Why I Blog And Connect With Fellow Bloggers
I want to respond to some interaction thats come along on my blog. And in the process I'd like to give my personal philosophy about blogging and bloggers.
Particularly germane are some points and responses by eraserhead667 and funkadelichika. Funk responds to Eraser by thanking him for "...making me think twice about the author of this blog" (being me, PastorDave).
I'd like to communicate to you what I am seeking to do when I engage in t-blog.
Some blogs I write have a higher quality content than others. I think that, sometimes, I will write something that is quite poignant. Other times it is intentionally not meant to be taken seriously. And then, sometimes, I will write something that just does a poor job of making the point or makes an improper point. Such is the nature of blogging. I'm not trying to deceive or be improper, but sometimes it happens.
What I will ask is that you not judge myself, or for that fact any blogger, too harshly. Speaking for myself, I do this for fun and as a creative release. It is a great way to interact with people of a somewhat different variety. You will notice I do not preach sermons with my blogging. And rarely do I engage in overly heavy and pressing debate. I'd like for others to learn from what I have to say. But I'm imperfect at the craft. If you want a writing without error, true in all matters of intent and message, then you will have to move to something of a higher plane than PastorDave.
Now, eraserhead667 and I have interacted back-and-forth about a difference of opinion concerning what I wrote in a previous blog. The interaction took a typical pattern in this arena, and it goes something like this:
(1) A statement is made and response given, both temperamental of nature and irritating to the other side. Namecalling ensues.
(2) A bit of time passes
(3) Two reasonable persons exchange, more clearly and with less accusation, their views and consider more carefully the position of the other.
(4) The truth wins out, involving some movement to the center on the point of both
(5) A greater respect for one another is an end result
I've seen this pattern work many times on t-blog, which gives me a great respect for the quality of people to be met in this particular venue. As a matter of fact, for reasonable and smart adult interaction, I think this place is the best.
This fellow told me, clearly, that I have no business calling someone a name, or judging the quality of a person on the basis of surface appearance. I didn't want to accept his challenge. But, he is right. I've acknowledged it. And he said he actually agreed with some of the other points made in the same blog. He also said he had read other blogs I have written and found them to be of a higher, more noble character. I know, those weren't his exact words, and he may want to challenge my interpretation- but I was quite honored by his assessment.
I am not going to take any singular difference I may have with any one blogger and allow that to taint my connection with them here on t-blog. I'll give examples. Some of these guys/gals use some rather salty language and content in their blogs. Yet I like the persons. What I generally do is sift through the more "inappropriate" content and come up with something interesting and then give comment. And, some of you guys/gals are much more liberal/conservative in your religious beliefs than myself. And political beliefs! What I do is enjoy the opportunity to interact with you, because I learn and grow through the exchange. These people are good for me, and as long as we can celebrate one another's differences, then it is good.
All of the previous to say that I would be truly disappointed, even hurt, if you would judge me too harshly or discount me because I would write something you do not like. In many areas, I am about as conservative as they come. But when it comes to interaction and fellowship, I'm actually pretty liberal. And I've invited most all of you fellow t-bloggers into my circle of friendship. In over a year of this thing, I have come across only one blogger that I have chosen to cut contact with. In his posts and counters, he kept using the phrase "F____ Jesus". I'm sorry, but I think that is carrying things too far. That is intentional disrespect for me and for something that means all the world to me. So when he would not quit, then I quit him. But, as long as there is a modicum of respect, then I enjoy this blogging.
I almost feel like I'm at a 12-Step Meeting. I walk to the front and say, "I'm PastorDave, and sometimes I'm a bad blogger."
Or, maybe I feel a bit like Mr. Rogers. I'm wearing my sweater, and smiling into the monitor, as I sing, "Won't you be my friend?"
04.04.06 (9:31 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
eraserhead667 (
reply)
post date:
04.04.06 (5:47 pm)
The key is in not taking ourselves or each other any more seriously than we should, which of coruse isn't always easy. And hey, I like reading your blog most of the time, it was just that one thing that bugged me.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.04.06 (6:23 pm)
If only one thing I write bugs you, then that's a pretty good batting average. I expect to bug you sometimes. We don't agree on everything, any of us. But this is blogging. Just, and this goes for anybody, tell me you disagree and why. We will discuss it. Maybe that is all, because sometimes you just can't met in the middle, except to agree to disagree and to remember this is about an issue and not a person.
