Christian Blogs

Roger J Carlson · Oct 4, 2008

I know we have a blogging forum, but I was thinking recently about Christian-themed blogs.

Do any of you have a blog specifically about the Christian life? Or do you know of any Christian blogs that you subscribe to or check regularly? In either case, could you list it?

If not, would you be comfortable blogging? Why or why not?

Unique · Oct 4, 2008

Some of the homeschool blogs I've read have a decidedly Christian take on how to raise and educate children.

But Christian theology, per se, no; I haven't seen any.

I don't think I would blog about that. I wouldn't deny my Lord and I tell anyone who asks how I believe but ... I have so many other things to write about. And I've been ignoring my blog as it is.

I'd be interesting in reading some if it was Scripture based w/o a lot of opinion and interpretation.

My step dad was a theologian. Hard to beat his advice. I miss him.

Deb Kinnard · Oct 4, 2008

I'd love to hear of a couple, too. My blog is 95% writing related, and so are most of the others I frequent.

Robin Bayne · Oct 4, 2008

I like this one. It's related to the Intro to Theology course I took a year or so ago.

You can get more info and take the (free) theo course here.

I took the Intro as a certificate course, and started the next one, but haven't finished.

Pat~ · Oct 4, 2008

Wonderful topic, Roger. Like Unique, I've found I can't keep up with my own blogging, but I do have a few favorite blogs I like to read--whether writers, theologians, or just regular people. I enjoy the writing industry blogs, but I like the ones that are about Christianity and culture even more, I think.

Here are my offerings...

1) Layman's blog for daily Bible reading with the One Year Bible, discussing every passage in the Bible through the year's reading:

www.oneyearbibleblog.com

Christianity & Culture blogs:

2) Christianity Today Liveblog:

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/

3) a blog I'm just starting to visit; a Christian, college psychology professor's take on life, sex, politics:

www.wthrockmorton.com

4) a blog about Christianity, culture, and writing by James Watkins (Christian author):

http://jameswatkins.wordpress.com/

5) and one more blog by Christian author and friend from over at Shoutlife, Patrick Oden, whose thinking and writing I admire:

http://dualravens.com/ravens/

3 writing industry blogs:

6) www.terrywhalin.blogspot.com
(Terry Whalin, Christian Literary Agent)

7) www.michaelhyatt.com
(Presisdent/CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers)

8) www.cba-ramblings.blogspot.com
(Rachelle Gardner, Christian Literary Agent)

windyrdg · Oct 4, 2008

I enjoy the Suburban Christian blog written by author/editor Al Hsu. Very insightful.
[email protected]

ABekah · Oct 4, 2008

My blog entries (see signature) are often Christian themed. I started the blog in August and have gone with the idea of posting pictures from our travels (my husband and I) along with my thoughts, ideas, and somewhat poetic feelings evoked from those pictures and places. Oftentimes, I'll incorporate my Christian faith into my entries.

I like sharing my faith in my blog by admiring God's creation, and by touching on a single attribute about God/Christ rather than using a long theological discussion.

Sean D. Schaffer · Oct 4, 2008

I've been thinking about blogging again. I do love the Lord very much, and I do know my Bible pretty well (specifically the KJV translation). I suppose I could become a Christian writer, which very well might fit in with the word of knowledge that an old man in a McDonald's restaurant gave me several years ago, that I would become a preacher someday. I know I've been seriously contemplating it lately.

The thing is, I worry that a lot of Christians would not be too happy about what I'd have to say. I have been searching for a long time, and although I still follow Christ, I wouldn't say my path has been the route the people I was raised around would follow.

Still, I would kind of like to start writing a blog again, and one that is not writing-related might be a good idea, providing me with somewhat of a fresh start in the industry.

I'll be praying about it.

Deb Kinnard · Oct 5, 2008

Pat, thanks. As usual, a wealth of information.

Sean, write on! And don't worry about whether your writing will be acceptable in the masses' eyes. Last year I wrote a book my agent claimed we couldn't sell. We sold it last week. The market is changing and (I hope) getting a tad bit more inclusive. If your road doesn't duplicate everyone else's, my hope in the Lord is that it will shed light onto someone else's path.

Woodsie · Oct 5, 2008

I am a Christian nonfiction writer and I'm keeping a blog about trying to get my book published. Most of my posts would be easily recognized as a Christian perspective. Especially my poetry, short stories and latest post.

Robin Bayne · Oct 5, 2008

Sean D. Schaffer said:
I contemplating it lately.

