Are blogs dead? Do blogs still matter? According to American entrepreneur Seth Godin, no they’re not and yes they are. Here is what Godin says is so powerful about blogging:
“Blogging is free. It doesn’t matter if anybody reads it. What matters is the humility that comes from writing it. What matters is the meta-cognition of thinking about what you’re going to say. How do you explain yourself to the few employees – or your cat – or whoever is going to look at it? How do you force yourself to describe – in three paragraphs – why you did something? How do you respond out loud? If you’re good at it [blogging], some people are going to read it. If you’re not good at it, and you stick with it, you’ll get good at it…”
After reading that quote (and then watching Godin’s passion in saying it) I began to ask myself, “Should every Christian have a blog?
Blogging forces you to think…
As Godin says, blogging forces you to think. Depending what you blog about it can force you to think about why you did something, why you are about to do something, or what you believe about something. Then the juices really get flowing when you have to think about how you are going to communicate it all in a post clearly.
Christians should be thinkers…
Of all the people on the earth, Christians should be the best thinkers. Sadly, often we are not. Here are several ways blogging could help you as a Christian to rekindle your thinking:
- Christians believe many things that they have never actually thought about.
Maybe blogging would force you to think through the implications of your convictions and test whether they are beliefs grounded in Scripture?
- Christians are called to have their minds renewed (Romans 12:2).
Maybe blogging would help the dust to be cleared out of your mind, allow for some of the junk to be thrown away, and through blogging have your mind filled with thoughts centered on God and His Word?
- Christians are to have a reason for the hope that is within them. They are called to be ready to share that reason with anyone who asks (1 Peter 3:15).
Maybe blogging would force you to consider regularly what that reason is for your hope and how you would explain it to those around you?
- Christians constantly need to be reminded of the gospel.
Maybe blogging would provide a good litmus test to gauge what consumes your thoughts? Is Christ and the gospel really the center or does the greatest news in the history of the cosmos take a back seat to other areas in your Christian life?
So, should every Christian have a blog? In short, no.
But whether you blog or not, every Christian should think.
You could always reap the benefit of blogging without the hassles of technology and its public nature by simply grabbing a Moleskine
Do you have a blog? Do you journal? Has it helped you as a Christian? Have you found benefits I’ve not included above? Leave a comment, discuss it on Facebook, or send me on a tweet on Twitter.
Great post. I definitely believe having a blog has helped me process whatever I’m reading, or thinking about. Whenever I write it down or type it out, it forces me to think intentionally about otherwise fleeting thoughts. Over time, I think this has helped me to focus on issues that have become important (i.e. they appear more frequently in my writing)
Thank you for keeping a blog!
Corey: Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to write a comment. You’re right, getting thoughts from our heads (especially those “fleeting thoughts” you mention) onto paper or a blog post is vital. We live in such a fast paced world today, without purposely slowing down and taking the time to reflect and write results in us missing out on a lot.
Hope to see you around here more often.
Thanks, as always, Nathan and I agree with your sentiments, though I think a word of caution is in order for any who may really be tempted to start blogging their thoughts as a Christian: be prepared for what may come. For all the benefits it will bring to you and your readers, it could also bring out the worst in some others.
Putting one’s faith out there will almost inevitably bring forth contention and battles from antagonists and atheists (not necessarily one and the same), and it may not be people you know but trolls who look for such battles. It’s just a real step up in evangelism.
Of course, we’re called to be such witnesses and to contend for the faith. It just seems worth adding that reminder for folks who may be inspired to start blogging. (I’ll be curious if you might respond if you’ve had a different experience, by God’s providence.)
It’s like the difference between sharing one’s faith in the workplace and preaching on a street corner. While the former certainly has its own unique challenges, at least you tend to be interacting with people you know or need to see often, so one may hope for moderation in any contentious response.
And in both those cases (people at work and people on the street), at least your interacting with people face to face (generally). With blogging, though (as with mailing lists and twitter), the lack of direct contact seems to embolden many to speak with far less discretion and forethought, and with more animus if they’re antagonistic.
So I certainly agree with all your reasons that one might want to consider blogging, and I realize that you said also it would be good merely if they start to “think” as if they might. You also said, “Maybe blogging would force you to consider regularly what that reason is for your hope and how you would explain it to those around you”. That would certainly be the case as one took on such challenges.
