That seems to be our question of late. Can a blog allow free discussion and allow people to say what they really want to say without coming back to bite them? The answer is a yes and no type.
It is impossible to know how the world will react to what one writes and how one says what they are thinking, however, common sense must kick in at some point so that we are not offending each other. That wasn’t really how the discussion was moving (it seemed more a concern for church members not handling the minister’s wrestling openly) but it does seem to be an aspect. It was suggested that you could hide behind anonymity but why should you hide from who you are? If someone does not allow you to be who you are, are you in the right place?
I don’t wish to trivialize this discussion because it is important and it does matter. There is not a simple solution except that this blog was created not to wrestle with deep, dark matter but as a way of providing insight and help for other Christian educators. We all struggle with similar issues like “leading from second chair” and “creating appropriate space” and so on which is the reason this blog exists.
This blog also exists to comment on what is happening in Christian education and the world we live in. What role does technology play in the church? Do we need to minister differently to the technology generation? What is the role of the church in this new social norm? We all have an opinion on each of these issues that we should feel free to comment upon.
Yes, we will eventually touch upon social issues that are not issue for some to address openly like homosexuality and the church. At these points, choose not to join the conversation or comment under a false name if the outside pressure will be too much.
I am posting this because I did not want the converstation to get lost while commenting on another post. I have stated my opinion (and this is just that) about the purpose of this blog and how one should engage in the content. As Christian educators, we are writing stuff on a daily basis and I wonder why not place that content on this blog. You have responded to a need in your church or tried to address some teaching through the church newsletter or educational ministry newsletter. Post that content. Enter the dialogue at that point.
The world will never be totally safe. What I write today/post today, I will need to live with for a long time so I choose my words carefully. I don’t venture off the beaten path too far although I go further than some. Hopefully, twenty years from now, a potential employer or church member give me the benefit of thinking differently than I do today. If not, that is not the place for me nor my family. I need the freedom to live the life God called me to live. I can’t be their ideal but I can be their minister.
Jon’s rant is over for now!
1 Response to To Blog or Not to Blog