The man who supervised my MA thesis, a Bunyan scholar, who will remain nameless, constantly berates me over my blogging. He thinks I’m being narcissistic. Well, after hearing Albert Martin speak not so well about blogs, I’m thinking that perhaps Carl Trueman may be driving the final nail into the coffin. In an interview (somewhere) he is asked about the value of blogging, both strengths and weaknesses. His answer:
Few strengths. It’s all too anarchic. I think fun and information sharing are the best it can do. Weaknesses: feeds narcissism; allows any old nutcase to present themselves as a serious player in theological and ecclesiastical discussion.
Well, I don’t really share information like some blogs. So, my blog fits into the category of ‘feeds narcissism’ and ‘allows any old nutcase to present themselves as a serious player in theological and ecclesiastical discussion.’
Not really incentive to blog, eh? I think my main concern is simply this: I worry that my blog, for those who read, merely contributes to other Christians wasting time. I only visit a handful of sites, and their strengths include information sharing. But if I want to spend a good deal of time reading something worthwhile, I find Calvin, Goodwin, Owen, etc. far more glorious. So, if you waste time visiting this blog, stop it! For me it’s a place to store information that I’ll need later on in my writing. And as I write this, I realize that if you are still reading, you’re wasting time and that’s my fault. Time to pray, not in bed, but on my knees! See Song of Solomon 3:1ff.
Oh, and my wife hates my blog and your’s, too. 
Mark
As one who visits your blog on a fairly regular basis, let me say that it is one of a very small handful of theological blogs that is truly substantive- and since we share a common interest in historical theology- it would be a personal lost if you discontinued blogging. Having said all that, Carl is right about one thing- the number of total airheads who pass themselves off as cutting-edge specialists is a royal pain. Someone reads an entry on wikipedia and becomes an instant expert on the subject! Occasionally one of these types pops-up here at Thomas Goodwin, but you do a pretty good job of getting rid of them..and in short order.
Comment by GLW Johnson — February 24, 2008 @ 1:49 pm |
In the interest of saving time, allow me simply to echo GLW Johnson’s comments. Keep up the good work!
Comment by TurretinFan — February 24, 2008 @ 2:55 pm |
I will continue to post on Historical Theology, but I’m aware of my limitations. As long as I don’t cause people to waste time, I am happy. But ‘woe to the man who causes these little ones to sin’!
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 24, 2008 @ 6:40 pm |
Aside from the helopful historical theology, your blog allowed us to connect which in turn brought your dad to my church for a wonderful visit
Comment by James Grant — February 24, 2008 @ 9:26 pm |
Mabee I shud lern tu spel
Comment by James Grant — February 24, 2008 @ 9:27 pm |
I was actually thinking about all of the wonderful connections I’ve made through this blog. I just said to my wife, “so take that”! She said I’m allowed to continue … It was Crawford Gribben’s idea for me to do this and he said I would make some good connections. So far I’ve made at least a dozen, perhaps more!
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 25, 2008 @ 12:51 am |
I think some guys are more prone to legalism than others. Even some of the noteworthy fellahs you just mentioned. I’d be careful about binding consciences.
Anything that God has provided can be be used for good or for bad. Even something as spiritual as preaching can feed narcissism (pretty sure we all know that). But we put self love to death where ever it appears. And until the consummation that difficult task will never cease.
Also even Calvin would affirm the many blessings of the internet (including blogging) along with scientists and physicians as gifts from the Holy Spirit.
I wouldn’t want to feel more ’spiritual’ because I blogged or didn’t blog.
Also, in recent times heterodox and even heresy have been spreading via blogging. Some very disciplined scholars have actually had some success at hedging off error with their own blogs and by interacting with other’s blogs. (Not to be guilty of sucking up but see Heidelblog or the URCNA’s list-serve)
I used to critical of bloggers but it has proved to be pretty helpful in an age of constantly advancing technology. We don’t read by candle-light any more.