And of course, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13), though as such we should commend as well that people add a strong dose of humility and prayer to the venture.
Indeed, as you said, it’s especially compelling to think that one could “through blogging have [their] mind filled with thoughts centered on God and His Word”. If one sincerely did that, then there’s no question that it would benefit both the blogger and their readers, all to the glory of God.
So again I say “Amen”, but forewarned is forearmed.
PS I apologize for the long comment. I know that long comments in another person’s blog don’t suit the taste of some readers–nor Godin’s notion of “three paragraphs” to say something ;-}. Some might suggest one should post such a long comment as an entry in their own blog and point instead to that. Sadly, while I do have a technical blog, I don’t have a personal one.
That raises another question along the same lines: if one does have a “professional” blog (that’s got an audience used to hundreds of entries on technical matters), should they slip in their occasional personal thoughts on matters from a Christian perspective.
Some may say “great opportunity for outreach”. Others may recognize that it could be tantamount to doing such in a press release or news conference. It would really have to be directly related to work to be suitable for the medium. Might be harder to share many other kinds of entries one might want to.
But it is indeed one more reason to consider a personal blog for Christian blogging. Or is setting up a separate blog a cop out?
Charlie: Thanks for commenting. No need to apologise that it’s a long comment. Long comments just mean I can’t always guarantee I’ll have the time to reply to everything (but I try)
You bring up a great warning. The blogosphere can be a nasty place. I’d add, not just with non-Christian trolls out there seeking a fight, but sadly even among those who profess Christ. Maybe I’ll do a post in the future entitled, “Why Every Christian Shouldn’t Have a Blog!”
Your question regarding posting spiritual things / gospel things on a site created for other purposes doesn’t afford a yes or no answer. Wisdom needs to be sought. It needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. If you’re promising your readers something, and that’s why they subscribe, but then you change it up on them then you’re probably not being that honest. In that situation then maybe a personal blog is better. However, you could always throw in a monthly reflection piece that incorporated your faith and thoughts in tech / life / culture / faith. Even ask your readers if they would mind. Maybe a kind of “Saturday Ramblings” thing for a slow day.
I’m convinced we need to bring the gospel to the market place of the people (today that largely includes social media, web, etc.) so having niche “Christian” blogs doesn’t really aid to that end. We end up talking about God and the gospel within our Christian huddles (don’t get me wrong, edifying the saints is important). At the same time, bait and switch can bring people to unnecessarily blaspheme God.
Great thoughts, and again, thanks for commenting.
This is a great post. Thanks for sharing.
I agree that not everyone blog should blog, basically because not everyone can, not even for a personal blog. However, I believe a (personal) blog, no matter what the topic of the entry is, should be glorifying to God.
I have question, though. I heard some say that blogging has something to do with one’s ego, mainly because the blogger wants to be read and catch some’s attention. I find that hard to swallow. What do you think?
Thanks for the encouragement, Nathan. And great idea on the saturday ramblings approach, as I concur on your notion that a niche blog on it’s own could be a mere blowing in the wind if it doesn’t reach the lost. So the idea of using my work blog to plant seeds in pointing to a more persona/Christian one is wise counsel indeed. Thanks be to God for His having me ask and you answer.
I pray the idea may be a blessing to many others. SDG
I started blogging for some of the very reasons listed. Primarily, I wanted some practice at answering questions about my faith, and doing it succinctly and efficiently. Blogging has helped in that regard.
I suppose I could have started a journal instead, and avoided the accusations of narcissism, but I really do compose much better with a keyboard than with a pen, and there’s probably a little bit of that narcissism inside somewhere that wants someone else to read what I write.
Nathan
I really struggled before I started mine… First of all, will it glorify God or my own appetite? Second the information I place on it… Will it be edifying and correct? I chose to start one and I haven’t looked back. It causes me to study harder and to make sure I place, either from godly men or myself accurate and true information. The only down fall for that is the negative response you may get from people who disagree with you. It seems when you speak with authority or (quote Men who do) – Like you really know what your talking about, because you truly have studied it, you’re closed minded or too dogmatic etc. I guess that comes with the territory. I really appreciate your blog
Lenny
Hey Nathan,
T. David Gordon makes many of the same arguments in Why Johnny Can’t Preach when he advocates not blogging in particular, but writing in general. Although he I think is specifically advocating handwriting (or maybe old-fashioned typing); because (as Doc B noted above), composing on a computer is easier than with a pen — because with a computer it is (too?) easy to just delete and rewrite. With hand and pen, you are forced to think before you write, which trains and exercises your mind in the art of mental composition, which makes you a better speaker and communicator.
