So yesterday I put up a letter to Mark Driscoll. I have gotten more hits on my blog for that post than just about any post, ever, even though it has been up only 18 hours. The only exception, would be the post I put up expressing my anger over the nationalism and militarism expressed by Pastor Chuck Smith.
So, I put up videos of bible teachings, reflections on life, and really heartfelt sharing, and I get almost no feed back. But when I make a little controversy, when I stir up a little shit, when I act like what I am trying to overcome, I become in some little way popular. This is discouraging to me.
I get a bit disillusioned. I would hope I could be a beacon of light not just a Christian shock jock. I would hope we could encourage each other and pass around some love here and there. But the truth is I don't do it. I don't read many blogs myself, and when I do I often don't take the time to comment. If we want to be the change we want to see in the world, in the church, in social media... it requires action.
I want to be a man of action and reflection.
rev
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19 comments:
beautiful, right on, and amen--let it be so for all of us. (and thank you for writing the letter friend)
btw, I am not complaining about the buzz around my letter. I get it, I am glad it has struck a chord. I believe I needed to say it, as it was in my heart. And I actually enjoy the attention as well as the admiration of my friends. But I just wish they liked me for the less dickish stuff I do too :)
rev
I hear you, John, and have experienced some of the same feelings about what I share on my blog.
But what I am thankful about yesterday's post is that I found a kindred heart and subscribed to your blog in my reader. I'll read what you have to share even when you aren't taking on the bulls.
Chad
i am glad to see i am not the only one who experiences this. tnx for sharing...
LOL! Rick Warren just tweeted a link to your post from yesterday. Enjoy the traffic!
I saw the Rick Warren tweet and came over to see what was going on. I admire you candor and passion. Keep up the writing. I will be back don't worry. I like you don't always leave a comment but I do read.
Rick Warren has made you famous. Great post.
Well, I just added your blog to my reader, too, so I guess it's a good thing you created a stir. ;)
John,
You you have some strong words for your brother in Christ. I feel like you should have actually sent him the letter (or email) instead of putting it on a public blog. Although I don't understand what he said that upset you so much, it is good for you to correct when you see something that doesn't align with the gospel. I am sorry that you were discouraged by the fact that negativity gets more press than positive posts, but sadly that is the world we live in. I know that you can't walk up to Mark Driscoll and tell him how you feel, so blogging is a good substitute; but I would encourage you to effect change in the people around you instead of complaining into an impersonal media. Teach the people around you that Christ's love is true masculinity. Be an example of God's love, because the world needs positive testimonies to encourage us further into the Father's arms. Also, I think it is cool that you know martial arts, I have been thinking of taking a class lately. Bless you, my friend, take care.
Hun, you ARE a beacon of light! Don't let others define you. I agree with you but I couldn't have put it as well as you. Thank you for your honesty and well done.
pastor matt can you show me one time where someone has been stumbled or lead astray because of "bad language" I can't think of one. I can see many times where people have been stumbled by alcohol yet Jesus made 120 gallons at a party where people were already drinking more than expected.
David, I appreciate your heart brother. I do live it out, every single day. I love my wife, and my daughters, I submit to my church, and I eat with sinners, and saints, homeless and hospitable, heretics and orthodox. Pastor Mark is a very public figure, so public rebuke is necessary, just like you corrected me publicly.
Thanks everyone
rev
It is an unfortunate reality of the modern world that trash (talk) sells, but there is a large gap between occasionally calling a spade a spade and being a shock jock.
The shock jock has realised that trash sells and wants to sell as much as they can so they peddle nothing but trash.
Also I strongly doubt you would have got as much press with the post if your blog was always like that. Your (long established) credibility in the community put weight behind your "rant" and caused it to be meaningful. The fact your post cause a stir shows that people appreciate and value what you do put out.
Love it. Mad respect. x
thanks guys
rev
"better is open rebuke, than hidden love."
be encouraged - your letter expressed your hurt. this is a trailer that can move us all to be mindful of our view of Jesus and our view of ourselves. we are absolutely nothing without the work and the personhood of Christ Jesus. your letter opened me up to this realization.
pray, unceasingly, that the Holy Spirit would continue to imprint your heart with His truth. SPEAK! i look forward to reading more from you.
I found your blog because Don Miller mentioned you on twitter. That could account for some of the traffic so hang in there... I read other posts and subscribed... Keep up the good work and keep keeping it real.
I'll read yours and comment if you read mine :)
http://thomaschristianson.tumblr.com/
Seriously, though...I feel you brother. Sometimes I get so caught up in what God is saying to me that I forget he says really good stuff to other people. Your posts are so different from mine, but I see the work of the Spirit in them. Keep on keepin on, bro!
Hey John,
I first stumbled upon your blog via your post about Mark Driscoll. I thought it was hilarious. But I get how discouraging it is when attention is given to controversy rather than praiseworthy things. I struggle with the same stuff on the webz. But I think I can see behind the dickish stuff to someone who has a sense of humor born out of seeing the world honestly. Peace to you.
Mark Van Steenwyk
www.jesusradicals.com
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