Why Dost Thou Bloggest?

A few days ago, I noticed an article on someone's blog site about whether or not to blog. The author had pointed out that there were approximately 50 million blog sites currently with many of them producing nothing better than fluff. He also mentioned how our time could be spent more wisely and profitable doing other things. While I would wholeheartedly agree much time can be wasted on these sites, both reading and writing, I also think there can be much benefit as well. Let me explain...

First of all, our typical sources for news and information are the major media outlets. However we have come to realize that most if not all media has a biased approach to delivering their news according to a preset agenda. Sadly, much of today's so called news is nothing more than promoting current events through the lens of a humanistic and atheistic philosophy. The result is that we tend to feel overwhelmed and discouraged at the happenings around us. Furthermore, we are not receiving the truth much of the time as the editors couch the story in such a way to "color" the events to their favour. Now that may seem overly harsh but like they say, the truth hurts. Of course this does not discount completely the reporting of journalists and writers.

The benefit of the blog is that the common man or amateur can have a voice in the daily goings on. In fact, blogs are even beginning to influence policy makers in the halls of government. Talk about virtual democracy.

But the biggest reason I see for blogging, at least in the Christian realm, is the opportunity for fellowship. How else would I meet so many interesting characters? My initiation came through my acquaintance and brother in Christ, Daniel. From his site I discovered many weird and wonderful creatures such as the Centuri0n, the champion of literary causes. Then there was Pecadillo, the familial sidekick of Pyromaniac, another giant of literature proportions. Phil Johnson, aka pyromaniac, seems to have spread the fire bug and infected some new members to his team blog. I guess that is the latest trend in the blogosphere? It seems I have stumbled into a world of highly intellectual, young aspiring theologians, all eager to grind their spiritual axes. I am reminded of that verse, as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Ok, so some of the sharpening seems more like chopping, but we all mean well, right? Then there is Rose with her level headed reasoning’s, attempting to clear the smoke in some of the thickest battles. Of course when we all needed a break from the battle we would head over to Mark's Purgatorio for some gut wrenching laughter and frivolity. Another guy with some serious humour is a greatly undiscovered Aussie going under the pseudonym "The Teak".

Well no rest for the spiritually discerning! The flag of an opposing theology was sighted on the horizon and all hands were bolstered to stem off the invading foe. The esteemed and tried stalwart of the faith, Reformed Calvinism, was the target of a single handed assault by the lone stranger, Antonio. Unabated by stiff cross fire and smoke screen, the lone stranger continued to advance upon the bulwarks of the mighty fortress flying the bright colors of the tulip flower.

One by one, the many peons lining the walls began to fire their inaccurate and weak volleys, which rather than aid the defence simply added to the noise and confusion of the battle. As our fearless hero began to scale the mighty walls of Castle Von Tulip, the cry went up for reinforcements. Suddenly the crack troops appeared who began firing well aimed rapid bursts of HE (highly educated) shells. Feeling the heat of these targeted shots, the lone stranger began to buckle under the weight of his burden. Just when it seemed like he would lose his foothold on the walls, a trumpet was heard far off in the distance.

He turned to see his faithful companion Tonto galloping up at full speed. As he looked back again through the haze of battle, he began to notice faint silhouettes appearing at the edge of the forest. Led by Captain Cautious, this ragtag group of loosely connected individuals slowly approached the raging battle. Carefully trying to discern friend from foe, they scanned the horizon. Almost instantly a shout rose up from the elderly Lieutenant Wisely. Unable to hear him clearly amidst the roar of cannon fire, Captain Cautious crawled over the rubble to get closer to the aged soldier. He looked up in horror to see exactly what the Lieutenant had been yelling about. There hiding and yet quite visible in the yonder foothills was the flag of General Diablo's forces flying brazenly above his black steed.

For a moment Cautious was breathless, if the enemy was there on the sidelines then who were they actually fighting against? Slowly the realization dawned upon his face that their sworn adversary had again worked his crafty deceit. One by one, reports began coming in from recon that General Diablo had placed double agents among the population of DoctrinVille. It seems that the dark lord had devised a plot to corrupt the intelligence of the leading generals and cause discord among the soldiers of light. His plan was succeeding...how could Captain Cautious and his comrades warn the other citizens of DoctrinVille? Could they make it in time to avoid the bloody civil war that was beginning? How could they accurately discern truth from error among all the volumes of doctrine their courageous generals had written?

Captain Cautious summoned his bravest sergeants and ordered them to begin at once the attack upon General Diablo’s forces. He then gave orders for Lieutenant Wisely to take the mighty sword of truth and assist the citizens of DoctrinVille in their efforts to root out the agents of darkness, or heretics, as they were fondly called by the Doctrinites. Will truth prevail? With the forces of darkness be repelled? Will the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shine brightly in your life today? Only you can decide the outcome, may you seek wisdom in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.