When you get asked the same question more than a handful of times in rapid succession without any context and/or obvious planning and from extremely different and varying sources, it begins to dawn on you that the question is, perhaps, an important one to consider.
John, do you think blogging is a spiritual discipline?
I was asked this question at The Orange Conference and I honestly had no idea how to appropriately answer it the first few times. By the last time though, I had begun formulating a response:
I’m not sure, but there is certainly something about discipline that helps one succeed in blogging and it can be argued that everything we do is “spiritual” to some degree although not necessarily explicit.
In the beginning I was combing my brain for a Dallas Willard-ism but I couldn’t remember anything that would relate (although I knew for certain that Mr. Willard never mentioned “blogging” as one of his top disciplines).
If one finds that part of their explicit ministry to the Church and to the lost and dying world is through blogging than I think there may be a strong case for that person to have a “spiritual discipline” surrounding it, but I’m not willing to die for that remark.
Finally, there’s one thing I mentioned to one of the inquirers that I feel most strongly about:
Whether or not blogging is a “spiritual discipline” or if the term “spiritual discipline” can be applied is irrespective of the fact that it should be done with care, wisdom, and excellence.
What do you think?
[Image from Alice]
Josh Wagner says
Well, if connecting with people and developing fellowship with people isn't a spiritual discipline, I don't know what is. That's what blogging is to me (or at least supposed to be). As for the discipline part, yeah, it should be done with care and skill. Still learning that part myself…:D
chrissulli says
I don't think so. You can perform spiritual disciplines through your blog but I don't think it is a spiritual discipline in itself.
Lon says
i'm sure willard 2.0 would include it as a spiritual discipline…. it wraps in silence, reflection, community interaction and engagement….
human3rror says
puaha!
Ancoti says
I think the discipline required to blog on a regular basis is not a spiritual discipline in the classical sense. You can use your blog in the manner of a spiritual discipline, but that is more of the what and why of your blog than the how,
JakeSchwein says
A lot of things in life take discipline and they should all be done in a spiritual way because we are spiritual beings. I also believe that everything we do can be an opportunity to be more like Jesus.
By the way If Keith Green was still alive…the image on this post…would be his Cd cover!!
human3rror says
word up on this one.
Brandon Cox says
I'd be careful about calling blogging a spiritual discipline since it certainly isn't expected of everyone. However, I do think there are some larger principles that might be considered disciplines such as writing and outward expression, which often take the form of blogging.
Jim says
Well said Brandon. It's not a requirement, but it is an amazing vehicle.
Bill Bolte says
Does it fall under what this verse says:
Colossians 3:23-24 (New International Version)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
If it does, then whether we put a label to it really doesn't matter. If "whatever you do" includes blogging, then "work at it with all your heart". This is probably where I fall completely short.
Joseph Cole says
I couldn't say that blogging is a spiritual discipline, yet good blogging should be sourced by spiritual disciplines (i.e. prayer, meditation, Bible study, etc.)