Why I Do It
With this blog being almost 7 months old now, I sometimes have to think about 1) Why it’s still here and 2) Where it’s going next. And when I look at why it’s still here, it sometimes takes a while to come up with a decent answer. Sure it’s fun to write and debate, but it’s not fun when this site gets me in trouble (and it has). Yes, I’ve gained a lot of new friends through this blog, but there are just as many people who have come to dislike me because of what I’ve said here.
But even when I get discouraged over the things that happen as a result of this blog, there is still a comforting reminder that the subjects covered here are worth it. The Church body needs to change, and we say that here. Christians need to embrace science, and we cover that here. And that’s what keeps me going.
In the next few months, I’ll be refocusing this blog on those two subjects. Although I’m an eclectic person, I’m able to scratch my itches elsewhere as a result of this blog. I’m a contributor at Monday Morning Insight, I co-operate a site where I release free WordPress themes, I am a founding contributor at WordPressThemes.com where I (and my friends Cory and Brian) blog on the subject of WordPress Theme development, and I’m starting a political blog soon.
So, I will be focusing on this blog in a much more narrow way in the future.
But with all the things I’m involved with, it can be easy to get distracted. For those of you who don’t know, I recently went full time with freelance web design and blogging. Working from home can be extremely distracting, especially in the mornings (before caffeine).
So I head down to a coffee shop and 1) respond to email, 2) read blogs and 3) write blogs. I tried to stay home this morning, but I simply couldn’t resist the temptation to watch the news … so … I packed up my laptop and headed to the coffee shop. Why? Because my readers and clients deserve my undivided attention.
You see, there are 75 of you who read my feed, and another ~400/day who come to this blog directly. You deserve good writing.
And that’s why I do it. I do it for you. For some reason, you’ve chosen to make this blog a daily stop on your journey … and I appreciate that! Thanks for reading, thanks for commenting, and thanks for making it worthwhile to write. This post is for you!
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I’m really glad you write this blog Nathan. I feel like it’s my way of keeping in touch even though you are so far away. It’s nice to know your views on things that we might never just chat about in a casual conversation.
We are all looking forward to this weekend. See ya soon.
I come here because you write content that provokes healthy discussion. That’s something I’m learning to do on my own blog. I know how much effort it takes to keep up your daily posting pace. I only post about 2 or 3 times a week, and that takes a chunk of time.
Ben,
Indeed it does take time. It sort of varies in its difficulty from week to week. Sometimes I have more to write about that I can handle, and other times the well is dry, and I have to force something out.
I have the luxury of being a “professional blogger” and my job allows me to do that now. I spend between 1-2 hours a day writing content for my various blogs, and I can tell you that I have a blast doing it. Not too many people have the opportunity to work in jeans (or pajamas) and spend the first 3 hours of their workday in a coffee shop. I ain’t complaining
I do wish you’d post more, Ben. I enjoy your writing, but I know that it’s not always possible.
I have no idea why I come here, but seeing as I have, why not stay? (Besides, I wouldn’t want George to miss me, and Ben needs someone to comment on his “tone” every once in a while!)
What is the worst that could happen? Maybe I might actually learn something new! (Heaven Forbid!
)
Oh ya…
And I like to discuss “Politics” so hurry up with that “Political Blog”…
As you’ve probably all noticed, I’m addicted to debate. I love coming here to debate with people who both disagree with me and are every bit as intelligent as I am. There aren’t many of those ’round where I live.
Nathan, I always appreciate your insights, and I look forward to reading your articles and engaging in lively discussions with all the folks here for a long time to come.
Thanks, Nathan, for writing this blog. I’m with Phyllis– this is my way of “keeping in touch” with you…kinda!! (BTW…Happy Birthday, Phyllis!) You’ve done a great job of initiating awesome debates on thought-provoking topics. I’m amazed at your talent for writing (I’m waiting on your first book!)and I’m so impressed with your balanced views. The kids give me a hard time for spending too much time “reading Nathan’s blog AGAIN!!” Thanks for putting so much time and effort into it. You’re doing a great job!
Hi
I must admit I wonder why you blog. It is all pretty negative. It seems to me you constantly bang on about how the church should change. Well maybe it is you that needs to change! Sawdust and plank parable come in here!
The church is loved by God right now right as it is. It is growing hugely across the world – maybe not in the States and Western Europe. But maybe you need to ask why. Is it because the church needs to change or is because maybe these countries have got the church they deserve. I wonder whether we are all under judgement from God and will continue to be until our leaders stop being greedy, war unnecessarily, defend the Jews and generally look to God.
So yes I ask the question why do you blog? I love God and I love His church. Maybe I don’t like all of it but I’ll allow God to be Lord and establish His church as He chooses.
Saying that, bless you hugely because I do think you ask some difficult questions. Maybe you need to be a bit more upbeat and talk about the happening areas in the church!
God love the “sinners” in His Church. But He certainly doesn’t love the running rampant of sin and apostacy in the current incarnation of the New Testament Church. The Bride Of Christ is paralyzed with sin, and it just keeps getting worse by the day.
“God” is a “business” now. And is bought and sold as easily as the moneychangers in the temple that were driven out.
Political correctness stands side-by-side with the Bible, as the “bible of society”. To ignore these blatant facts, is to fall to ones knees as Satan passes by laughing, knowing that he has instilled the needed fear into his enemy, that will allow him to continue to scoff at the Body Of Christ.
The church WILL change… There are too many folks out and about now that have taken a stand on the “Word” and the “Word” alone.
As long as one of them draw breath, “Sola Scriptura” will constantly fight against the new “Corporate Je$u$”.
But surely this is a huge mistake. The Bride of Christ are born again believers. Now it is not for us to judge but my heart says that many of these people you are talking about don’t know Christ and on that day He will say, “I never knew you”. In which case we have a place to love these guys, yes challenge their sin, but to love them.
I also believe that you are missing a huge point. It is God’s church and it is God who fights for His name. God is bigger than me and bigger than any of these guys, if His name is being slurred allow Him to fight the battle.
Has God specifically called you to fight this battle. Look at Jesus. How did He deal with the Pharisees. He challenged them and there way of doing religion but I can’t recall him behaving the way some folks do in trying to rid the church of sinners.
Of course the church will change but that is God’s business not ours.
I have just visited the website of The Daily Way and I maybe understand a bit of where you are coming from. I apologise on behalf of the church for the way you are being treated. It is wrong and you should be allowed and encouraged to do the ministry you are called to do. God bless you – you have my prayers.
I am just finding your blog and I love your posts filled with honest challenges and questioning! Status quo is easy and familiar…we all need to be pushed to move forward! Thanks!
Sinners? That uh…. Sin?
Change in the church comes from it people. The people follow God, God doesn’t follow the people. The people stray, then the people need to make the correction in course, and return back to the original path.
Tis been that way all through history. We police ourselves, and we DO judge by the fruit.
Sometimes the Martin’s of the world just have to nail their Theses to the doors of the “Je$u$ Inc.” churches to get the ball rolling.