Thanks. Yours is a new blog I'll want to keep up with.
posted by:
babe4Jesus55 (
reply)
post date:
04.04.06 (8:02 pm)
Hear hear! People can get so up in arms about things--myself being one of them at times. Blogging has definatly been a learning and growing experience for myself as well, and that's why I keep coming back. I LOVE to learn new things and people.
posted by:
Sillygrrl3 (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (6:14 am)
I love reading your blog!!! You and I don't always agree and that is why I like it! *Grin* Keep Blogging - I know I will keep reading! Kara
posted by:
bacardibreezer (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (6:18 am)
Well I don't always agree with stuff you say and I figure some of the things I blog about offend you or maybe others. There are ways to disagree without getting offensive though and that is what I hope to accomplish. I don't want to judge anybody and I don't want them to judge me. No, it doesn't always go that way but we can only hope. Having people disagree can be a good thing, it can open your mind to other views and points but if spoken in a rude way, the point gets lost.
posted by:
funkadelichika (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (12:56 pm)
I enjoy the community found on tblog. It's really been different from all my other blogging experiences over the years. It's better than blogger because on blogger you just don't have a real community, It's better then my space because my space is just too hyped, It's better then many other sites because of the people who choose to use it. I havent over the years found a better group of bloggers. Or maybe I just have a new outlook on life right now. Anyways sometimes people can take certain blogs too seriously and expect the writer to always have some serious all encompassing post every week. Sometimes bloggers jump on others who make seemingly unfair comments to another they read often. Blogging is not a perfect thing but we do it all the same and feel a certain connection with the people who read our own. We enjoy it. If anyone ever stops enjoying it then they should stop blogging.
posted by:
drforbush (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (3:09 pm)
Paster Dave,
I have to say that your blog is the best conservative blog that I read. Other conservative blogs usually just make me angry and I can't get past the first entry. I would have to say that the major difference seems to be your openness to listen to people who comment to you. Of course you do draw the line, which makes a lot of sense to me as well...
Your open-mindedness could be a peril to your conservative self. Which reminds me of a statement one conservative friend made to me on the subject of open-mindedness.
"Don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out."
I can understand that he meant that it is possible to be deceived if you accept everything that people tell you. However, I believe in at least being open-minded enough to listen to people, but to listen with a skeptical ear. After all, skeptics believe in new ideas from time to time, don’t they?
Everyone wants a better world. A conservative believes that his world is pretty good they way it is, so he wants to be certain that any change will make life better in every way before he is willing to try it. A liberal believes that the world pretty much sucks the way it is and any change can’t really make things much worse than they already are.
Keep on Blogging!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:20 pm)
Reply to: babe4Jesus55
Good deal. If we singularly hang out with people like ourselves, I think we stop growing. And life can become empty, and sometimes we do not even realize it. Some of these gys/gals on t-blog I may never find in church. Yet, the same people have creative and useful and sometimes(!) insightful things to say about matters very important to me. Thanks for riding your horse (that's what you are doing on you avatar, I think) on over to t-blog.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:26 pm)
Reply to: Sillygrrl3
Thanks. Seems to me, a test of a mature relationship is for two people to disagree, yet continue to interact and respect one another.
At church tonight we were discussing the concept of "original sin". It is the understanding that all persons are born with a tendency toward sin, a sinful nature. I have a faithful older couple who cannot hear. After I explained this concept, she proceeded to comment totally opposite of what I had just said. She did not hear what I said. For her, and she really cannot help it, there is no real conversation. Unfortunately, some who hear quite well are deaf when it comes to listening and communication.
Blogging, healthy blogging, involves communication. That's why I do not like blogs which disable comments. Dialog beats monologue anytime.
posted by:
drforbush (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:29 pm)
Paster Dave,
I have to say that your blog is the best conservative blog that I read. Other conservative blogs usually just make me angry and I can't get past the first entry. I would have to say that the major difference seems to be your openness to listen to people who comment to you. Of course you do draw the line, which makes a lot of sense to me as well...
Your open-mindedness could be a peril to your conservative self. Which reminds me of a statement one conservative friend made to me on the subject of open-mindedness.
"Don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out."
I can understand that he meant that it is possible to be deceived if you accept everything that people tell you. However, I believe in at least being open-minded enough to listen to people, but to listen with a skeptical ear. After all, skeptics believe in new ideas from time to time, don’t they?
Everyone wants a better world. A conservative believes that his world is pretty good they way it is, so he wants to be certain that any change will make life better in every way before he is willing to try it. A liberal believes that the world pretty much sucks the way it is and any change can’t really make things much worse than they already are.
Keep on Blogging!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:30 pm)
Reply to: bacardibreezer
You know, of course, that within just about everyone of your blogs are things I will disagree with and even consider to be alomst embarassing. You and I are very different persons: age, backgrounds, outlook, religion, etc. And, where else but t-blog would I have chance for insightful and fun interaction with someone like yourself? And I imagine you have within the vicinity of your home quite a few conservative pastors, yet I doubt that you interact much with them. This is a really good thing about blogging. My life is enriched because of interaction with you and others on this site.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:33 pm)
Reply to: funkadelichika
I'm not too familiar with these other sites. I've thought about trying to cross-post(sounds almost like a dirty word!) with a couple of other blog sites, and may ask drforbush how to do it. But t-blog is losts of fun. And you are right; let's not hold another blogger to unfair standards. Well, maybe surrogate, but no one else.
