GodBlogCon: The Hangover



It's always good to be skeptical of group-think. This isn't meant to be critical of anyone, I'm just asking myself some hard questions before I drink the kool-aid:

1. Is blogging really going to be "the next big thing"? Are comparisons to Guttenberg or television valid? Or is it a temporary blip that will be surpassed by new technologies before it ever really takes off? You can guess what the party line at GBC was, and they may well be right. But someone needs to at least ask these questions.

2. Even if blogging becomes a mighty force, will it ever prove to be a significant force for the kingdom of God? Will all these blogs really have much effect on the fulfillment of the Great Commission? Is this a medium suitable to the task or will it turn out to be a diabolical (literally) distraction; thousands of Christians pouring time and effort into something that ultimately has little impact on God's work, but which meanwhile keeps all those gifted people and their time and energy away from more effective ministry? Again, I am not assuming a negative answer, I'm just questioning those who automatically assume a positive answer.

3. Will the close relationship between Christian blogging and politically conservative blogging end up doing more harm than good? Have we looked at the unintended consequences? For example: When Christian bloggers vehemently argue for lower taxes, or less gun control or less environmental regulation or in favor of military intervention in Iraq (all positions I agree with, btw), will they create confusion between Christian absolutes and positions based on human wisdom? There is no biblical case that taxes must ALWAYS be lower or that ALL environmental regulations are bad so these arguments must be made on pragmatic, not biblical grounds. But the case is often stated with the same certainty and demand for orthodoxy as a case made (in the adjoining item) for salvation by faith. Call it the World Magazine Syndrome. At GBC my fellow conservatives seemed very defensive when these types of issues were raised.

4. Can blogging be an effective tool for evangelism and why is this being treated as a minor side-issue of little importance?

5. Is it healthier to encourage Christian bloggers to respectfully debate these issues or to try to avoid or repress them? OK, this one is rhetorical! After getting to know them, I'm convinced that the leaders of GBC would all encourage this discussion.

Posted: Sun - October 16, 2005 at 05:33 PM          

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