Narcissism is a fruit of the flesh that finds many opportunities to express itself. Kill it! (Col 3:5)
In other words, Mark! Quit flogging yourself while crawling up and down the stairs! The gospel is outside of you.
Comment by chaos — February 25, 2008 @ 1:35 am |
Remember a lot of folks find articles in blogs while searching for certain information and do not frequent the same blog. Please keep putting good information online.
Comment by Robert — February 25, 2008 @ 3:02 am |
no way. you deleted my post. my fiiance even proofread it. sigh.
Comment by chaos — February 25, 2008 @ 4:35 am |
what?
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 25, 2008 @ 5:48 am |
Mark, I share your concerns. However, I profit from what you write. Keep it up, and remember Geoff Thomas’s ‘double use’ principle (see http://exiledpreacher.blogspot.com/2007/02/blogging-in-name-of-lord-geoff-thomas.html near the end).
Comment by Stephen — February 25, 2008 @ 9:43 am |
The irony is that Carl made his remarks in a blog interview!
Comment by Guy Davies — February 25, 2008 @ 11:46 am |
I’ve often wondered about it, but the blessings I’ve received through blogging are numerous – unintended blessings so-to-speak. In an increasingly disconnected world, blogging does provide abit of relief. Of course there are many nutcases out there – but nobody forces you to interaction. To think that you shouls stop blogging because some might waste time through it – no – that is akin to telling a brewer to stop brewing beer, because some indulge.
One should realise the limitations, and monitor oneself for addictive behaviour – like in all things. But my life for one would have been demonstratably poorer without the blogosphere.
Comment by The Scylding — February 25, 2008 @ 3:39 pm |
I agree with “The Scylding” particularly with respect to the numerous blessings. Pastor Mark has written some very helpful pieces.
Comment by Michael Lynch — February 25, 2008 @ 4:31 pm |
Those are some good points. It’s just a bit disheartening when my favorite preacher and favorite historical theologian speak that way. It causes me to re-examine the who situation. But, you are all right, there are some positives. I still think the connections and friends I’ve made have been invaluable, both on a fellowship and research level.
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 25, 2008 @ 4:57 pm |
Hello Mark Jones,
If you still need help getting that thesis copied, I don’t mind doing a little tedious work…seminarians can’t be choosers. My name is Brad, and I am a fellow Canadian at WSCAL. Please send me an email if you still need help.
(feel free to delete this comment after you see it, it is after all, off topic)
Comment by Brad — February 25, 2008 @ 5:17 pm |
Brad,
Thanks. A fellow Canadian, eh? I think you could possibly be more help to me than just photocopying.
I’ll email you.
Mark
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 25, 2008 @ 5:27 pm |
By the way, the whole Trueman interview can be read here: http://exiledpreacher.blogspot.com/2008/02/blogging-in-name-of-lord-carl-trueman.html
Comment by Guy Davies — February 25, 2008 @ 5:30 pm |
canadian? No way you pulled the race card.
Hey Mark, we became bros on this blog….or was it cuz of my blog?
I love this blog. I only read a few when I’m trying to clear my mind from all my homework obligations.
plus this blog found you a copyist…
and a fellow canadian.
can’t wait to see you. i think you’ll be pleased with coleman’s new hoby. he and aaron james have been working very hard on a concoction that only the most reformed theologians can enjoy.
Comment by chaos — February 25, 2008 @ 6:08 pm |
Your blog was different than most. It was actually a repository (not suppository) of good theology, a la Goodwin. Sorry to see it go.
On another note, Dr. H. wants to know if you wanna do dinner with he and I when you’re in TO next?
Comment by ianclary — February 25, 2008 @ 6:11 pm |
Okay, okay … I notice that all of those lauding the blogosphere are all bloggers themselves … so I need some objective feed-back
Phil,
You’re right, for once.