Thanks!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.05.06 (4:41 pm)
Reply to: drforbush
Thanks, doc. Let me respond to one particular thought from your statement. As a conservative, I do not consider my world to be pretty good as it is. I'm an idealist- I desire change and improvement in almost every area of life. And I'm a conservative Christian, so I think the world situation is digressing rather than progressing. The only lasting hope is to be found in another world. The world is not evil, but sin has tainted every aspect. One day, i believe, Jesus will return to make a new heaven and a new earth. Then and only then will matters be truly right.
I know your comment was not intended for this line of thought! I'll admit it- you are smarter than me, but I'll continue to try to debate and exchange logic with you, lots like Don Quixote fighting the windmill.
posted by:
Sillygrrl3 (
reply)
post date:
04.06.06 (5:38 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Interesting that "original sin" came up. My mother and I were having that discussion last week. I will post on my blog so I don't hijack your comments, but... i had forgotten that conversation and the questions it raised. Thank you again! Kara
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.06.06 (5:54 am)
Hijack anytime! I like the free flow of ideas.
I wander on over to your blog and check it out. it is interesting how people tend to be quite reasonable in the discussion of theology as long as it is generic. Take for instance this old, Biblical, doctrine of Original Sin. But, try convincing the same person that her adorable grandchild may be subject to this matter, and watch the sparks fly. Good luck; you will probably get some flack. But, flack is good!
posted by:
drforbush (
reply)
post date:
04.06.06 (10:19 am)
Paster Dave,
I have to say that your blog is the best conservative blog that I read. Other conservative blogs usually just make me angry and I can't get past the first entry. I would have to say that the major difference seems to be your openness to listen to people who comment to you. Of course you do draw the line, which makes a lot of sense to me as well...
Your open-mindedness could be a peril to your conservative self. Which reminds me of a statement one conservative friend made to me on the subject of open-mindedness.
"Don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out."
I can understand that he meant that it is possible to be deceived if you accept everything that people tell you. However, I believe in at least being open-minded enough to listen to people, but to listen with a skeptical ear. After all, skeptics believe in new ideas from time to time, don’t they?
Everyone wants a better world. A conservative believes that his world is pretty good they way it is, so he wants to be certain that any change will make life better in every way before he is willing to try it. A liberal believes that the world pretty much sucks the way it is and any change can’t really make things much worse than they already are.
Keep on Blogging!
posted by:
drforbush (
reply)
post date:
04.06.06 (10:46 am)
Sorry, somehow the comment in my buffer was posted again.
What I was going to say is:
You can change the statement to a religion perspective easily by restating what I said this way:
Everyone wants religious solace in some way. A religious conservative is someone who finds this solace in his religion and is pretty happy about this. Any change to finding this comfort and consolation may be attempted only if they are certain that the change will help, not harm the arrangement. A religious liberal is not happy about how she/he finds his/her religious solace. This person is always in search of trying to make the religious experience better by many different methods. They may read the Bible in search of new understanding, or they may explore different religions or religious ideas in different ways.
The main point is that questions about religion are feared by the conservative if they challenge his/her understanding of his religious foundation. The liberal already feels that her/his religious experience is less than it could be and questions about his/her understanding is already common place. Answering those questions is a hope for the religious liberal, but not the expectation.
posted by:
drforbush (
reply)
post date:
04.06.06 (11:37 am)
Paster Dave,
I have to say that your blog is the best conservative blog that I read. Other conservative blogs usually just make me angry and I can't get past the first entry. I would have to say that the major difference seems to be your openness to listen to people who comment to you. Of course you do draw the line, which makes a lot of sense to me as well...
Your open-mindedness could be a peril to your conservative self. Which reminds me of a statement one conservative friend made to me on the subject of open-mindedness.
"Don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out."
I can understand that he meant that it is possible to be deceived if you accept everything that people tell you. However, I believe in at least being open-minded enough to listen to people, but to listen with a skeptical ear. After all, skeptics believe in new ideas from time to time, don’t they?
Everyone wants a better world. A conservative believes that his world is pretty good they way it is, so he wants to be certain that any change will make life better in every way before he is willing to try it. A liberal believes that the world pretty much sucks the way it is and any change can’t really make things much worse than they already are.
Keep on Blogging!
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
04.08.06 (6:55 pm)
Yipes... what have you started? We cannot have anyone explaining themselves here, or clairifying their intentions... I'm reporting you. Watch out buster.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
04.09.06 (4:35 am)
Reply to: drforbush
At least now I know how my brain leaked out.
posted by:
JT (
reply)
post date:
04.13.06 (9:42 am)
Pastor Dave, I enjoy your blog even if I don't share your religion or political opinion. I think the fact that I know EXACTLY how you feel when you look at that little baby Skylar points to how nice it is to see what people have in common than what divides them.
