Personal Websites, Blogging & Facebook

July 10, 2009 in Uncategorized with 22 Comments

Having a personal website, a blog , or even a Facebook page comes with a price. A person is putting himself or herself out there for the world to see, and often those who stop by have an agenda. Thankfully, blog softwares generally all have comment moderating capabilities. Sites like Facebook have the means of blocking users from personal profiles. This is good but it’s also unfortunate.

I love reading blogs, especially the ones by those who are dealing with substantive life issues. They are providing us a service, opening our eyes to the dark realities of ministry work. I read blogs to understand people, not to get what I believe. I definitely don’t read blogs so that I can dig up dirt on other people. But some do.

I know this because some are proud enough to admit it. I know this because word gets around quickly. I know this because people like to chase rabbits. Don’t join the wrong Facebook group or befriend the wrong person; we all know what that means!

The sad reality is that good people are leaving local ministry because of the beatings they take. Good writers are shutting down blogs because they are sick of hecklers “in the name of Jesus.” They are sick of having to apologize to friends and family for hecklers “in the name of Jesus.” It’s unfortunate, but its reality. What a shame!

  • http://www.jasonbrowning.net Jason Browning

    It amazes me how one can ridicule blogs and malign people that enjoy blogging, yet then turn right around and read a “bulletin article” as if there were a difference. I have written “bulletin articles” long before blogging, and no one accused me of only offering my opinions then. Perhaps we shouldn’t blog because the “liberals” do it. Of course, they write bulletin articles too along with preaching sermons. So maybe we shouldn’t do those either.

    Blogs for most people, whether writing or reading them, are like you described, for personal enjoyment or to simply share thoughts. Not to resort to for our “end all/say all” on religious matters. That is why we have the Bible. And to accuse me, you, or other bloggers of intending to go beyond the bible is nothing short of insulting if you ask me.

    In any event, personally, I like a lot of blogs, because in them I happen to find things that actually matter and pertain to every day life issues we deal with as Christians….or shall I say issues we should be dealing with as Christians.

    Keep up your good work brother….there in Clovis and here. The example you have shown in these last few months of keeping your head up and staying positive during a trying time is invaluable to me as well as to others. There are many more who care for you than there are those who think they somehow have to “set you straight” on matters.

    Jason

  • http://www.jasonbrowning.net Jason Browning

    By the way, I love the new look on your blog. Although I am sure it’ll change again in a month. LOL! ;-)

  • Theresa Bluhm

    It IS very sad that some only read other peoples’ blogs and other social network sites in order to find something to tear them apart with. Like you said, they like to chase rabbits. Nice way of putting it. Most of the time, they don’t even really understand the concepts being written before they start the attack. I think you’ve really written a post here that might open some eyes to the real purpose of these writing outlets in saying it plainly – “I read blogs to understand people, not to get what I believe.” Keep up the good work, Douglas. Be confident in the fact that you have a whole group of folks that read your blog because it is inspiring, and not to pick you apart.

  • Mat Cain

    I enjoy reading blogs as well, but I don’t read many very regularly. I read this one because it shows up in the facebook feed and because I know you Doug. I don’t read blogs in order to find problems with others (what a sad existence that would be). I have however been dissapointed by some things I have read in blog and facebook posts. Who isn’t dissapointed when people who claim to be Christians reveal to the world that they are anything but. I visited a young Christian’s MySpace site recently and was saddended to see the things he talked about and advocated there. It was apparent that the young man I knew was putting on an act and he revealed his true self in his myspace site. Now I didn’t go to his site to dig up dirt – but I was dissapointed by what I found there.

    Doug you are right – word gets around quickly because I had other people come to me and say “did you see what his myspace site says?” (These people had see his website too and were also appauled by what they saw – they were not being watch dogs they all wanted to see how to help the young man.) Sure word gets around quickly but you publish it to the world when you blog and post messages on such sites. As I type this I realize that my comments will go out to the world when I hit “submit comment” below. So aren’t we a little nieve to think that people wouldn’t see what we say and do on-line? The fact is, I know that there are people that read your blog that do not know me and they will form an opinion about me based on this post and others I have made. I have to be ok with that if I intend to post here or anywhere else on the internet.

