything that you are. Anything else is simply trivial.
Peace
Ready, fire, aim!
That’s the way most bloggers work - or, more accurately, that’s what happened to me. I had all the good intentions and focus Mr. Olsen says we need to have, but I have found the focus keeps shifting - just as my life keeps shifting.
Interestingly, he says he originally was running multiple blogs. I don’t have the time to do that anymore than he does, so my blog is not a “Christian blog” per se. Rather, it is a reflection of my life in all its multiple facets. Since I am a believer, much of what I write is Christian.
But in the larger sense, we do have an obligation to relate our lives in such a way that God shines through it. I believe, after running a “seeker” group, that most non-Christians are truly put off by “church people talk.” As Real Live Preacher said once, his early blogs had many atheists and agnostics reading his stories. They read the stories because the stories weren’t churchy.
Maybe - hopefull - others will see in my unfocused blog that a man can write about Viet Nam, or web-based learning - and have a life centered on God too.
While I can’t say I’d put it quite as strongly RLP, I also think Mr. Olsen could lighten up just a bit.
But its also true that its not my goal to get him to believe as I believe - only that he and others understand what I’m trying to say.
Thanx for stirring the pot, BD. Blog on.
I feel a bit more sympathetic to Ted Olsen now than I did — but only a bit. I’m still not convinced that Christian blogs have to have a point. Of course, you can’t be against “bringing glory to God”, but since that what the whole of our lives is supposed to be about I don’t know that it helps much.
I think of blogging in much the same terms as conversation. I have some conversation with friends, some with strangers, some with strangers who become friends (but none in reverse so far!). The conversation doesn’t have a goal, it is an end in itself. It’s my conviction that open hearted conversation is a good thing in itself and doesn’t need to be justified by positive outcomes or target fulfillment. If that seems vague, there’s a good reason for that.
It is.
And I very happy about that.
Mr. Olsen - as you check in I’d like to introduce you to your commenters….
Richard B is a minister in Canada.
Leighton is a student and IT person in Canada.
Dan is a professional and church planter in Australia.
Martin is a writer in Australia.
Regan is self-employed in IT in New Zealand.
Doug is in IT in the USA.
Richard H is a minister in Wales.
Darren is a minister in Australia.
Lee Anne is a mom and reporter in the US.
Mark is a crisis youth worker in the US.
The Dane is a Salaried Hypertext Architect in the US.
Jordon is a dad and in IT in Canada.
Rachel is a statistican in New Zealand.
Sherm is a grandparent and poverty law activist in Canada.
Anthony is an educator and artist in the US.
Ages range from 20’s to 50’s.
Carry on:^)
This comment is on the hop - I have not been following this thread and may not have grasped the whole debate - although parts of it seem familiar from previous discussions some of us have had.
I personally am not convinced all our blogs need to have tightly defined missions or intentions - for me it is just a small part of the whole of my life. Therefore I hope it reflects who I am and the purposes and intentions that I have in my life. As a result there are days (if not weeks) where it takes on a pretty personal nature as I grapple with issues of faith, personal development etc - there are other times when the focus is very superficial as I experiment with my latest ‘toy’ or stumble upon a website dedicated to ‘Christian Graffiti in Malaysian Toilets’ (I havent found it yet but I’m sure its out there!) and other times it focuses in on issues of Church as I learn and network with other learners grappling with what the Church might look like in the times of change we all live in.
I do not have a plan or strategy for my blog. I am not moving towards any specific goal or mission. It is a small extension of who I am and hopefully fits into the larger purposes and directions of my life.
I’ll be interested to follow this thread on returning home on the weekend. Blog on.
!!! ‘Christian Graffiti in Malaysian Toilets’ !!!
Darren - if that site isn’t out there, it certainly should be!
Isn’t Irene Q in Malaysia? Maybe she could spearhead the effort. Now there’s a blog with a purpose!
A few simple rules I practice in blogging:
1. Enjoy what you blog. If you don’t enjoy it, you might as well quit.
2. Treat other bloggers with courtesy and respect. Especially bloggers with opposing views. It’s easy to be venomous on a blog; I think it is important to deny that urge.
That’s all.
