It seems I’ve spent quite a bit more time reading blogs than writing my own. It gives me a sense of perspective to examine the “competition” from time to time. Of course, it’s only competition if both sides are competing, but you get the idea. That’s just one beauty of blogging. In most cases, we really aren’t competing, but are (to one degree or another) collaborating. Blogs that have no formal partnership can easily cite one another to build on each other’s thoughts or to express a disagreement in opinion. There is no loser in such a dialogue, as bloggers are usually generous with their links to one another and let’s not forget the three C’s of the blogosphere, “Controversy Creates Clicks.”
The latest controversy is centered around this video by Francis Chan. Frank Turk loved it and Steve Camp really hated it. I saw it and thought it was a good video, but incomplete as a tool of evangelism. So I guess I am somewhere in the middle of these two stances. I agree that the gospel was not presented adequately, nor was the presentation empowered with the life-giving word of God. I have no doubt that Chan designed the video as an online witnessing tool, but it seems to me that the main point is not necessarily to convert, but to invite the listener to stop for a moment and consider what he was saying.
Does Chan know about this disagreement between two godly men who I respect greatly? Probably not. I think he wouldn’t mind a little controversy if he stops to consider those three C’s I mentioned earlier. Jesus has been a controversial figure from the very beginning, and has used this to His glory. His controversial death, for example, will be a main topic of worship forever as we bless the lamb who was slain. (Revelation 5:12) The reputation of Christ is magnified in controversy. Not all controversies are good, mind you, but all things work to the greatest glory of God, whether it be in the growth of His kingdom, His pleasure in our faithful pursuits, and also His holy display of justice and even wrath to those who He never knew.
I begin to discuss the fact that controversy is useful for growing the readership of a blog and it becomes a brief discussion of how the most controversial actions in human history are used by God in the fulfillment of His purposes. I can’t seem to stay on track, can I? In that case, I suggest you get a fantastic perspective of this matter from Dan Phillips. Sure, he cannot be assumed to be completely objective in the debate, but who is ever objective in any debate of importance? Make sure you read his post to the end because Dan has a real knack for making you think.
On that thought, allow me to quote something from his post as a closer. If we are to learn from our Bibles how to evangelize in a God honoring way, paying attention to the examples given us in God’s word is a great way to begin.
I do note that the apostles never once found it necessary to say “God loves you” or “Christ died for your sins” to the lost, in an evangelistic setting, and I think that means something.
-Dan Phillips
[...] talks about stirring up the coffee pot for links and a discussion ensues. He links to the Pyromaniacs which currently has a series of posts and [...]