    It seems to me that the daring bloggers and posters of of the world need to either own thier actions and comments or get off the internet (myself included). That being said it is easy to post a comment that you later regret (I have done that too) but that’s the consquences of posting.

    So it seems that we all have to post at our own risk.

  • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

    Well said Mat. I am not going to disagree with a thing you’ve stated. Neither do I regret anything I’ve ever posted here. I do regret comments I’ve made on Facebook notes though. Of course, the opening sentence of this very post concedes that there is an inherent price that comes with what we offer upon the web.

  • http://www.jasonbrowning.net Jason Browning

    Mat I also agree with what you said. But I don’t think that is what Doug was referring to here though. Your illustration and point is indeed valid. Obviously sin stares us in the face and we have to deal with it. In the same way, people’s opinions and thoughts on matters will come upon us for our “viewing” whether we look for it or not sometimes. It happens and I think for the most part, those who blog realize that. I think Doug was referring more to the crowd that does actually look for dirt. And it exists, like it or not….

    And I think that difference can be seen fairly easily. For example, me and you have disagreed on matters but we have still managed to treat each other with respect and remain friends. When someone belittles or insults, it is usually apparent what the person’s motives were to begin with.

  • Mat Cain

    Jason I realize that Doug was referring to those who set out to find”dirt” on folks and I do know that they exist.

    There is one thing that I have come to learn about Doug – he does “own” his posts and comments and I think that is the key to the whole thing. If you ask him a question about what he has said or posted he will happily (and Kindly – thank you Doug…) explain where he is coming from. Agree or disagree with what he says – he owns what he puts out there and that is what it comes down to.

    If you reveal your thoughts and beliefs in a post it is subject to criticism by all who read it. You give those looking to dig-up dirt the “ammo” they are looking for. But what ammo are you really giving them. If you know your comments are going to excite people and bring controversy then be prepared for what is to come. If you haven’t said anything wrong and yet you get bashed for it – so be it… God will judge.

    I guess my point is that the post are there on the internet and if someone has heard about it or questions you then you can say – go and read it for yourself. If someone is ashamed to say “go and read it” then they shouldn’t have posted it. But if it is right and you believe what you posted then “own” and take any flack that comes with it. It is not unlike writing a book – once it is out there it is out there and people will give thier opinions and write reviews – so if that is upsetting perhaps you shouldn’t have written the book.

    About facebook groups – I don’t believe that being in a group means that you support the individual or or individuals involved but we need to be aware of the difficulties this can bring. Doug I recall you talking about Rob Bell with me. You told me about him and we discussed his delivery and production values of his “nooma” video series. Since then I have frequently checked back to see about new videos mr. Bell has released. I have even told others about his videos and told them to watch. However I also conditioned my request with the important point that I do not support everything that Mr. Bell says. I don’t want them to think that I agree with everything that comes out of Rob Bell’s mouth regardless of how good the production value is. That being said – if I join the “Rob Bell facebook group” or “become a fan of Rob Bell” then I appear to show my support without any of the conditions that I would tell someone about in person. Therefore I have tried to avoid joining groups like that – for that reason. Now as I said before – I don’t believe that being in such a group means you share every point of doctrine with said group but I can see the confusion it might cause. I can see how someone might think that if you joined the Rob Bell group or “became a fan” then you agree with him doctrinally – even if you don’t.

    Thats my 1.5 cents – Does that make sense or am I way off?

    Mat

  • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

    Mat…I really, really appreciate what you offered in your last comment. Thank you.

    As for the Facebook groups/Rob Bell example you offer… I’ve too prefaced talk with others about his videos with, “Now I don’t agree with everything…”, just to set let people know that I’m not a “follower” of him. Of course, just because I’ve read some of Charles Spurgeon’s works that are in my library, and just because I think he offers insight into the Psalms in a most beautiful way, that doesn’t mean I’m a follower of him either. Too often, people just jump to conclusions without the facts. I am pretty certain that people chased similar rabbits, and started saying I was a part of the Emerging Church. Those that spread that rumor were ignorant and foolish.

