The Internet has forever changed the way Christians relate to one
another. In giving us a common medium and allowing all of us to
participate in it, it has made the church feel so much smaller. Local
communities based on common geography have given way to a global
community based on common interest. But at the same time, participation
requires mediation--the mediation of a screen and a keyboard--and this
keeps us relationally distant from one another. As our reach extends,
our humanity fades, lost somewhere in the cyberspace between you and me.
Among
the realities of this digital world is a whole class of web sites known
as discernment blogs or watchblogs. These are sites ostensibly
dedicated to keeping out a watchful eye for conflict and heresy. Some
take a broad view, tracking a wide range of personalities and
controversies; others take a much narrower view, tracking a single
theological issue, ministry, or person. There have been times over the
years that I have run afoul of discernment bloggers. On a few occasions I
have said something, or neglected to say something, that has caused
them to write an article about me. But then several weeks ago I wrote
something that brought about an explosive reaction. Suddenly these
bloggers were picking apart the meaning of my every word, taking stock
of my deepest motives, and even writing with confidence about the state
of my finances. Some of their commenters were crying out for people to
hack my site and destroy it. A few were expressing themselves in
profanity and threats of physical violence. It was intimidating, but
also very clarifying. Continue at Tim Challies