I enjoy all sorts of blogs. Some are very focused while some seem to ramble on, apparently without direction, but occasionally stumbling over a block of truth. And, to be perfectly honest, I tend to trust blogs that don’t appear to have a “mission” more than I do blogs that seem to want to persuade me.
Like a kid at the shelter I work at used to say to me, “It’s all gravy.” It certainly is.
Why I still have issues with the concept of “community” when referring to blogdom generally and Christian blogdom specifically, I think Mr. Olsen hits the nail on the epicenter when he speaks of blogging as self-aggrandizing. Of course it is. At least all personal blogging is. Any time a person assumes his own opinions, thoughts, and narratives should be declared publicly and believes that others should (or might) wish to read them, he is de facto promoting self. Autobiographies are the height of this kind of personal hubris, but personal blogs (those blogs which are not simply news sources, but offer opinions et cetera) are, to a lesser degree, of the same stock. The question is, I suppose, just how sinful, if at all, is our active promotion of our own introspection? I suspect that it really isn’t. But this is only my suspicion.
Um, not to be “self-aggrandizing,” but, to answer your earlier post, BD, CT’s blog predates Relapsed Catholic and Holy Weblog, both birthed in 2000. The only extant older ones I know of are onReligion.com (Mar. 1999: beat me by about seven months) and, if you consider it a kind of weblog, Yahoo’s Religion News. But both of those (like Holy Weblog) are focused broadly religion rather than Christianity.
Back to the issue. I’m still doubtful that I’ll read a biblical, Christian argument for wholly random, missionless, “pointless” blogging.
The argument for intentional, seemingly random blogging on a very broad scope—something that may include Christian toilets in Malaysia—on a biblical basis is rather simple. Many verses run along the lines of 2 Cor. 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
That is, in fact, the apparent but perhaps unintentional mission of many a Christian-operated blog. And I’ve enjoyed many of these kinds of blogs. But so many devolve into what Andrew Sullivan calls “vanity sites.” I agree with Sullivan that blogging is, first and foremost, a form of journalism and of publishing. Even personal diary blogs are indexed by Google and function as part of the global conversation on the issues of the day (whether driven by professional news organizations’ reporting or by the birth of a child).
But does God call us to, as Sullivan gushes, “post to the universe any stray, brilliant or sublimely stupid thought that comes into your mind”? I’d argue that he explicitly does not (Prov. 10:19, 12:23, 15:28, 17:27-28, 29:20; Col. 4:5-6).
Once again, let me try to be clear: I am not calling for blogs to draw a circumference around their areas of interest. I am calling for them to find a center. Do not confuse intentionality with insularity.
Interestingly enough, the discussion here mirrors the discussions that have occured through many other media throughout both the recent past and throughout the centuries. Just as some are questioning the existence and purpose of musical performers who proclaim faith in Christ and yet don’t exhibit that same focus in their music, so are we now discussing the similar lack of focus in blogdom. The question has also been raised in reference to art, cinema, conversation, and even in the use of leisure time. I think it comes down to one’s theory of earthly things. Is purpose necessary, to be applauded, and to be striven for by the believer in all aspects of life? Or are there some things that can be appreciated simply for what they are (e.g., art, leisure, music, and yes, blogs) without concern for any specific intended purpose?
Personally, I opt for the second choice - though these are certainly questions that academia has battled over for years (any course in art or literary criticism will display the evidence of this). And of course, the reconstructionists will demand purpose. *shrug* Again, not dogmatic on this, but I lean towards thinking that some things have no need of any purpose beyond simple entertainment.
Mr. Olsen:
I’ll concede to your superior knowledge on weblog history, if indeed you were the first, you’ve certainly earned your bragging rights.:^)
As for Andrew Sullivan….he has competing interests as a top US pundit - journalist and a top 10 blogger. Yes, there are vanity blogs.
But this isn’t an either/or sphere.
None of the commenters here would ever see 80 thousand dollars from a pledge week, nor would I suspect they’d want to.
They are free to correct me on that assumption.
….a form of journalism and publishing?
It is publishing in the sense we have the tools, we put up our blogs willfully.
(publishing - to make known)
A select few may have the goal to take their posts and put them into hard copy. Good for them.
