Daniel, that is an accurate assessment of the situation I believe.

I also think that we feel a stronger sense of immunity from our comments in the blogisphere, and that probably leads to some words which would not be spoken in person.

This is a timely reminder that we are to exhort one another rather than tear down one another.

God bless,
Jim

 

I'm with you on this one, man. I was a victim of sarcasm more than once over the last few days in the meta of a famous blog. Not by its proprietors, mind you, but by its trolls.

I have never felt comfortable with sarcasm, I have a conviction that it is wrong, almost always. I have often wondered about its use in the Bible, or if its appearances are of a somehow different quality than what we often deem sarcasm today.

Imagine my surprise when I was yesterday listening to Mark Dever's Easter day sermon. It was on 2 Corinthians and the "super apostles", where Mark stated that this was Paul at his sarcastic best. Of course I have read and studied these passages many times, but it really struck me "funny" this time, hearing it from Dever.

By the way, I reacted, to what you say, rightly, about "why we obey" with a post about repentance. And, as it seems to be so often, your post here in a way mirrors what my next previous post "shibboleth" is talking about. It will be a series, but considering what Brad (sojourner) is talking about, and the vitriol I see all over the place, I wanted to see what others in the blogosphere and the congregation I pastor has to say about "litmus tests".

 

Even so - you did the double comment thing - but I deleted one of them - just so you know.

Dan

 

Daniel,

Guilty of doing. Victim of having it done to me. Ouch.

My humor tends toward the sarcastic and biting. Many times people don't realize I'm joking and I can come across as mean/rude.

It's a line that is easy to cross (I hesitate to call it a "fine" line because I think it's more obvious than we care to admit) and hard to step back over. I've attended many churches, some solid and most mushy, but the one thing that stood out about the one we are thinking very strongly about become members of, is that the pastor and people are gracious toward other denominations. Not that they approve of unsound teaching, but never have I heard a hurtful thing said or mean-spirited comment made.

It really is a breath of fresh air.

I'm not so perfect that I have any right to point my finger and say "How stupid! I can't believe you'd think that! Isn't that just like a (fill in the blank)!" I've got a plank in my way to see that clearly.

That said, Christians can laugh and have fun and point out obsurdities and tell jokes. But if it is ever at the expense of someone else, well . . . gives one pause to think if it meets the test of so many Scripture verses exhorting us to build up, encourage, not use questionable language, etc.

Thank you for (a-gain, geesh!) pointing out an area I feel convicted to pray over for myself.

Write on.

 

Daniel,

It was that comment I made about folks needing to set aside special time with their wives, wasn't it? I knew I should have re-worded that.

 

Yeah, I knew something was up. When I went to preview it, it went to that "page cannot be found" or whatever. I then tried to publish it, but same thing, so I really didn't know what was going to happen. Then I went back a few minutes later, and there it was. Does this thing happen a lot? I have had it happen a couple of times, both after I had written a long reply. If I were a little more mystical, I would have just said, "oh, well, the Lord doesn't want me to post long ones like that".

Seriously, thanks for the post, and God bless.

 

Brad - you kill me - lol!

Even so, I think it happens regularly, but not "often" - often enough though.

 

Daniel,
I was teasing you at Jim's blog a few weeks ago. I hope I didn't offend you. I meant it all in fun. We disagree about some things, but I would never want to offend you or be the person you refer to here. I do have some of that sarcasm in me. I made a vow not to type a comment in unless I can do it kindly with a smile on my face, so that is the spirit my jokes are in, although I know others may not always be able to tell.

I have noticed several of your comments around bloggerville lately, and you seem to be a little irritated with non-Calvinists. Sorry if it was me.

 

Daniel, good word. Unfortunately, the result of this is that "tone" is debated more than the content of what is being said.

 

Daniel, I have deleted a few blogs I once enjoyed and sought to learn from, from my favourites list, because of the "scorn, and belittling satire " & "attacking" of everything not within their particular 'bent'.
Many times they know absolutely nothing about the program, church or people involved but pick apart one or two lines written and are on the attack.
That superior attitude of "us 4 and no more" is not Christ-like.
Yes, we must stand for truth and the Word of God, but so many times I have just come away with a hurting heart at the bitterness, anger, resentment and total lack of grace shown. It is possible to "speak the truth in love". God's kind of love. Jesus continually said "I tell you the truth" but He still exhibited the characteristics of the 'fruit of the Spirit'. We are reminded in the Word "in your anger, do not sin".

There is a huge difference between Biblical judgement of doctrine, and being judgemental.

I can't remember where I read "God uses privy pots" but I think of that often. The Holy Spirit is good enough and wise enough to open His truth and Word to hungry hearts, even though you or I can see the larger picture of error.
Sermons, books and speakers I now shudder about, God used to teach me and lead me into greater depth and truth. It comes down to the heart that is honest, hungry and humble before God - He knows who are His.

Yes, there is some very bad stuff out in the 'Christian' world. Yes, we must be vigilent, but is God more pleased with pride and superior attitudes and 'thinly veiled hatred' of every 'church movement' or 'belief' not our own?
Try to disagree on some blogs, or even ask for grace and love to be shown, and you are immediately assumed to be part of whatever is being 'examined' (or totally bashed) at that moment. (I see that all the time - don't post often enough to experience it)

Part of the reason I found your site were the comments you made about repentance - that were immediately mocked.

Sorry this is so long Daniel, but because of the un-Christlike words and comments I am getting rather fed up with the 'Christian' Blogsphere. Yet, it has been a valuable source of learning about the direction some of the church is taking and some excellent teaching that I cannot get in my little town and I hate to walk away from that - but am ready to.

Why do Christians think bashing satire, caustic wit and direct character assassination is more acceptable than "------" - fill in the blank with whatever is disagreed with? Do we not realize that behavior is sin also? What sin does God hate most? All of them!

Is our God so small that He fits into a box of our total understanding? Can we not trust Him to find His baby lambs and eventually lead them to greater truth and out of 'bad pastures'?

Sorry this is so long, but you certainly touched a nerve in me! Forgive me if I have shown any of those characteristics.

Repentant Eunice

 

Good words Daniel, thanks.

 

Amen, Daniel! Attitude and motive are everything before our LORD (I Sam 16:7; I Cor13).

 

Well-spoken, Daniel and very on-point. Thanks.

 

For those of you who have asked, "Was it me??" No. It wasn't you. ;-)