Ian,
Oh, that would be very nice. I’m scheduled to be in Toronto in April (8-12th, I think). I have a tonne of writing for Dr. H to read, so we may need two meetings. But a dinner sounds great. He doesn’t mind if we have a Guinness, does he?
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 25, 2008 @ 6:19 pm |
MJ,
This comes from a non-blogger; although I do like to read a few now and then. I believe your particular blog is not a waste of time; although, some of it is way above my head and I find myself wondering what in the world I just read (just a dumb farmer, you know!). None-the-less, I still don’t think I wasted my time reading it. I love to read quality transcript from people I trust. How would I get that chance, if you didn’t blog? Many of your posts are requesting feedback, which edifies all.
And finally, if you can sit and waste a couple of hours watching a soccer game at a Chinese Restaurant, you surely can do some blogging. (OK, now the gloves are off!!)
Peace,
JAQ
Comment by JAQ — February 26, 2008 @ 2:30 am |
If Liverpool are playing, I have all the time in the world. They are good for my sanctification, and nothing else – trust me. They lose so much I end up praying more
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 26, 2008 @ 5:28 am |
Mark
Your historian’s eye has failed you this time-I am NOT a blogger. I have NO blog of my own. Don’t intend to start one. My kids call me roadkill on the internet highway. I can barely post comments-but I do take a hour or so each day to visit a handful of sites like Thomas Goodwin.
Comment by GLW Johnson — February 26, 2008 @ 12:08 pm |
Well, I threw you in because you comment. But I did remember when I wrote that you did not have your own blog. Call it sloppy BS, blog scholarship.
mark
Comment by thomasgoodwin — February 26, 2008 @ 3:45 pm |
[...] 26, 2008 · No Comments When asked if blogs are valuable at all, Dr. Carl Trueman says: Few strengths. It’s all too anarchic. I think fun and information sharing are the best it can [...]
Pingback by Why Blog? « The Way into the Far Country — February 26, 2008 @ 5:02 pm |
Mark, I echo Gary’s comments as well: it would be a great pity if you stopped. Some of the very best argumentation on certain issues (like the union with Christ debate) I’ve ever seen has come out of your blog. I also think it is a great way to “meet” new contacts (looking forward to GA!). The weaknesses that Carl speaks of are true of many bloggers. However, I do think that blogs can be scholarly. I have tried to do this on my blog, even if I have many commenters who try to ignore that wish.
Comment by greenbaggins — February 28, 2008 @ 5:07 pm |
If it’s any consolation, I only visit your blog about once a week….if that!
And only because I’ve known your elders longer than you have! 
Iain Duguid (when he was visiting the Bay Area a couple weeks ago) made similar contents to me about why he’ll never blog. He’s convinced it does more harm (on the whole) than good, precisely because it encourages people to do ’sound-bite’ theology…and discourages extended reflection. I think on the whole he may be onto something there…and that’s why one has to be *extremely* wise in how one determines what to read and what to pass upon. And I pass on plenty….even on this blog!
I think the comments section is really where the narcissistic balderdash can easily kick in, a bit ironic I know because I’m using the comments section to speak about that very problem. That’s one thing that I think that simply I don’t like about GreenBaggin’s site (sorry, Lane…nothing personal!). Some of those threads with 200+ comments are just bordering on worthless. I seriously wonder how that REALLY benefits anyone in the church. “From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good” (Prov. 13:2) — the problem with so many of those comments sections is there is simply not much ‘good’ fruit to eat. If the comments on my own blog EVER start to do that, I will permanently turn them off….because that simply benefits no one.
Sound-bite theology doesn’t know how to make good, sustained arguments! Blogging is such a new phenomena that I’m not sure we really even know how it’s affecting our ability (broadly-speaking) to engage in theological topics. So I don’t blame people like Duguid, Fesko, and others for avoiding the medium altogether…and just sticking to journals, book publishers, and ecclesiastical materials for their outlet.
