Thursday, November 20, 2008

A New Approach


I have been doing less blogging lately, although I have been reading yours and commenting when time permits. The political arena has quieted some, and aside from the "What exactly WILL Obama do?" projections, there isn't alot politically to talk about.

This has given me time to be a little introspective and re-evaluate my approach to sharing with those who I come into contact with on the blogosphere. My last post, The Right and Wrong Way to Debate reflects this.

It occurs to me I have been caught up in the political hype that has dominated this election year, and have exhausted myself trying to make political, intellectual, and social arguments for or against this issue or another. The truth is, I have a strong Biblical world view and I have been holding back on making an argument purely from this position because for any issue that is important to me, a good social argument can be made. It has been an interesting exercise, and has actually encouraged me in my faith as I see our society and culture, in good times and bad, reminding me that God is on His throne where he belongs and that He is wise and good (more on this in my next post).

As I have painstakingly made my arguments or rebuttals I have found that, when all is said and done, people believe what suits them and aren't likely to be won over by logic. No matter how intellectually sound your argument may be, there is always someone who will have a rebuttal that amounts to, "Well, that's just not fair!", or "I don't like that." What matters is not that you can out argue a person, but what is the basis of your argument.

The Bible explains it this way:


My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Colossians 2:2-4


What this tells me is I need to stop half-stepping and simply represent the Biblical world view that I am called to.

I feel a bit like Jerry McGuire, writing his memo suggesting, "Fewer clients", because I fear those who turn away because they don't want to risk being "preached to". And indeed I have been rejected before and even endured hostility for sharing what is in the Bible. But I rest in this:


For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Matthew 5:11


In that same Spirit, I have started putting to paper (so to speak) my life story in the form of a separate auto-biographical blog, to be announced later. I started doing this a while ago in another post, "Testimony of Jeremiah Robinson". That is the story of how I came to know God in a personal way, and I was inspired to complete the story by adding the details of my life before Christ and what has happened since my conversion. Not that the story of how I got to where I am today is particularly interesting (although I have some good stories to tell) but because I want to share, with those who are interested in reading, who I really am. In this way, the conversations I have with others in the blogosphere take on a new context and meaning, and by being vulnerable in sharing I hope to encourage others to do the same. This is the same approach I take when building a relationship with someone who is in my life, I try to be as transparent as I can.

As I work on it, it has grown to be fairly lengthy so rather than make one huge post or series pf posts, I decided to have a separate blog where the biography will be split into logical parts. As each chapter is finished, I will provide a link so the interested can have a read.

(Photo: Ron Smid)

10 comments:

Dave Miller said...

Great idea Bullfrog! I'll look forward to reading.

Mr. Grey Ghost said...

Interesting, looking forward to read as well.

TAO said...

Well, believe it or not I will read your new blog! Of course I do not agree with your argument; well, let me say this, I do believe that abortion is wrong and I agree with my whole heart that it is wrong. But I realize that I can live my life as a Christian I cannot govern a country the same way...because if I would then I believe I would see our country as a lot more socialist than you do.

I believe gay couples should have civil unions but on the issue of marriage I am much more torn than you realize and it is because I am watching a neighbor tear themselves apart and their family over a divorce that involves adultery on the part of the wife...and the court does not recognize that as a crime. So, I am watching a young man who is very dedicated to holding his family together and doing what is right for his two kids while his wife is going through the court system picking out which assets she wants....in fact their kids are in my home right now because Dad is working overtime to pay for the attorney and Mom is out of pocket.

So, I do not see gay marriage as any threat whatsoever to traditional marraige or child rearing....I think hetrosexuals are a big enought threat to themselves...

But enjoy...

Bullfrog said...

Dave and GG: It has been an interesting process documenting my life. It calls for some interesting introspection.

Bullfrog said...

Tao: I understand that we cannot have a Christian government, per se, but in principle the founders relied heavily on the Bible as a guideline for living well. Whether they were Catholic, Protestant, Masons, or taken more to Philosophy, etc. they all agreed on this.

Straight couples aren't doing a good job with marriage as it is, so we should re-define it? How does that help, besides accommodating a special interest agenda?

Pasadena Closet Conservative said...

A nice idea, well thought out.

Bullfrog said...

Pasadena: Thank you and welcome!

Beth said...

I just realized where your blog name "Bullfrog" comes from, cute!

:-)

I'll be reading both of your blogs.

Bullfrog said...

Beth: ahhhh... if I only had a nickel every time someone, at the mention of my 1st name, sang a certain song by Three Dog Night!

Beth said...

I'm sure that gets old fast. The worst I got was in grade school a boy called me O Little Town of Bethlehem.

My husband's roommate in college was named John Jacob, I only added the Jingleheimer Schmidt to his name when he wasn't around.