While browsing the internet recently, I came upon the question and ensuing debate as to whether or not Christians should engage in online blogging. Some of the Christians who are opposed to this type of endeavor feel that the very nature of blogging presents too much opportunity for self-promotion.
This debate caught my attention because I belong to an Anglican Christian community where both the rector and the associate-priest each post to a personal blog on a regular basis. Although they have differing beginning points and styles, both priests write, I would argue, with the clear and singular intention of sharing the grace of Jesus Christ.
Sightings of Grace in the Valley of Shadows by Reverend John Watton
In the spring of this year, much to our intense sadness, our rector at St. Martin’s Cathedral, Reverend John Watton, was diagnosed with cancer. The nature of this cancer has required that he undergo a drawn out aggressive treatment that has been extremely difficult for him physically, emotionally and spiritually.
At the time of making public his diagnosis, Reverend John and his family were inundated with phone calls, e-mails and messages. The love of Christ that he has shared with so many people over the years returned to him in a tidal wave. The fact that he has worked in several parishes, and engaged in extensive youth ministry and leadership development, meant that there were many people who would want to keep up with his progress.
In his personal approach to ministering, Reverend John is a firm believer and promoter of authentic sharing in the Christian community. And knowing him well, it was his wife who was inspired to suggest that he keep a blog. She knew that he wanted to share his journey and sightings of grace with his many family members and friends. And she knew that he often used writing to express himself, with song-writing, sermons, and editorial pieces.
I will not comment further on the blog, Sightings of Grace in the Valley of Shadows, but rather invite the reader to enter in and partake of this authentic sharing. While I do not know how Reverend John’s story might affect another person, I do believe that it is obvious that this writing is an inspired effort by a mature Christian to share the grace of Jesus Christ.
Although We Are Unworthy by Reverend Brian Candow
Reverend Brian Candow, our associate priest at St. Martin’s Cathedral, has also been engaged in blogging born out of a time of healing. In his case, it was grounded in time spent in reading, study and reflection.
During this period of renewal, Reverend Brian was able to find love, hope, beauty, grace and mercy in the Lord. And it provided him with a fresh way of experiencing the Eastern Christian view of Christ the Physician.
As well, during this time spent in deeper study, Reverend Brian was intrigued to discover that many Eastern Christian wisdoms and truths are embedded in the Anglican tradition of the Book of Common Prayer. He also felt a call to share his findings concerning this traditional Christian heritage.
As a result of this disciplined activity, Reverend Brian felt that he had found a grace missed during his early years of reading and study. Already engaged in Spirit-led compassionate ministry in our parish, starting a blog has allowed him to share his experience of the grace of Jesus Christ with his Christian family.
In this blog you will find many links and references to other blogs and resources focusing on these aspects of Christian study. By doing a considerable amount of the “leg work,” Reverend Brian has provided a wealth of options for pursuing ancient sources of Christian wisdom and truth.
Again, I will not comment more on the blog, Although We are Unworthy. As with the case of Reverend John’s blog, I cannot say how an individual will be affected by an exploration of this Christian knowledge. I will only encourage the reader to enter in and experience firsthand another example of authentic Christian sharing.
Upon choosing to take a thorough look at both of these blogs, the reader will see that, although arising out of two completely different healing experiences, both blogs were inspired by the deep desire to share the grace of Jesus Christ, which is the heart of Christian community.
Is it acceptable for mature and experienced Christians to engage in online blogging? I say, yes, absolutely.
For related articles see St. Martin’s Cathedral Gander Newfoundland for People of All Ages, Shawn Wiseman and His Musical Ministry and Churches at Gander, Newfoundland.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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