    I presume you are a Republican. Many members of the church are. But just because one is a card-carrying Republican doesn’t mean that they advocate everything on the platform does it? Would it be right for me to paint with the broadest of brushes and suggest that every Republican is a Rudy Guilliani kind of Republican?

    If you say “no”, then why can’t this same theory be applied to the Rob Bell example? I don’t think there is any difference between joining a group called “Dallas Willard is my Homeboy” and card-carrying Republican.

    BTW…I don’t know of a single preacher in the churches of Christ who has more books in his possession by members of the church than non-members. Isn’t that ironic?

    Just my 2 cents

  • Jason Cole

    What is sad is that you continue to act like you were the “wounded party” at Frisco when the truth is far from that.

    Why don’t you talk about being asked to leave the meeting you spoke at in Arkansas because the elders there correctly saw you as a false teacher.

    The sad thing is you will be allowed to continue spewing false doctrine. The only queston left is who is more dangerous, you or your wife.

    • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

      Jason…Since I don’t think I know you, feel free to tell me what you know about Frisco and Arkansas. Were you there? Where are you from?

      So you think my wife is “dangerous”? What does she have to do with this?

    • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

      Jason Cole…For some reason your email address you supplied doesn’t work as a real email address. Interesting

      • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

        Jason…Are you from Plano?

  • http://www.jasonbrowning.net Jason Browning

    This post by “Jason Cole” proves Doug’s whole point of this post. It demonstrates how one’s motive (agenda) really comes out in the way they speak to people. And then to not even come out with who he really is speaks even further volumes. Unbelievable!

  • Theda Landry

    “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17. We should never forget the reason God sent his son. No need to worry about what others think or who they think we are following. We only need to follow Christ to the best of our ablily. We should only seek to please Him.

  • Christopher Jagge

    Hi Doug,
    I also read blogs to understand people and gather knowledge. We used to read books to gather the understanding or write books to provide it, but technology has cut out all the middle men. This, for better AND worse, broadens and debases our options. How long before our twisted society considers some Twitter post as literature? I shudder!

    Jason Browning: becareful that in the rebuke of “Jason Cole” you do not become that which you condemn. Mr. Cole’s post comes across as hostile and charity-lacking and his final line certainly is an ad hominem attack, BUT this reveals nothing of his motives or potential agenda. Personal characteristics certainly; agenda? Not at all. Sometimes those who complement, agree and flatter have agendas, but how often do we accuse them of such?

    Like all of us, Mr. Cole will be known by his fruits.

    As Christians use the internet to proclaim the gospel so do the vainglorious and banal use it to proclaim themselves. Let us all blog (AND comment) as becomes a Christian.

    Anyway… So how big is the new house and when can we all come visit?
    Christopher

  • Mat Cain

    Doug –
    You did say you didn’t agree with everything Rob Bell said – For the record. Why did you caution me? I am glad that you cautioned me that you didn’t agree with everything from Mr. Bell – that was helpfull to know what I might be able to expect from Mr. Bell. While you liked some things from Mr. Bell (as I do) You didn’t want to cast your approval to everything he presents. Obviously you see (saw) the importance of clarifying such things and I believe that is wise. I want to appeal to whatever it was in you that caused you to clarify things for me.

    Some will percieve your joining groups or becoming fans of those who would teach doctrines contrary to the Word of God as approval of them. And in joining such groups on facebook you really can’t give the the warnings that you gave me about Rob Bell. Now lets be clear – I already said that I realize that being in those groups doesn’t mean that you believe everything in the group… I am just pointing out that in joining those groups it might appear that you support such things because you cannot give the warnings that you might give in person if we were talking about the types of groups in question.

    I honestly would be wary of joining a Republican group for the same reason – or a NRA group or something like that. But I realize many Christians do. To answer your question I don’t see much of a difference.

