Writing and Commenting in the Bloggernacle
Good, better, and best are terms that can be used to describe the relative worth of competing choices. The one thing they have in common is the fact that a favorable outcome can be expected from each. However, the favorable outcomes are not of equal value. All of us come to forks in the road of life where we have choices to make from competing interest.
Elder Dallin Oaks has taught:
“As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best.” Ensign, Nov 2007, 104-8.
Sometimes it is difficult to know the “best” choice to make when at a fork in the road on the path of life. Who, and when to marry, which career path to choose, what educational path to pursue, which college to attend—can be such choices.
As members of the church, new or seasoned, we have choices to make. I’d like to make some observations about choices regarding discipleship. As church members there are many paths we can pursue in the “kingdom”. If we’re not thoughtful we can make choices that later on we might discover are good, or even better, but not best.
In matters of study, we should be wise in how we exercise are discipleship. Study is good, isn’t that what we’re taught in the scriptures? Well, yes and…maybe no. We’re taught there is opposition in all things. In my estimation it is not good to drink deeply from the nectar of the tree of opposition, and then merely wet our lips with the Ambrosia from the tree of life. We'll end up with a PhD in the things of this world, and a elementary education in the things of the spirit.
Consider what the Lord is teaching in this verse:
For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish. D&C 19:22
This verse makes it clear that receiving some things (meat) prior to receiving prerequisites (milk) can be harmful to a disciple’s spiritual well being. We should be wise in what we spend the bulk of our time studying.
While surfing the Bloggernacle in recent months I’ve observed that many of those who write and comment are not at their spiritual best. This is evident in the subject matter these well educated disciples choose to write and comment on. The most popular blogs in the Bloggernacle simultaneously mock and praise the church, its leaders, history, and doctrine. I can relate to this duplicitous behavior, to a certain extent, because I am drawn to it myself. However, I have a testimony born of sacred experience that I make sure others know I have. And this is my point to the Bloggernacle, if you have been given a testimony of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and Jesus Christ then make sure it’s evident in your writings and comments. Otherwise, I fear that the “best” will get swallowed up by “good” or “better”.
I’m thankful to the Lord for the manifestations of His Spirit in my life and I hope that all who write and comment in the Bloggernacle, and process a testimony, will be as quick to express their testimony as they are to express whatever else is on their mind.
February 22nd, 2008 - 07:02
That was nicely said.
February 22nd, 2008 - 11:57
I’m feeling uneasy. Are you talking about us? I think we do tend not to take things too seriously. I honestly would love any input that helps us be more congruent.
February 22nd, 2008 - 12:08
“While surfing the Bloggernacle in recent months I’ve observed that many of those who write and comment are not at their spiritual best. This is evident in the subject matter these well educated disciples choose to write and comment on. The most popular blogs in the Bloggernacle simultaneously mock and praise (mostly mock) the church, its leaders, history, and doctrine.”
That is quite an accusation. Could you point to something specific to back it up?
February 22nd, 2008 - 18:22
Anne,
I’m not talking about anyone or any blog in particular. I think there much to enjoy as things are.
See my comments to John for more detail. By the way, I enjoy reading your blogs and comments.
February 22nd, 2008 - 18:23
Stephen,
Thanks for your kind words.
February 22nd, 2008 - 21:26
I like your call to consider the power of your testimony when contributing on the bloggernacle. I haven’t noticed mocking as much as a deep cynicism among many on the bloggernacle. This is disheartening to me and I think injurious to those engage in it. On the other hand, I am very often feel great satisfaction when I read comments that are wonderful expressions of gospel truth.
February 22nd, 2008 - 23:14
John,
Thanks for commenting.
I feel that the bloggernacle could be more than it is. I also feel that television could be much more than it is. The predominate message in both mediums reflects what is in the hearts and minds of those who produce and participate in it.
As for the bloggernacle, in some ways it is an extension of the Lord’s church because of who produces and participates in it—church members. Because it is in its infancy, it’s important that those who have influence on its genesis give it the best possible start.
In my opinion, there is much good and praiseworthy in the bloggernacle, but I am concerned about what I don’t see. The most influential blogs (the busiest in terms of participation) appear to have an “editorial stance”, probably not articulated, where testimony, spiritual experiences, scripture, and quotes from General Conference talks are conspicuous by there relative absence. However, criticism of the church and church leader’s are present and accounted for, as well as other issues dealing with women and the priesthood, blacks and the priesthood, and gay rights; issues where the brethren need to be sustained. In my estimation this lack of balance is a form of mockery.
I think we can do better.
February 23rd, 2008 - 09:41
Marcia,
A thoughtful comment. Thanks
February 23rd, 2008 - 21:47
“The most influential blogs (the busiest in terms of participation) appear to have an “editorial stance”, probably not articulated, where testimony, spiritual experiences, scripture, and quotes from General Conference talks are conspicuous by there relative absence.”
