One thing I don’t like about the blogosphere

It seems that more blogs than not are written in such a way that gives rise to contention—the blogger comes from a distinct theological or political or ideological perspective, and the posts are his or her opportunity to rail away at the people who disagree with that perspective.

This seems contrary to Christian community. Last night I led our Oasis group through 1 Peter, chapter 3 where Peter urges all of us to “be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead” (vv. 8-9). Instead of this attitude, many bloggers (and pundits of all stripes: on the radio, in newspaper and magazine articles, in books, and on the cable news networks) come across as belittling (and even, at times, abrasive) toward those with whom they disagree. And I see Christians enjoying these pundits and even emulating their tactics.

But Peter’s model seems to be better: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” (vv. 15-16).

Blogging may actually be a genre conducive to not giving well-reasoned answers, since a blog is so short (almost a written “sound-bite”) and thus can lean toward quick and cheap jabs rather than well-reasoned, gentle and respectful statements.

But I hope that Christian bloggers (especially me, since I am sooooo guilty of this!) will learn to blog in a way that reflects the light of the “Kingdom of God,” rather than the darkness of the “Kingdom of Punditry.”