Arlene: Thanks for stopping by. Ego and pride can big problems and real temptations. I think it is important, especially if your blog is more visible and not a private journal, to have accountability. I have those I respect who read my blog and my online activity to help keep me in check.
We must be careful to not fall into the trap of thinking that just because I don’t have a blog, or don’t use Twitter, or don’t use Facebook, I’m don’t have a problem with pride. That attitude sounds pretty proud to me.
DocB:
We all have a little narcissism inside us. I pray God, in His grace, is killing it more and more.
It’s a great point you raise about the difference between a keyboard and a pen. Why do you think a keyboard works better for you?
Len:
You’ve added another point that could go in the list. The discipline of accuracy that blogging forces us to have. When you know it is public, it should force you to not be lazy, to really search the Scriptures, do the reading, etc.
It’s great to hear the Lord has used blogging to sharpen you – may He continue to fill you with gracious words too even when people give you “negative responses”.
RubeRad:
Thanks for commenting, and thanks for your blog. I’ve linked to it often.
I’d be curious to know what DocB thinks of your comments.
I agree that a pen forces you to slow down and think before lead touches the paper. Maybe a keyboard is too quick and too easy as you say. Then again, I find (and maybe I’m a product of my culture) that I “flow” better with a keyboard at the ready rather than a pen in hand.
I do like a pen / pencil for “non-linear” writing and thinking. Sketching out ideas. Drawing my thoughts. Crossing things out and getting messing. You can’t do that on a computer and I find that can really help me get my thoughts clearer and more focused.
One of the greatest things about having a blog is how it provides community with so many other Christians. There are those whose blogs I visit and those who simply visit my blog but do not have their own. If it was not for blogging I would not have met these people and I would have missed hundreds of conversations.
Great post!
I believe, and challenge my students, that every Christian should have either a blog or, probably more realistically, at least journal regularly.
I personally love to write – not just because I like writing, but it helps me to process my thoughts and forces me to explain myself in a way others can understand. Plus sometimes when I write, the circumstances I’m going through don’t seem as bad or I begin to understand something I didn’t before.
Writing seems to be a dying art – falling to the wayside of escaping into TV and video games, at least among young people, and I challenge my college students to write regularly, as it helps them become better thinkers and communicators. Not to mention that if people wrote more regularly, their grammar would (hopefully) improve. lol
Ooops.just stumbled in here whilereading my blog out to my cat. Great post Nathan.
I personally do not enjoy writing. I have been blogging for about 7 months now–and it is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I am in my 60′s and sometimes just thinking clearly is difficult. Blogging has brought me to a new level in the discipline of thinking and expressing those thoughts in a clear and precise way. I don’t know if that makes sense-but it is true. I took part in Rebecca Stark’s November of Thanksgiving. I wrote all but 4 of those days in November. It was hard to keep up at times-but so good for me mentally and spiritually! My Pastor reads my blog-especially when I am writing on anything Theological-which is often. That is my accountability–which is extremely important to me.
This was an encouragement to me-thank you.
I have to admit that my initial prejudice against blogging was that I thought it was incredibly vain. I’ve always been a technophile, but there are some areas in which I’ve thought technology has overstepped its boundaries.
That being said my opinion changed as I began reading the blogs of others and starting to write my own. When I started blogging about the intersection of my own questions and struggles in life with my faith in Jesus Christ, I realized how blogging could be an excellent gateway for thinking about the Bible and its personal application in my own life.
You are right that every Christian doesn’t “need” a blog, however, we should all be thinking people of faith. As such, we shouldn’t shun away whatever tools can help us do that.
Thanks for the excellent and thoughtful post.
Brian:
You’re right. The blogosphere connects people who would ordinarily never meet. Like you and me hey?
Thanks for commenting.
Jason:
Great to hear you’re encouraging your college students to write (whether with ink or pixels). Before blogging I was never a writer. When I was growing up I wasn’t a reader either. Reading and writing were lost arts for me, but I’m thankful the Lord has given me the desire and opportunity to discover them. That said, it doesn’t mean I’m a good writer or a good reader – but I attempt both.