If this is your experience with the “influential” blogs, then I simply have no idea which you consider influential. Testimony, spiritual experiences, scriptural quotation and discussion, and serious thought regarding what the general authorities have spoken are regular features at the blogs Times and Seasons and By Common Consent, which are generally considered the among the most influential. I have participated in many threads there that have been spiritually uplifting. Not every thread has been: some have been silly, some have been screeds; but the vast majority are far from anything I would consider mocking (at least in a negative sense).
“However, criticism of the church and church leader’s are present and accounted for, as well as other issues dealing with women and the priesthood, blacks and the priesthood, and gay rights; issues where the brethren need to be sustained.”
I am curious as to what you mean by sustaining the brethren in this context. I can say, for instance, that I find most current explanations for the limitation of the priesthood to men troubling. However, I also believe it is, at least now, God’s will. Therefore, asking what it is we are supposed to be learning from it or what could possibly be the motivation behind God’s will for it seems to me to be just the sort of thing that faithful members could (and possibly should) do. I certainly don’t see how that act could be considered failing to sustain the brethren.
“In my estimation this lack of balance is a form of mockery.”
How?
February 23rd, 2008 - 23:02
John,
I’ve thrown a small pebble into the waters of the bloggernacle. It’s created a few ripples and you’ve taken note and may not like it. If this is the case, then let’s agree to disagree, and leave it at that.
Now on the other hand, if there is something we can learn from each other, in the spirit of gospel brotherhood, then that’s a different situation. If this is the case, then this is what I propose to accomplish that end. Using just words and concepts from the Book of Mormon, which we agree is the word of God, make any point you would like, and I’ll do the same.
To start things out I suggest we read 2 Nephi 28 and then discuss the state of bloggernacle using just the concepts and words contained in said chapter. If you have another chapter in mind please let me know.
February 25th, 2008 - 11:23
Jared,
I’m afraid that you have lost me again. Could you explain how the discussion you propose is relevant to the discussion we are having?
February 25th, 2008 - 11:24
Also, I think 3rd Nephi 14 would be more apt, myself.
February 25th, 2008 - 16:31
John,
What I have proposed may seem odd, at least initially, but if it is taken seriously it can raise the tone of discussion and be revealing and edifying.
In 2 Nephi 28:14 …they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.
I think this verse can appropriately be applied to the bloggernacle. I feel that those who write and comment in the bloggernacle do err in many instances.
How?
I’ll suggest one way how this might occur:
Over time, when those with influence and credibility, write and comment and rarely refer to the scriptures and the words of the Apostles and Prophets, a style emerges. It’s like a fashion statement; soon it becomes chic to follow the avant-garde and anyone who breaches the style and uses the scriptures and words of the Apostles and Prophets beyond a certain convention is considered unchic, and is marginalized.
This can be measured by going to the blog and searching using key words.
March 1st, 2008 - 01:27
Perfection is the enemy of “good enough.”
In the end, you have to simply spit it out. Human beings rarely ever perform at their best. If we all wait around for “best,” nothing gets written.
And the reality is, when I regard the Church, it simply doesn’t read like an issue of the Ensign. Equal parts faith and doubt is how I would characterize my experience of the Church. And to portray anything less would be pretty fake and dishonest. Those who are always fighting hard to “keep their happy face on” simply aren’t very attractive to me as human beings.
In fact, they’re neurotic basket-cases. At least the ones I’ve known were…
March 1st, 2008 - 11:16
Seth–you said a lot in just a few words. I plan on writing more on several subject you touched on.
For now, in reply to the general feeling I came away with after reading your comment I would like to say that as baptized members of Christ church we have been given the commandment to receive and maintain the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
I am blogging because I have received many manifestation of this gift in my life and I want to appropriately testify to church members that whatever it take for them to individually receive and maintain this gift is worth it.
Because of my experiences doubt about the truthfulness of the church isn’t part of my life. Any doubts I entertain are about my ability to keep the commandments, fulfill my purpose in life, and endure to the end.
May 4th, 2008 - 06:32
Jared, my blog may be one of those you are talking about. For me, the bloggernacle fulfills a purpose quite different from testimony meeting. After many years of hiding my feelings and frustrations I finally have a place to discuss things that bother me. There is some complaining and whining and other things that don’t necessary fit in the category of pure testimony. But by bringing these things into the open I can come to terms with them in ways I haven’t been able to do in 30 years of active Church membership.
I think there are many members who are well served by having their convictions bolstered and ratified. There is definitely a place for blogs like yours. But there are others who learn better by questioning and questing. Looking hard at difficult issues and discussing how the faithful member might come to terms with them is not necessarily mockery.
May 4th, 2008 - 08:47
Bored in Vernal–thanks for coming by. I agree with you. I think it is important to have a place to air the challenges that trouble us. The Bloggernacle can be helpful this way. My point is–I hope that all who write and comment in the Bloggernacle, and process a testimony, will be as quick to express their testimony as they are to express whatever else is on their mind.