You ask:

Since then I’ve been wondering: is there any sort of Christian duty when it comes to blogging?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers some guidance which while general may be helpful and may also point to other pertinent sections of the Catechism. ( See Part III, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article 8 V. – The Use of the Social Communications Media, http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a8.htm#V ).

Off the top of my head I would say that a major concern of any public communicator is to not give an example of scandal – such as that provided by Sean Hannity in his public and oft repeated position on abortion contrary to the teachings of the Church – made while simultaneously publically professing to be a good Catholic. To add insult to injury he then when on to publically castigate Fr. Thomas Euteneuer who after attempting to privately counsel Sean as to his causing scandal, counseled him on air that he should cease airing his position on abortion.

For the record, I would not anticipate any such concerns on your part. Your clear and eloquent writing betrays a purity of mind and heart that must please the Trinity much and would not bear easily an intentional and objectively offensive blog.

Needless to say, I enjoy your insightful, honest, eloquent and moving writing; especially as I too am a convert albeit not from atheism. Beyond that all I can say is ,”Keep on Bloggin’.”

God Bless,
Rich Luke

Amen. Jesus told us to love. And he prayed that we would be united. But I must have a defective bible as it is missing the part where he said: “in the liturgy thou shalt only sing . . . .”

Now I like good liturgy and I’m a sucker for smells and bells. Even more than that, I think good liturgy is critical, but above those concerns are what I think of as the prime directives: Love. Unity.

As a former Protestant, I find this disconcerting in light of how often Catholic apologists point to this kind of public infighting among Christian denominations as proof that the “invisible unity” among Protestants is in fact disunity.

I worry that people who are looking with interest toward the Church will see some of these blasts of hot cyberair and say, “Heck, I can find this right where I am. I think I’ll stay put.”

While we’re on the subject, one day when I get to heaven, I plan to ask Jesus if the “banal” lyrics of contemporary liturgies offend the ears of Jesus half as much as the smug diatribes of self-appointed liturgy police, who seem to believe that a heart cannot worship and derive consolation at the same time.

I love my brothers and sisters in the faith. I just don’t understand them sometimes. It saddens me when people become so rigid in their opinions that there is no room for anyone who does not agree with them 100% If in defending the faith, they inflict more wounds with “friendly fire” than any other kind of assault, is that something to be commended?

“By this will all men know you are my disciples,” Jesus said, “If you have love one for another.”

‘Nuff said.

I admire “Christians-in-progress”, people working to surrender themselves and their lives to Christ. I need the inspiration and the companionship.

I’ve just discovered you guys. I’ll be reading “from the shadows” (perfect, kiwi nomad 2006).

And Will, I’ve often felt better asking God to bless some witless driver after I’ve cut him off in traffic. I never thought of asking God to have mercy on me, but I will from now on. I think I need the mercy more than he needs the blessing…

That momentary glance of annoyance at the store, the strong word that slips out at a moment of frustration, those are sins of impulse and emotion, things over which we don’t have a lot of control, though most of us are working on gaining that control. But it’s a bit different on a blog.

Just as in conversation our grammar can get sloppy, so in our daily interactions is it possible to let slip some uncharitable word or action. But when we write, we pay a little more attention to grammar, which means that it’s also possible to pay a little more attention to charity.

When you’re writing a blog post, you have three “extra” chances to keep Christian notions of charitable behavior at the forefront: one, when composing the post, two, when reading it over before hitting the “post” button, and three, after what you’ve written has been posted, when you can edit or delete something that violates your own standards of charitable behavior.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could “delete” that dirty look at the grocery store? Wouldn’t our ability to be charitable be wonderful if we had to hit a conversational “post” button before letting a thoughtless word slip out?

Of course, I’m also probably not getting rid of my “Stupid Fascist Bastards” category anytime soon. :}

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:25-27 (ESV)

I guess that kind of says it for me. I do post about things that make me angry, and I often use rather strong words to express my anger. But, I try not to just spew hatred and bitterness. Sometimes, I’ll make non-Christians angry just for voicing a Truth that they don’t want to hear. And sometimes, I’ll fail and post something that’s just nasty. It’s that last that I want to not do.

Thank you, Jen.

God bless!