Journalism? No. Journalism is a job people get paid to do.(journalist- Oxford dictionary)
Can we agree to disagree on this point?
Intentional…(done on purpose)
Insular…(unable or unwilling to take a broad mental view)
Where I get my buttons pushed is with the corporate/spiritual speak that creeps in, that used to be unique to American religion.
ad hoc - focus - mission - intentional - purpose driven -
You are saying we bloggers shouldn’t draw a circumference around our areas of interest.
You are suggesting we find a center.
I think as you read the comments above and read their blogs, you will find a shared center.
He shines through our flaws, our vanity, our shortcomings, our culture, our educational levels, our experiences, our growth, and our approach to others.
He might not always look and sound like you or I expect Him to.
Yes Mr. Olsen we all fall short, we certainly agree on that.
Are we even trying?
Yes sir, I believe that there are hundreds of us around the world that are, and I’ve been known to take exception when anyone with a large or small audience anywhere misuses the concept of encouragement, and edges toward unproductive fault-finding willfully or ignorantly.
“I’m still doubtful that I’ll read a biblical, Christian argument for wholly random, missionless, “pointless” blogging.”
I doubt you will to :^)
I am very glad you’ve been able to find the time to address the concerns raised by the newspaper quote, and I’m happy to have you here to discuss this, we both agree this is an important topic.
Have I missed something you’d like acknowledged?
As you have listened and engaged other bloggers…..??
Well said, Bene. To a new blogger, some of Ted’s comments could be very discouraging. It takes some time to find your voice, even when you are sure your center is Jesus Christ. He had me asking myself if I should quit blogging.
But your comments rang true. Jesus, our center, does shine through our blogs, no matter where we live, or whether we are Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or simply Christians. It’s like the Bible itself. A collection of books written over the course of a couple thousand years, by many different authors, in many different styles: poetry, song, history, letters. Yet there is one Center who shines through it all.
There are many parts of the Body, but only one Head. There are likewise many bloggers; while I may be “such small hands,” someone else is feet, eyes, arms and legs.
I will blog on.
I agree with Ted’s point that some blogs need to have some purpose but I think he misses the point. Not all people have the kind of agenda that Andrew Sullivan has or the time to create (he is writing a couple thousand words a day several times a week). We have jobs to do and blogging is done by many as a reflection of those things. Are we intentional enough about what we write about? Probably not but for most of us, our lives are intentionally not as purpose driven as some others. Our blogs reflect that. No harm in that. I think we need to relax.
“I’m still doubtful that I’ll read a biblical, Christian argument for wholly random, missionless, ‘pointless’ blogging.”
Can we stop the in-fighting and enjoy the life that God has given us?
This discussion is quite interesting BD, however, for some of us it is a bit academic. I don’t read blogs for a specific purpose, I find them interesting, encouraging, meaningful, sometimes pedantic, obsequious and boring (How’s that for an academic and superbly timed statement?
Christian bloggers reflect a journey. Some are struggling, some share pain, joy, all are part of the body of Christ. None have arrived. Neither have I, so it is kind of like a testimony time at church, with a world view for good measure. The cultural differences we share as Christians makes blog reading exciting. Life without blogs would be quite empty, I look forward to reading blogs from Christians around the world.
I also enjoy poking around site like gospelcom and CT. They have a great deal to offer and it is indeed a privelege to be able to access the greater online Christian community.
I like that bloggers hold each other accountable. In the end, is God honoured? Your blogging friends certainly want that and clearly strive to bring honour and glory to God through their sites.
Again BD - great discussion, I learned much.
Intentionality and having a coherent point are two different things. Blogging helps free the mind through exploration of varying viewpoints and challenges the heart at times. I have good relationships and conversations offline that enrich the blog. But I have found that blogging has also enriched the offline conversation as well.
For this voice, blogging is an extension of what I have done for years- journalling my life- the journals contain signposts along the way, and ebb and flow with the journey. It’s healthy to see where you have been and blogging helps clarify both the themes and ruts of day to day life.
Call it navel gazing if you what- I don’t see it that way- in fact it helps to be reading the journeys of others believers and non believers alike and help me see that I am human like you are human and there is some amount of joy in the prospects of connecting with others’ insights, pains, introspections, struggles and viewpoints.