The thing is, I worry that a lot of Christians would not be too happy about what I'd have to say. I have been searching for a long time, and although I still follow Christ, I wouldn't say my path has been the route the people I was raised around would follow.

.

And that what makes an interesting, controversial blog!

JoNightshade · Oct 5, 2008

I have a blog and I'm a Christian, but no, I don't really make any posts specifically about God or the Bible, although I wouldn't count it out.

But in general, I don't think I would write a specifically Christian blog. Mainly it's because my philosophy is one-on-one communication. Getting up in front of a big group of people and saying what I think about various things (which is essentially the definition of a blog!) is something I don't feel confident or expert enough to do. Sometimes just posting here about my beliefs, where I know a bunch of people will read it, makes me incredibly anxious. Mainly that's because I know each person will interpret it differently and some people who know me will understand but other people who may not know me as well maybe won't understand.

Personally, when it comes to spiritual matters, I would much rather talk to people one-on-one. For instance, if my friend is having a problem in her life, oftentimes I believe God will give me something to say specifically to her. But that's not necessarily something that would be appropriate for anyone else. So I would feel weird just putting up my own personal spiritual revelations for everyone to see.

Pat~ · Oct 5, 2008

Sean, I think a blog about musings on the Christian life sounds very interesting. It's not the same as 'preaching' at some one; I find musing-style blogs far more readable than that. You're just a fellow Christian trying to put it together as best God shows you how. Personally, I find that makes for good reading, even when I do occasionally have different opinions. I look forward to reading it.

Gehanna · Oct 10, 2008

Roger J Carlson said:
I know we have a blogging forum, but I was thinking recently about Christian-themed blogs.

Do any of you have a blog specifically about the Christian life? Or do you know of any Christian blogs that you subscribe to or check regularly? In either case, could you list it?

If not, would you be comfortable blogging? Why or why not?

Hello Roger J Carlson,

Many times I began a Christian-themed blog only to end up deleting it. The compulsion keeps coming back however, I do not yet know if the compulsion is entirely mine or not. The topics I feel compelled to write about combined with the fact that my writing tends to anger people is why I keep deleting things. Until I can fully discern the source of my compulsion, I no longer act on it. If the compulsion is entirely mine it would be foolish for me to act. If the compulsion is given of God by the Holy Spirit, I will move forward.

Sincerely,
Gehanna

Sean D. Schaffer · Oct 10, 2008

Gehanna said:
Hello Roger J Carlson,

Many times I began a Christian-themed blog only to end up deleting it. The compulsion keeps coming back however, I do not yet know if the compulsion is entirely mine or not. The topics I feel compelled to write about combined with the fact that my writing tends to anger people is why I keep deleting things. Until I can fully discern the source of my compulsion, I no longer act on it. If the compulsion is entirely mine it would be foolish for me to act. If the compulsion is given of God by the Holy Spirit, I will move forward.

Sincerely,
Gehanna

Hi Gehanna, :hi:

I have a similar problem. I've had some three or four other blogs before I started the one I'm presently working on, in part because I've had the same problem you do. People get angry with what I write.

The truth that I've preached for years, but only actually understood within the last couple months, is that no matter what I write, that writing is going to offend someone, somewhere. It's a fact of life: people get offended by what any of us says.

The Bible says you can test what is the perfect and pleasing will of God. In Romans 12:2 (KJV), Paul writes that we should "be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may be able to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." The Bible goes on to say what it means not to be conformed to this world. Perhaps reading that chapter will help you discern whether the compulsion is indeed from God or from yourself.

All the best to you in your endeavors.

Gehanna · Oct 11, 2008

Hello to you Sean D. Schaffer, :hi:

I understand what you mean by, "no matter what I write, that writing is going to offend someone, somewhere. It's a fact of life: people get offended by what any of us says."

You suggested Romans 12 to me. I will read and meditate on it. Thank You. I wish you the best as well.

Sincerely,
Gehanna

flutecrafter · Oct 11, 2008

Roger J Carlson said:
I know we have a blogging forum, but I was thinking recently about Christian-themed blogs.

Do any of you have a blog specifically about the Christian life? Or do you know of any Christian blogs that you subscribe to or check regularly? In either case, could you list it?

If not, would you be comfortable blogging? Why or why not?

I touch on it occasionally, at least as it pertains to life as an ExWitch.

http://exwitch.ancientcrossroads.org

Lyra Jean · Oct 11, 2008

I started a Christian specific blog. Alas, there are only two post so far. I only update once a week and I missed last Sunday.