On the other hand, if we were trying to weigh the whole (the good and the bad), then it seems to me that we would have to conclude that *writing* is bad as well. Because what percentage of even evangelical *books* are really worth reading?? I’d guess no more than 5%…and even that might be overly-generous!
So blog reading is not all that different from book-reading, in many respects. It takes discipline to know what to read, when to read, how much to read, etc. If your seminary isn’t training you to pick up an unknown 400pg ‘theological’ book, and in under an hour understand and outline the basic argumentation of the entire book….you need to find a new seminary!
There is simply too much good stuff to read in that 5%, but you will easily get swamped in bad writing if you don’t know how to quickly discard the 95%.
Of course, if you keep up this nonsense love-fest with the Reds of Anfield, I may just have to start reading someone else’s blog!
Praying for the Benitez Boys would make an interesting application of Prov. 1:28! 
Seriously, Liverpool FC must be one of biggest enigmas in all of football:
I saw he had a hat trick last week against ‘the borough’! Then again, it’s….the borough, at Anfield, in a hardly convincing 3-2 victory! Let’s see if that $52M dollar man can score even one goal at Old Trafford this month or Emirates next month! 
**Crouch has played more than triple the games for Liverpool than the national side…and yet has only 5 more goals for the Reds to show for it.
**Gerrard must have a patent on playing great and then playing terrible….sometimes in the same game! Everyone talks about that miraculous comeback against Milan in ‘05 — admittedly it was a fun game to watch! — but people forget how *bad* he looked in the first half.
**Pennant is a talent-rich under-achiever, who (as only a British commentator could note!) “would be a good footballer if he scored goals like he does girls.” Wenger knew what he was doing when he dumped him a few years ago.
**Kuyt could be really good…if Rafael knew how to play Dutch strikers. Granted, I haven’t seen him play all that much this season, but last season he just seemed out of place with Gerrard’s sytle.
**Alonso is one of the best deep-ball midfielders I’ve ever seen…but that’s not going to win you games in the EPL.
**Reina is a talented goalie. But explain how your goalie wins the ‘Golden Boot’ award (for shutouts) and your team finishes 21 points off the lead. Unexplainable!
**and then finally Torres….who’s he again?
Did you book you tickets to SD yet? You’ll have fun commiserating with the owners of Phil’s house!
Two Jones’ under the same roof in California who support the Reds could hardly be a coincidence!
Comment by Berit Olam — March 3, 2008 @ 11:26 am |
bad news: the joneses are traveling. it’s a bummer because they’ve become family to me. mark and peter would have got along famously. they both remind me of each other.
blogging: anything dr. duguid says is worth listening to. but, as you say blogging is new. that means it can develop into somethng that is done well (i’m no example) or poorly (you’re a good example j/k)
berit olam: i wanted to name a future kid that. alisia’s not buying. she’s still struggling with ‘hywel’ which is a non-negotiable.
poverbs on speech: now that’s worthwhile blogging. keep doing that stuff. if there’s anyone who needs to read that particular subject on a daily baisis it’s yours truly.
lane: alisia and i listened to one of his sermons last night (sabbath) good stuff. nice writing too. beautiful prose. definitely a gospel man.
worthless comments: please don’t take away one of my few trapped-in-the-library-pleasures.
Comment by chaos — March 3, 2008 @ 4:35 pm |
I think you make some good points, Matt. While I’m not persuaded that blogging is altogether evil, there’s no question it can feed narcissism.
We live in an internet age and the time we spend on the computer is incredible.
I wonder how many people are neglecting reading the greats for sloppy stuff on the internet? There has to be some give somewhere. And how many bloggers and blog surveyors have neglected their prayer life because of too much time on the net?
On to Liverpool …
Monster Masch is already one of the best mid-fielders in the world. Ryan Babel will soon be amazing. Leiva plays for Brazil and will be fantastic next year. Skrtel and Agger are going to be an amazing defensive duo. Torres is the best striker in the premier league, even better than Drogba. So, the spine is there, we just need two new full-backs, a left-mid, a striker and a whole bunch of guys given the boot (e.g. Kuyt, Kewell, Riise, Voronin).