In fact it helps me to apprehend my own identity in Christ if I am able to articulate truth in my own words, images, metaphors and any other tools at my disposal. Publication of truth is another form of the stewardship of it. If someone else is reading this, fine, if not, the discipline of doing even this as unto the Lord is edifying. That’s as intentional as I choose to be, and that is challenge enough…
Okie dokie, I’m jumpin in.
This is a subject that has long been an itch on my skin. Flame me, if you want, it might help me to understand.
Yes, I think some Christian bloggers need to be intentional, are smart enough to be intentional and are not being intentional.
(I am not including those bloggers who love God, but know very little about their faith, and God permits them to impact the lives of others for salvation’s sake anyway.)
If you take the word “bloggers” out of that statement of intentionality and replace it with the word “church-goers”, the complaint still holds true for me.
We live in a time of privilege and comfort. If you can pay for it, you can be published. Our blogs show it.
We need to pray that God lights a fire under bloggers who are flaunting their long-standing stagnant relationship with Him, for they will lead others astray. Some of them have mildly popular blogs.
There is no way to make this statement and say how much it angers me, without calling names, making accusations and being downright tacky. The last time I tried to write about this subject, someone whose writing I really like, thought I was meaning her.
So, in order to keep a certain amount of peace, I also use terms like “intentional” and “some Christian bloggers”.
Okay, I’m done for now.
Here I am, better late than never
Let’s talk about purpose.
When I first started blogging, I didn’t even know it was called blogging. All I knew was I could have this free website where I could write whatever I wanted, and - just maybe - have people read stuff. I am a writer by inclination, so this sounded pretty good. I didn’t have any purpose, except to write.
Then I realised that, hey, people were actually reading what I wrote, and they enjoyed it. This was totally news to me. So I began to further explore it. My purpose became one of getting readers.
As I’m a Christian, I did tend to write lots of thoughts and opinions based on Christian themes. I knew most of my readers (if not all) were Christians, and I felt I had to always write stuff with a Christian bent. In hindsight, my purpose was to impress people with my wisdom and knowledge. (Hah!)
Then I realised this, and decided that I had to kill this urge to show off. I resolved to stop trying to impress others, and to try to be honest about myself. My purpose was partly to subdue pride.
Later, as people began to identify with the things I shared - the struggles and the fears etc. that I go through - I realised that my writings actually have the power to encourage people. People read about my life and realise that they aren’t alone in the things and questions that they face. So I purposed to encourage others through my writing.
Eventually, I realised that I tend to interact only with other Christian bloggers, and that I was stuck in a “Christian clique” of my own in the Blogosphere. So I joined a Malaysian bloggers’ initiative and started to mix around with bloggers from my part of the world. You see, it is always easy to talk the talk, but when people meet me, will they also see that I walk the talk? That was my question… and I hoped that through reading my blog, they would gain a better idea of what it means to me when I say I am a Christian. So my purpose became, in a way, vaguely evangelistic.
Now if you look at all this, my purpose has evolved over time. I like to look at life as a journey. I don’t think any of us get things right the first, second or even third time. But we try, and I think God honours that, because He sees the heart. And He gently prompts us to take the right turnings along the way.
So also with blogging. You know, a Christian blogger might not start out with an “intentional mission”, but that doesn’t mean s/he can’t or won’t develop one eventually. I think we can’t expect everybody to be “there” or to fit a certain mould or do things in a certain way, just because it would be ideal or “proper”.
The thing that I find really interesting about the whole blogging debate is that we even seek to impose expectations, rules or boundaries on the concept
Blogging, more than just about any other medium, is totally equal opportunity. People with limited resources can put together a site which looks slick and professional, even using free hosting and free software to do it!!
It is not a medium where lack of experience, lack of resources, lack of qualifications can prevent your voice from being heard and valued. But we are uncomfortable with evaluating people only on the value of what they have to say, so we refer to “external” criteria to evaluate blogs - such as length of time on the net, profession or whether or not people are complying with our idea of what a good blog is (eg by being “intentional”).
In fact, what we should be doing is saying “I prefer blogs that have these characteristics”, rather than “blogs like this are better”. Blogging, like anything else, does not lend itself to generalisations.