Comment Policy
Posted on December 17th, 2006 by catalyst into the Biblical Parody categoryChristian Blogger, David Baryly, writes a creed about people who comment on blogs:
The boorishness of "Christian" commenters on blogs is often startling. Blog owners possess rights and authority on blogs, not commenters. The commenter may indeed be correct and the blog owner wrong, but the blog is private property. Even possession of the truth does not give a commenter the right to enter private property guns blazing.
Simple respect for ownership should cause us to think twice before commenting negatively on others' blogs. Are we participating constructively? Are we respecting the wishes of the owner? Or are we vandalizing private property? I don’t have to respect my opponent's position–or even person–to respect his authority over his blog. Even if he sins against me, it's not my right to violate his property in return. I must respect legitimate authority even when it's used sinfully.
Proprietorial rights are perhaps the most basic form of extrinsic authority on the internet. Christians must not fail to show respect for ownership. The military's saying that you don’t have to respect the man but you must respect the rank holds true on the internet as well. You don’t have to agree with what is said in a forum to respect the authority of those who own the forum.
Hahaha…. ahhhh, I love it.
Evidently, David doesn't like it when people disagree with him. He should pastor a Mega-church. He'd fit right in.
If you don't want negataive comments on your blog, then don't allow comments. It's really that simple.
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December 17th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Harry Truman was right:
“If you can’t stand the HEAT… STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN!”
(Or join M.F.I.)
December 17th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
At least a little more civility would make the discussions more profitable, IMO.
Having spent a career in politics, I can take the heat.
I just expect to find the lack of civility in intra-church discussions to be more disappointing.
Oh, well………………….another shattered illusion of someone who is too optimistic at times.
Dan Wood
December 17th, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Optimism directed to man or the church is always risky. It doesn’t take too much of a stroll into history to see that things have been a little ‘disappointing’, to put it mildly….
We are responsible only for our own behavior…..making sure that we ourselves are setting a good example in word and deed, whether we carry His precious Name or ours…:O)
December 18th, 2006 at 7:03 am
You’re right, of course. But I think the lack of civility has a lot to do with the nature of the internet. it’s much easier to be mean or cruel when you don’t have to really confront the person. I know I’m guilty of this.
My problem with the quote above is that Dave just wants to be able to say anything on his blog, and doesn’t want people to disagree with him.
Church’s are run like theocracies, prohibiting any dissent. However, the internet allows Christians to share their concerns, concerns they can’t necessarily share in the church or around other Christians. Which is why I think letting people write negative comments can be a positive thing
Christians really just want an outlet to vent their true feelings.
December 18th, 2006 at 10:26 am
So true. Especially if they have had concerns that no one takes seriously. Unfortunately the ones who won’t listen also warn against blogging. But at least it’s out there for ‘he who has an ear’…
December 18th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
Hey, I have been seriously disappointed in some church leaders that I have come across in my lifetime.
Pastor wendell smith and doug cotton immediately come to mind.
December 19th, 2006 at 11:07 am
Cat, I for one appreciate the fact that you’ve taken a hands-off approach to the comments here, including the negative ones. Some of the more entertaining blogs have been the most controversial with staunch supporters of CBC blasting you (and us?) for being bitter. It always gives me a chuckle.
I’ve made posts on other Christian blogs and had my comments edited or removed - and I didn’t even talk about beer or gays!!!
My first thought is always “Well, I won’t be coming back here again. They’re obviously not interested in pursuing the truth honestly.”