Comment by thomasgoodwin — March 3, 2008 @ 5:50 pm |
I forgot to mention Benayoun — at least he has a great name!
You really think Masch will hold up in the EPL? He looked awfully good at times with Riquelme in ‘06. It’s still hard for me to get excited about footballers programmed to dive whenever possible!
When are you guys flying in to SD?
Comment by Berit Olam — March 3, 2008 @ 8:41 pm |
Masch is a terrier, no diving with him. He’s being lauded by liverpudlians as the next captain of Liverpool. Him or Agger. Yossi is a good squad player, but nothing more. I’d take him over Kuyt, though. In fact, I’d take Phil over Kuyt. Garth is coming for sure to SD. I’m waiting on thesis info from someone. So, I’m not so sure. He’s planning to arrive same time as you, I think.
Comment by thomasgoodwin — March 3, 2008 @ 8:53 pm |
Send Kuyt to Wenger….and you’ll see a much improved striker.
He just doesn’t seem like a good fit at Anfield. The games I saw Kuyt play in and for Holland make me think he could be a poor man’s Dennis Bergkamp under Wenger. (Remember, at InterMilan, Bergkamp looked quite bad…because it was a bad system for him!)
I’ve never been completely sold on v.Persie. It seems to me like Wenger was hoping to make him into a Bergkamp clone, but I’m not seeing it…especially now that Henry is gone. But Kuyt’s game (at least as far as I can tell in my admittedly limited exposure to him) seems like it would work well with Adebayor, Cesc, Flamini, and the whole system Wenger runs.
I’d like to see Babel play more. I think you have a real talent on your hands there.
The real problem for Liverpuldians is the Gerrard Love-fest. I think you gotta unload him….while he’s still only 27-28, has some ‘good’ ball in front of him, and can be shipped off for a decent transfer fee. The Gunners had the same situation with Henry last year. Nobody wanted to see him go, but when Barca comes offering $32 million (US) for a 30-year old baller, you gotta take it. It just makes good business sense to reinvest that money in younger talent. But I just can’t see Liverpool parting so easily with The Captain!
Have you booked tickets yet?
Comment by Berit Olam — March 4, 2008 @ 2:17 am |
Garth Brooks is coming! Woohoo!
Comment by chaos — March 5, 2008 @ 3:54 am |
Speaking of blogging-did this blog suddenly turn into the British version of ESPN or what?!
Comment by GLW Johnson — March 5, 2008 @ 1:17 pm |
Well, sometimes talking about Liverpool is good for my sanctification.
Comment by thomasgoodwin — March 5, 2008 @ 7:25 pm |
mark i think you’re the only one in the universe that would make that claim.
hey, i wore the magic tie today in preaching class. the sermon(?) went really well.
alisia and i are still discussing whether or not the tie of many colors will be too out of sink with everyone else’s ties, which are black.
oh yeah, actually Dr. Bergsma thought the magic tie was a little ‘bold.’ hope he didn’t dock my grade on account of that!
Comment by chaos — March 5, 2008 @ 9:53 pm |
I get the ‘bold’ comment sometimes with my ties, but I also get it with my preaching. Type and antitype, dear friend! Not sure which is which, however.
Comment by thomasgoodwin — March 6, 2008 @ 12:30 am |
Hey one of my best friends, Fletcher Matandika,is coming up there to speak at APC(ACP)? Google him. He’s a hero (seriously). He’ll probably be prez of Malawi in the not so distant future.
You’ll have a great time with him.
Also, you might want to see if you can squeeze him in during the week to speak at your church on what Christ has been doing in Malawi. It’s very exciting stuff. Definitely where I want to go some day.
Comment by chaos — March 6, 2008 @ 4:40 am |
Yes, I know Fletcher is coming up. We’re organizing a soccer game. PCA vs. APC. I may get him to preach; what do you think?
