I have posted a number of articles in reference to the fundamentals of the faith. I have received very few responses to them.
On the other hand, I post one article on tithing and am still getting comments almost three weeks later.
Isn’t that odd?
Does that strike you as a striking indicator of what is important to us (at least to those who comment the most on this blog)?
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) KJV
I don’t mean this as a blanket condemnation of those who have posted comments. I do mean this as a call for us to examine what gets our attention the most. Why is it that we get all fired up about money, but not about serious, down to earth, essential, necessary, fundamental doctrinal truths?
Just musing……
December 5, 2007 at 1:32 am
It is true that doctrine has been now cast aside by many, which is very saddening.
At the same time, there are also a significant number who follow the maxim - “More pay, more preach. Less pay, less preach. No pay, no preach.” It is sad when Christianity becomes dictated by the love of money rather than the love of God.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
December 5, 2007 at 7:01 am
Ha true. I think part of it is the “colour of the bikeshed” phenomenon.
People handle money everyday and so I guess feel free talking about one more use for it. I can not say I juggle ideas about the trinity daily, so I’m a little reluctant to comment.
December 5, 2007 at 9:02 am
jenwentai
Paul,
Thank you both for stopping in and commenting.
I would rather have a lively debate about sanctification than about whether or not we should give ten percent to God. It seems that the debate that is stirred over tithing demonstrates much about the heart of many of us.
So sad….
December 13, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Brother, it may not just be a matter of greater interest in money/tithing than the fundamentals (though perhaps for some it could be). It may be that your readers get “fired up” and post about things with which they disagree. In other words, maybe they haven’t disagreed with you on any of the “serious, down to earth, essential, necessary, fundamental doctrinal truths.” Perhaps there is no lively debate about sanctification because there is no debate among your readership. Just throwing this out as a possibility. I think many of us bloggers tend to reply to areas of disagreement rather than areas of agreement. At least that seems to be my experience while traversing the blogosphere.
December 13, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Brother Robert,
You do indeed have a point that I did not think about.
I wonder if that is a good way for us to be, though…only responding if we disagree.
That helps me realize how much I need to help my brethren with whom I do agree.
Thanks for stopping in.
Jason
December 13, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I don’t think I would say that is a good way for us to be. Perhaps is what we are naturally (and of course by nature we are also sinners). Is this possibly some of the same mentality that causes us to slow down and gawk and car wrecks, follow fire trucks, and makes the bulk of the news to be about negative things? We Christians should become more conscious of only responding if we disagree. We sometimes can add substantial comments to posts with which we agree.
On the other hand, a good debate can often be enlightening and bring out both sides of a controversy. And I must say I tire very quickly of responses that are little more than sycophantic amens and high-fiving of the blogger.
December 13, 2007 at 5:07 pm
To correct some of my bad typing:
“Perhaps THIS is what we are naturally (and of course by nature we are also sinners). Is this possibly some of the same mentality that causes us to slow down and gawk AT car wrecks…”
December 13, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Bro. Robert,
I like the way you think things through.
I especially like this “I must say I tire very quickly of responses that are little more than sycophantic amens and high-fiving of the blogger.”
Is that original?
Jason
December 13, 2007 at 7:14 pm
It is basically original — I’m sure I’ve probably heard someone say or write something along those lines at some time (though not about blogging).
I would add that I am not against someone posting just to say “amen I strongly agree with that.” But it seems the high-profile bloggers pick up a high percentage of fawning participants who alway defend them, always agree with them and always lash out at their detractors. To me there is no real conversation (or thought) in that.
December 13, 2007 at 7:21 pm
RLV,
I understand your sentiment.
Thanks for commenting.