Theo-blogging is the ultimate form, in theological writing, of Instant Gratification (versus Delayed Gratification). Thus, based on the Seven Deadly Sins, it could probably be argued that theo-blogging represents a form of sloth or acedia. Unless of course said theo (or biblio) blogger can somehow balance their blogging with things more in line with the Apostle Paul’s concept of Redeeming The Time! In other words, theological blogging can be something that satisfies the rush that comes from writing something that others might praise you for; or more innocent, it can be something that simply satisfies the writer’s sense of pride when he or she accomplishes a written composition (no matter how obtuse it might actually be). I am simply asserting (self-critically, somewhat); that all of us who blog should be thoughtful and prudent about it. It is okay to relax (which is another use of the blog), but when relaxing becomes a lifestyle it becomes at least sloth, if not acedia.
Athanasian Reformed
πππππ’π π·ππ πππππ‘ ππ πππ‘ππππ’π. ππ‘π ππ¨π«π π¨π ππ¨π π°π’π₯π₯ π₯ππ¬π ππ¨π«ππ―ππ«.
My focus was obviously negative in the writing of this post; there are plenty of positive things that can be associated with theo-blogging. But I think there is truth to the basic thrust of my little post (if we aren’t careful).
Sloth by way of getting used to the lower constraints of the format?
And yet I might suggest that it should be used, and not enjoyed for its own sake. Forming a discipline of writing is easier when you are responsible to an audience — even if a notional one. And yet as long as you enjoy it for the sake of the better, you will make right use of it. (Sorry, I’m on an Augustine kick. π )
Matt,
Maybe I was on an Augustine kick when I wrote this too (Confessions π ). But I do agree with you on the Augustinian dictum; as I recall Ben Myers over at Faith and Theology made use of that in order to support blogging (maybe my recollection is off though).
This post was very spontaneous and situational. I was just thinking of how many books or dissertations I could’ve written by now if I replaced all my blogging time with that instead π .
Yeah, I can see that. I need to put more energy into finished output, even if it turns into rejection slips. Gotta get (non-self-)published. Of course, I also have to crank out this last course so I can get it out of the way of my research work. So I hear you. π
@Matt,
π
Bobby (and Matt),
Finally getting a chance to check in again. I’m glad I did, lot’s of good articles!
Here’s a thought: Chances are that I would never have read any of those books or dissertations that would’ve been written in replacement of your time spent blogging, nor do I think I would be alone in that. It’s not that I wouldn’t like them, it’s just that I probably wouldn’t have been exposed to them otherwise.
Blogging may be limiting (particularly in its space constraints), but it also opens the door to a much broader spectrum of people than “published” writing will. I have nothing aginst published writing, it’s just often more narrowly targeted and distributed than blogging.
There’s a much needed place for good theo-blogging, and I, for one, am glad that you’re doing it! Granted, sometimes I read and scratch my head, other times I shake my head; but then there are those times (more often than nought) that I lift my head (as in praise to the Lord). Thanks brother(s), you’re doing a good work!
Daniel wrote:
“other times I shake my head”
That is totally hilarious to me; I often have the same reaction after I go back and read my posts after a couple of days |-D . I totally understand.
Seriously, though, I really appreciate your words, Pastor Daniel! I wrote this with a very narrow focus in mind (it was very situational and circumstantial). In general, I find theo-blogging a great blessing, personally, and it does help to know that what I am thinking might be of benefit to others within the larger body of Christ! Thank you, Daniel!