I state in my intro that I'm not a preacher, teacher, or theologian. I'm just a woman trying to figure out her walk and if someone learns something from me or it starts a conversation then all the better.

The link is in my siggy. Sean I'll definitely check out your blog. I'll check out the other ones listed as well.

matdonna · Oct 23, 2008

My blog 'Refreshment of Spirit' is about stories that are spiritually refreshing. I don't always write explicitly about Christianity, but as the theme is taken from Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that's always just under the surface.

A blog I like is http://getreligion.org. It isn't Christian per se, but most of the contributors are Christians, and it's about how the media covers religion news.

Mac H. · Oct 23, 2008

Roger J Carlson said:
I know we have a blogging forum, but I was thinking recently about Christian-themed blogs
....
If not, would you be comfortable blogging? Why or why not?

One major difference between Christian blogs and other Christian writings is the potential readers ... someone reading a Christian themed book in a Christian bookshop has been 'prefiltered', so has a certain outlook.

For example, in that kind of environment quoting Scripture as an authority makes sense, but in most others it isn't convincing.

So plenty of non-Christians come across Christian blogs and find things that aren't exactly enticing.

For example, does this Christian blog put out a message that will attract people towards Christianity?

Exact quotes (not in order, but not out of context)

The term bisexual is an unnecessary distinction, because a faggot wants to defile anyone or anything he can get his hands on.Did you know that God actually hates some people?
... You can say what you want, but there is no story in the Bible about a homosexual getting saved and going to Heaven.
I believe that a homosexual can no longer get saved.
They weren't born gay and God wanted them to get saved at some point.
The reason they are that way is that they have pushed God too far and he has given up on them.
Since there is no hope for gays, we would be better off without them.
They are recruiters and not reproducers so the safest solution would be the death penalty.

Plenty of non-Christians saw this blog entry (it was sent around the blog-o-sphere pretty quickly) and it certainly hasn't put Christians in a good light.

I guess I'm just saying that a Christian blog will be read by many people who won't have the same common ground as you on some pretty fundamental issues - and things you say can get copied over on other blogs pretty darn quickly.

Good luck,

Mac

L.Jones · Oct 24, 2008

I used to blog at Faithchick.com and it's a great blog but haven't for a while as I found blogging was just another thing to fizzle my focus.

annie jones

Lyra Jean · Oct 24, 2008

I read that post you linked too. It was horrible. And just for the fact that she would post "negative" comments. I'm assuming these are comments that don't agree with her opinion shows that she is not interested in serious conversation about this issue.

This is one reason I have not posted anything controversial on my blog yet. I'm still trying to figure out where I stand and I want to be positive on what I think about certain difficult issues such as the one this blogger writes about before I post anything. Yeah posting about it will probably get me a lot of readers and a lot of debate which would be nice but my I didn't create my blog for that reason.

I'm not going to be linking to her blog anytime soon that is for sure.

If the mods feel that I have spoken about this person out of hand feel free to delete it.

Robin Bayne · Oct 29, 2008

Another good one by a Christian novelist is Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking.

BruceJ · Oct 31, 2008

Conversion

My son converted from Reformed Protestantism to Catholicism earlier this year. On his blog, he chronicles his "trajectory" from Evangelical Protestantism, through the ranks of the Reformed, and finally swimming the Tiber. He also has some pretty in-depth theological and philosophical discussions in the blog.

www.nealjudisch.blogspot.com

Pat~ · Oct 31, 2008

Mac H. said:
One major difference between Christian blogs and other Christian writings is the potential readers ... someone reading a Christian themed book in a Christian bookshop has been 'prefiltered', so has a certain outlook.

For example, in that kind of environment quoting Scripture as an authority makes sense, but in most others it isn't convincing.

So plenty of non-Christians come across Christian blogs and find things that aren't exactly enticing.

For example, does this Christian blog put out a message that will attract people towards Christianity?
Plenty of non-Christians saw this blog entry (it was sent around the blog-o-sphere pretty quickly) and it certainly hasn't put Christians in a good light.

I guess I'm just saying that a Christian blog will be read by many people who won't have the same common ground as you on some pretty fundamental issues - and things you say can get copied over on other blogs pretty darn quickly.

Good luck,

Mac

Whoa. That is truly awful.

Yes, I suppose there are a few "Christian" blogs that can turn people off to Christianity--at least one badly skewed version of it--just like there are a few RL characters in this world that can do the same. Something to remember, though, is that the term "Christian" is so vague and loosely defined nowadays (skinheads might also refer to themselves as 'Christian'), that anyone looking for what it's really all about will have to look deeper than one person's blog.

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