It occurred to me again this week WHY I write this blog.
My purpose, and the point of this blog, is to insert rational and logical arguments for the historic Christian worldview into society. The point is simply to propose a perspective, and an argument. What other people choose to do with this, is entirely up to them. And – I am very grateful to those who take the time to read the blog and be influenced in some way by it.
Sometimes, people will thank me for posting something. I’ve had a couple of those recently and – it is incredibly encouraging to hear that. Thank you to those people!
Other times, people will seek to engage me on the issues I raised in a particular blog. Some people will thoughtfully and critically raised a concern or an objection, and want to discuss that with me. I relish the opportunity to have these discussions. And I often learn a lot from them. I wish I had more of these opportunities.
Other times, the person will simply assert the opposite perspective that I present in my blog. Usually, these comments don’t contain rational arguments. They usually seek to shame or mock the perspective given in my blog. The shame and mockery is sometimes pinned to me as the author. In spite of the fallacious tone of these comments, I will often engage in these conversations. I have spent a lot of time over the last few years doing this. Partly, it is done out of a genuine desire to understand where the other person is coming from. And from this, sometimes to point out the problems with the counter assertions they are making. Unfortunately, I often find myself in the internet blog equivalent of the Monty Python Argument sketch. “Is this the 5 minute argument or the full half hour?”
These tiring argumentative conversations usually leave me with the feeling that either this person is seeking to shout down the original argument, or is asking me to try to wrestle them out of their own contrary convictions. Neither is of any interest to me. First, you are welcome to posit whatever argument you want to. The quality of this argument will be judged by your audience. Go write your own blog. I’m not interested in getting into a shouting match with anyone. That is outside of the bounds of my blog. Also, I’m not interested in changing anyone’s mind by sheer will or strength. My job is to pose the argument, and then discuss aspects of the argument with those who are interested. I am happy to leave the argument with the audience. I’m not going to force it on anyone. But – I commend the argument honestly to you.
What is Christian Apologetics?
Christian Apologetics is a branch of Theology. It is about making a type of legal defence (apologia) and giving a reason (logos) in a respectful way (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, there is truth in the world, we can know it, and the claims of Christianity are contained within that sphere of truth. This has been going on in the Christian church since at least the second century, when Christians like Justin Martyr found themselves engaging with Greek ideas. You can also find traces of apologetic practice rooted in the Apostle Paul’s New Testament letters.
What is Respond Blog?
Well, my blog posts are one of my attempts at giving a defence and a reason for Christianity. It is an apologetic blog. Sometimes people will use the word “apologist” as a pejorative term. Yet those who do, typically are simply counter apologists, batting for the other team or the other worldview, and seeking to unkindly and fallaciously discredit their opponent.
That I write the blog post – presenting the argument – is my main purpose. Discussing the quality of the aspects of this argument can sometimes be involved. Great. Shouting and wrestling over the ideas are both outside of the bounds of this blog. If you want to discuss my post, present me a well-constructed and thoughtful counter argument. Then, we can talk!
We all have a worldview. It makes sense to take it out, dust it off, and check to see whether or not it makes sense. That’s what I’m doing thru my blog. I’m assessing my Christian worldview. And – I commend the arguments to you.
