Blogging Etiquette, Part III: Make Friends, Not Enemies

This goes for all of us on both sides of the fence, either red or blue, or cons or libs. Especially if we are blogging about religious matters. I think it does matter how we conduct ourselves; factionist, reactionary, haters? I’ve learned the meaning of the word ecumenism recently and I’m all over it. In short it spells out you might dislike this person’s views, even the person themselves, but you don’t go out on a smear campaign. And you might go so far as to recognize the family resemblance. So instead of pursuing Entertainment Tonight sort of trash-blogging, blog to enlighten, be enlightened. Be open to changing your views if you are presented with reasonable argument. I preach to myself as well.

Here’s why I blog:

• Perhaps what we ought to aspire to is not trash journalism and sensational headlines but rather “blogging statesmanship” (maybe I expect too much of the public – but it is legitimate for me to expect more from the church). Being a voice for all the church, to the church, and to the world. There’s not much room for partisan rhetoric in this. That’s ecumenism.
• Make a conscious attempt to include others in the dialogue, not alienate them. Some blogs I visit are filled with so much rhetoric, anti-this, anti-that… step back for a minute – instead of shouting back, speak with a low whisper, which translates online as a few, yet powerful words.

On a side note: I will be headed out to Journey 2 Mosaic, a bus-trip for racial reconciliation and will post updates as often as I can. Or check out the Twitter sidebar just to the right with updates on where I’m @ on the journey…

Peace.