In our foray into blogging, which is coming up on two years, we have experienced a whole range of blog interaction. We have entered into informative, challenging and edifying discussions, and we have experienced interaction that has been discouraging, demeaning and counter-productive. We are very aware of the promises and pitfalls of blogging, and we try to write posts and guide discussions that are interesting, constructive, and hopefully beneficial to others. We really enjoy when others comment on these posts, and we invite discussion on anything that we write, whether you agree with the points being made or not. On our blog, however, we want to maintain a level of interaction that is respectful, charitable and focused on encouraging and building each other up. Whether or not you are a Christian, we ask that all comments on our blog be submitted out of a concern for each other as human beings and neighbors (and brothers and sisters in Christ if it applies), rather than with the sole concern of winning an argument or criticizing someone else’s. We are not afraid of disagreement and conflict, but we do believe that it is possible to engage in discussions and disagreements without attacking each other. We believe that just as faith without works is dead, so truth without love is dead. In other words, if we cannot love someone through our tone and approach while attempting to correct, defend, or argue based on what we believe in is true, we should not attempt those things in the first place.
Because we see blogging as one way in which we can love each other (and not just discover truth), we ask that everyone who comments submit a real and functional email address at which we can contact you in case we feel that your comments do not serve these ends (note: we are the only ones who have access to your email address, not the public). If we cannot contact you permanently, and we feel your comments are inappropriate, we will have to delete your comments and/or block your user name and address. If you desire to submit comments using a pseudonym, that is fine as long you are willing to provide your email address. If you choose not to blog anonymously, that is even better, because it puts the blog interaction on a personal level, where people are more inclined to treat each other well.
One final note: some Christian bloggers disagree with what it means to blog the truth in love. Some take a polemical stance toward their subject matter and with those who comment on their blogs. Whereas some Christians blog in this way, and are obviously convinced of their methods, our conscience leads us in a different direction, a direction that is less polemical and does not tolerate personal attacks of any kind. Even if you disagree with this direction, we reserve the right to determine the nature and tone of interaction on our blog, and we ask that you kindly comply. If you ever want to discuss something on a more personal level or feel that your comments may not be appropriate for the public, please indicate your desire in a comment and we will contact you via email.
Hopefully this will not discourage you from commenting, because we love to hear your thoughts! We only wanted to clarify our ideas regarding tone and set a standard for our blog. Whether you are just stopping by or a regular visitor, thanks for visiting the blog, and we look forward to many more edifying interactions and discussions in the future!
