Constructive Criticism

A Break from Buddhism

I recently came across some very fair criticism of Anvil and Fire. An objective third-party perspective always helpful.

A blogger named John recently did a “compare and contrast” of a couple of Christian blogs, including this one. He said,

“The blogosphere, of course, does not belong solely to those who are skilled in edgy and tight blogspeak, but most of us seem to agree that adherence to this blogging aesthetic is more likely than not to increase the blogger's sphere of influence by making the blog more eye and ear-catching. Anvil & Fire has plenty of passion, of a kind, but this Tennessean of faith seems more fond of sermons than conversations.”

I would probably have to plead “guilty as charged.” My training and experience has primarily been in sermon preparation and delivery, among other things. My calling and occupation is that of a pastor/teacher/preacher. So, I think in terms of studying the texts of Scripture, trying to delve into the context of a passage, getting a handle on the Greek underlying it--for the New Testament (I struggled a lot learning the Hebrew, so I am more comfortable in the New Testament...), and seeking to deliver the message in an interesting way. Pastoring includes so much more than this, but this process is definitely in the core.

So I may have been blending the two avenues of communication: blogging and preaching. A natural error....IF blogging is supposed to fit a certain mold.

I have never taken a class on blogging. It is probably a good idea to do so. I have read Hugh Hewitt’s book, but that is about it. At that time I didn’t really plan to blog. I was more intrigued by how the bloggers nailed Trent Lott and Dan Rather. Now those were power bloggers!

I really have to blame Steve Weaver and Phil Rogers for pushing me into this. I never would have blogged if they hadn’t forced me.

No. I guess that won’t do. I blog because I do want to try to communicate to a broader audience the things that I think, feel, and experience. It is kind of a gut thing. But I admit that sometimes I try to speak to a non-Christian audience, then zig back to those who have come from a similar background, and zag over towards “everyone”--just nailing my thoughts on the door for any passer by to read. Sometimes, I have simply adapted some sermon notes and flung ‘em up on the cyber wall.

Now, I am grateful to John for pointing out a reason why the Anvil and Fire circle is so tight. Maybe Anvil and Fire should seek more of a “conversation.” Preaching and conversing don’t blend well. But two issues arise:

1. I have a life to lead with people close at hand. If I constantly converse with the friendly folks who visit Anvil and Fire, I will not spend enough time with family, friends, and the church folks for whom I am responsible. I know of one guy who quit blogging because it took too much time.

2. The computer I use for blogging is not at my home anyway. Talk about time consuming! I can’t drive back and forth to respond to comments. I already have too many outstanding projects around the house: Have to finish putting polyurethane on an old kitchen table today, Have to cut wood (its supposed to be cold this winter), Still haven’t bagged my deer this season, and Christmas is just around the corner. How many shopping days left?...

I think there is a third reason why Anvil and Fire is a small blog. Others are good at it, and I’m not. But can’t resist trying. If you want to see a solid Christian blog, try Phil Johnson's at PyroManiac. He's a Calvinist. But He's a good Calvinist.

John goes on to contrast Anvil and Fire with another blogger who “understands the nature of the beast and he does desire to speak to a wide audience of people who also ponder how to be a religious person not in the mold of the Christian right” [in contrast to Anvil and Fire, I infer.]

Now we wax a little more philosophical. My goal in ministry and writing is not to move people into a nebulous subculture known as the “Christian right.” I really resist the idea of simply seeing people as groups, subcultures, or herds simply making truth claims that mask a will to power. I don’t deny group dynamics in living, but if that is all we see, then we miss the individual. (Let me “step in it” a little by saying this is major difference in how “liberals” and “conservatives” see the world. But you don't have to be politcally "conservative" to know Christ.) My core desire is to point individuals to Jesus Christ. They individually must decide what to do with this Person.

My blog represents the variety of my thoughts. So I guess it will ramble some. At least I'm not attempting to make money at it! Whew! I'd be in the poor house.

Anyway, I must say that John pegged me pretty well. I will try to be more conversational and audience focused, if I can swing it. But as the great philosophical cartoon character said: “I yam what I yam.” Yet there’s always room for improvement, and I have John to thank for some very constructive criticism.

Thanks, John!