I’m afraid my view of Africa is a little cynical, despite the stories of ‘revivals’. Not that I don’t believe you/Fletcher, but I’ve seen enough in Africa to cause me to ‘throw caution to the wind’.
It will be interesting to see how he is received.
Comment by thomasgoodwin — March 6, 2008 @ 5:39 am |
Rooting for Liverpuul is never good for *anyone’s* sanctification!
Comment by Berit Olam — March 6, 2008 @ 9:31 am |
Well SA is probably a different Africa than what Fletch knows. A group of our students (including my ADHD brother Stephen Roberts) went to Malawi last yr. and taught theology. The reports were stirring enough to inspire me to chuck it all and head over to where the harvest is white, namely the Dark Continent.
America has 80 wanna be preachers apllying for every open suburban pulpit. In Malawi Fletcher’s dad pastors 20 churches. Makes me feel like such an ugly American. We just want our 100Gs and a 401K, real estate appreciation and paid holidays.
I’ve never heard Fletch preach but I have heard him speak. Here he has been extremely well recieved. He was directly discipled by OP Robertson himself who wants him to teach sem in Ughanda with him.
Fletch is a very pious (in the good way) seminarian. Definitely a jewel.
Comment by chaos — March 6, 2008 @ 3:19 pm |
Can’t resist this response to your post about blogging. But I turn to your blog, in relief, for theological substance.
Counterpoint
The blogosphere, the blogosphere,
Lets’ hear it for the blogosphere,
It’ll make you gasp, it’ll make you cheer,
It’ll make you………………..disappear!
The above words popped into my brain as I clicked away, weak and weary, once upon a midnight dreary. There is no end….always that highlighted word, calling me to click…
Comments to the left of you,comments to the right,
A volley never ceasing carries on by day and night. Click, click away–there’s more to view,
It may be wrong, but it’s the new.
Chorus: The blogosphere, the blogosphere,
Lets’ hear it for the blogosphere,
It’ll make you gasp, it’ll make you cheer,
It’ll make you………………..disappear!
A whirling of words, you’ve got to get in,
You’ve got to be part of that fast-moving spin,
Your name is there, look, comments galore,
More fame invites; you write still more.
Chorus: The blogosphere, the blogosphere,
Lets’ hear it for the blogosphere, etc.
A global soapbox, heard ‘round the world,
For all to see, my flag’s unfurled,
Ubiquitous presence, hasty thoughts expressed!
Oops! I didn’t mean to say that. I messed…up.
Interlude:
(Mountains, and water, reflections so still. Silence, and beauty: eyes and heart fill,
Here in the quiet, slowly, I reappear.)
Now quickly to the blogosphere,
I have to post, I have to appear,
I’ve got something to say,
Today! Right now! Hear, Hear!
Chorus: The blogosphere, the blogosphere,
Lets’ hear it for the blogosphere,
It’ll make you sigh, it’ll make you cheer,
It’ll make you………………..disappear!
Francis Bacon said, “Reading maketh a full man, writing an exact man, and conversation a ready man.” He didn’t have blogging in mind in the 1500’s, but a good quote is timeless. So does reading all these blogs really furnish my mind, and does posting make me more precise? The factor that didn’t enter Bacon’s mind is, I think, the immediacy of the Internet. The last part is true: many readers respond quickly: the readiness is all, to quote Hamlet.
But I am not so sure about the first part of Bacon’s description: the fullness of mind. An even earlier writer, Plato, complains, “And it is no true wisdom that you offer your disciples, but only its semblance, for by telling them of many things without teaching them, you will make them seem to know much, while for the most part they know nothing, and as men filled, not with wisdom, but with the conceit of wisdom, they will be a burden to their fellows.”
And what am I doing with all these great quotes, this musing that the more we type and say, perhaps the less substantial we become? Sharing them on a blog site.
Comment by His poesis — March 12, 2008 @ 3:17 pm |