WWJB (What would Jesus Blog)?

[richlevy]

This is an interesting concept. On one hand, it does document an overt attempt to inject religious dogma into secular issues. On the other hand, they are talking about restoring civility.

'God Bloggers' Head to National Conference

The three-day conference at Biola University marked an important benchmark for Christian bloggers, who have worked behind the scenes for years to spread the Gospel and infuse politics with religion.

Topics included God bloggers' relationship with the traditional church, their growing influence on mainstream politics and how to manage outsiders' perceptions.

Some predicted bloggers could play a role in reforming the modern church by keeping televangelists and other high-profile Christian leaders honest.

At one well-attended workshop — "When Non-Christians Read Your Blog" — Biola University professor Timothy Muehlhoff gave instructions on writing about faith without alienating nonbelievers.

He stressed that God blogging has the potential to be a "train wreck" because done wrong it can reinforce stereotypes of evangelical Christians as angry and close-minded "pit bulls of the culture wars."

"As Christians today we are embroiled in the argument culture and we have forgotten this one thing: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'," he said. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could say we brought a level of civility back to the conversation?"

Well, I'm glad that someone realizes the possible down side. It is an unfortunate fact that people make generalizations based on their interactions with a limited number of members of a religious group when that person discusses his or her faith. For instance, if I only knew one pagan and that pagan told me that he was very sorry but I and everyone I knew were doomed to hell because we were not pagans, I might actually accept that person as the spokeperson for all pagans.

A lot of close-minded jerks have been interviewed about religion lately, partly due to the fact that the press likes to interview close-minded jerks. However, bloggers cannot blame the press for any bad impressions since they are their own publishers.

I don't mind discussing politics and faith with members of the Cellar, and I even realize that a persons faith shapes their social view which will shape their politics. What I do object to is anyone from any religious order who becomes a proxy for their leadership and refuses to assert any individual thought into their choice.

Maybe increasing the debate is a good thing.