Michael:
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Thanks for the laugh as well.
Victoria:
You make perfect sense.
You also raise another point. Blogging doesn’t discriminate. (Well, actually I guess it does. There are many people without access to the internet and computers.) But for those who do have access to the internet and blogging tools, age, education, race, etc., doesn’t prevent them from starting a blog.
I read a lot of Rebecca’s posts. It as a great idea. Glad you were blessed participating.
Louis:
Glad you changed your mind re: blogging. This new world of communication needs to be explored carefully and to the glory of God. Thanks again for stopping by.
It is late here in Australia, so I’m signing off for the day now.
God bless!
I do have a blog and it has definitely forced me to think, especially as I find myself disagreeing with other Christians about various points of faith. When someone comments on my blog in a way that challenges me, I then have to consider (and sometimes reconsider) how I feel about a topic. So you know what? Blogging works for me.
As to Christians being the best thinkers, I had a chaplain on my ship in the Navy who would say before a sermon, “Don’t check your brains at the door.”
I started my blog because I worked as a bi-vocational pastor in Alabama and took a full time job in Tennessee that required me to move and I was no longer preaching. We were trying to find a church to settle in and I needed an outlet for my bible studies. Blogging seemed like an outlet for that and it has worked pretty well for me.
I agree that it seemed (and sometimes seems) a little vain. And while there are some solid bloggers out there with their theological heads screwed on straight, there are also some folks who I would classify as false teachers who have a platform to spread their teaching. In my opinion, however, the good outweighs the bad.
I have made some good friends through blogging that I would never have otherwise met (Nathan). And my readership has grown over the years–I’m now up to 3 people a day. Of course, one of those is my mom but hey….
I’m just kidding. She doesn’t even read my blog. Haa haa
I first started my blog to get some of my frustrations ‘off my chest’ with the modern church. I found out that I struck a chord with many people. I then basically wrote stuff that was on my mind and over time realised that it was actually a ministry that God gave to me. I also realised the responsibility that I have blogging because I am responsible for what my readers read. So I try to make sure that my posts are biblically correct. It also sharpens me when I am challenged about my writings. On the reverse side, I have to constantly guard my heart from pride which can so easily creep in
Dan:
Cheers for the comment.
Amen. You can check our brain out at the door. The Westminster Confession of Faith speaks of the Word in worship in this way:
Thanks again.
Joe:
Glad that preaching has been a good conduit for your studies, and I’m thankful to the Lord that we have met. I love how much more connected the Body of Christ is today through technology.
Alan:
Thanks for commenting Alan. Generally speaking I think we’ve got to be careful if our public blog is used just to “vent” frustrations. Not always wise in a public setting. Anyway, I’m glad you see the responsibility blogging brings because of its public nature, and the Lord certainly uses it to bring discipline in Biblical accuracy, etc. Keeping seeking to live for His glory!
I started blogging as a way of evangelizing beyond my physical area and to encourage other believers in their faith walk. Honestly I’m hoping it may also become a source of revenue at some point, but I’ll leave that up to God and just be faithful in what I do. It has, indeed, made me think more about my beliefs when I try to clearly convey a message and do so in love. Many have been receptive, however, some of the antagonism encountered by Christian bloggers actually comes from others who profess to follow Christ. I try to ensure that what I say is scripturally sound, but I still encounter those who don’t like my choice of words or perceive a different meaning than what I intend. There are many who are quick to throw rocks at the church because they’ve been hurt in church before or simply use the excuse they “don’t believe in organized religion.” We simply have to remember to follow Christ, and Him alone, and not get so wrapped around the axle by minor points of difference between denominations or what some other believer says or thinks. We have to remember to keep the LOVE part in what we say so we don’t end up being a “clanging cymbal.” Yes, there are some out there who are teaching a false doctrine or distorting the truth for their own agenda, but that’s where discernment comes in and getting into the Word to decide for yourself. Sadly, though, too many just want to argue when discussions should be done in love with the ultimate goal of correction, restoration, and agreement with the Word of God. He has been clear in what He has told us, and sometimes we have to lay aside our own agenda and human prejudices and just the Word be what it says. When we inject our own thoughts and feelings into it we distort it. The bible is very clear that we can be deceived by our own feelings and thoughts because the flesh is corrupt. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. I’ve ranted and rambled on enough here. Blessings to you all and Merry Christmas!