I am really excited about the increased traffic on our blog related to Devin’s apologetics posts. Devin and I love our faith and enjoy learning more about it through researching Church history and doctrines and sharing what we believe with others.
What I am not excited about are some of the recent comments regarding Devin’s apologetics posts that have become downright snarky. That is not okay. It is easy to objectify another person when all you see is your computer screen and you don’t know their name nor who they are and the words they have written make you feel angry. That is a danger of dialoguing on the Internet. But, I feel like it is really important to remind those who’ve commented that each of you are persons with families and feelings and beautiful souls.
And, chances are, if you met on the street, you’d be friends. Because there is much upon which we agree. I am guessing that those engaging in these apologetics conversations think that God is Love and that God offers salvation to every human person through Jesus Christ and that abortion is wrong and that it is good to kiss your children. I am guessing that you like some of the same songs (because, seriously, everybody has fond memories of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”) and you might agree that Coca-Cola is better than Pepsi.
Yes, we are called as Christians to follow the Truth who is Jesus Christ and to expose the works of darkness. But we do that in concert with each other, not at the expense of the other and not despite the other. We stand together looking in the same direction, who is God, not looking for the best spot to strike a direct hit at our opponent. We are not opponents. We are friends because it is only as friends that we can have true conversation. Plato reminds us of that.
So, please, the next time you read something on our blog that makes your blood boil, look at a photo of your beloved family and remember that the other person behind the computer screen has a beloved family and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with great great love. Because, even if you speak with the tongues of angels and have all wisdom, if you don’t have love, you are going to hurt my ears with your noisy gonging.
Nicely said, Katie. I, too, agree that Coca-Cola is better than Pepsi. I also very much enjoy reading and learning from Devin’s blogs.
Amen, Katie! I can totally relate — this is just what I needed to read today. Lately I’ve had some people come down really hard on me for some things I’ve written in my posts, and it’s surprising how much it hurts. Thanks for this reminder!
Dear me, Jen, I read a few of the critical comments on your blog and, frankly, I wanted to kick those ladies in the shins. I am so sorry that you received such unmerciful and undelicate feedback and want you to know that Devin has offered to come over to your blog and serve as a bouncer. Would you like to publish this blog post on your blog, as a “guest” post of sorts? Let me know.