    About the Books – another good point. But if you loan a book from your library from a teacher that is a non-Christian or someone who fails to teach the Truth would you warn the one you were loaning the book to? I bet you would and you would be wise to do so.

    You warn/clarify/condition people and you do it for good reason… Unfortunatly you can’t do that with facebook groups.

    It is a shame that people don’t give the benefit of the doubt or consider the limitations with facebook groups… but that seems to be the way things are…

    It seems mr. cole seems to have proven your original point.

    Take Care,
    Mat

  • http://fumblingtowardseternity.wordpress.com nick gill

    Maybe I’m the odd man out in this situation, but I don’t 100% agree with anyone! So according to the rules being explained in these comments, I’d have to preface every public relationship, every quotation, every statement I make with, “Now, I don’t agree with everything…”

    Since we’re talking about honesty, I’ll admit that I don’t agree with Jesus about everything yet. I’m quite certain he’s right about everything, but that doesn’t mean my mind has yet been transformed as it should.

    The safe thing would be not to join any groups at all — but nowhere in the Scriptures are we taught to “play it safe.” Jesus joined some pretty sketchy groups, and he didn’t bail on them when he caught flak from the religious authorities, either.

    Doug, keep up the solid writing — I’m sorry I’m not around here more often — I’m putting you in my Google Reader right now.

    in HIS love,
    nick

  • http://www.grumpysmith.com Kent Smith

    Doug, thanks for your post and your friendship. I want to tell the folks here what I know about Doug Young. I met Doug this year at the Tulsa workshop where I had an exhibit booth promoting my book. He and two brothers who were with him stopped by my table. Once he introduced himself to me and told me he had seen my book at Legacy Books in Plano, I asked him how things were going at the church in Frisco. The look on his face told me all I needed to know; things were not going well. Without being told what was happening there, I encouraged Doug to be strong. Over the coures of the next couple of months Doug and I played golf two times and had lunch together once. We also shared a few emails, and in all of those times Doug never once told me what the issues where with the congregation. He would say things were rough, but he never tried to place blame on anyone or anything. He never indicated who or what the problems were. I have to admire Doug for not making himself “the wounded party” and at the same time not airing the congregations dirty laundry, whatever that dirt may have been.
    God speed in Clovis, brother.
    Kent Smith
    grumpy@grumpysmith.com

  • Mat Cain

    I had a discussion a while back with Doug on the phone. In that discussion he told me that was looking for a new job (at that time) and he told me to keep it to myself. (It seems like the cats out of the bag now Doug – so I didn’t figure you would mind me saying this now). However, Doug never acted like the “wounded party” in my conversation with him nor did he cast any blame.

  • Maegan

    Doug, I have always enjoyed reading your blog, please don’t stop because of people like Jason Cole (if that’s his real name). Your posts have always made me reflect on where I’m at with my spiritual growth. Your letters were amazing and made me think about my personal relationships and how I needed to own them and enhance them! I love technology! You are 8 hours away but I can still learn and grow with you!

    Unfortunately I know most of the “dirty laundry” that happened at Frisco. It was ugly and still is ugly a month or more after you’ve left. I know I’ve told you this personally on a few occassions but I was amazed at how you conducted yourself the last few months. You were calm, you were level headed, and you publicly apologized for your wrongs. That’s a lot more than I can say about how others behaved!

    Tisha dangerous? Tisha is the most passionate, giving, caring and loving person I’ve ever met. She gave a little boy a kidney, spends time at childrens homes, helps old people when they’ve lost their way, builds meaningful relationships, and has helped many women deal with their deepest darkest pains. Satan is the only one who should think Tisha is dangerous.

    Never forget that you are loved by many! We love you and your precious family!

    -Mae

  • http://fumblingtowardseternity.wordpress.com nick gill

    The fact that Satan doesn’t fear most of us is a huge condemnation. I can’t think of many greater compliments to a Christian than the one Mae just gave Tisha. That is AWESOME!

    When congregations fight, Satan gleefully supplies ammunition to both sides.

    Keep yourself in the dust of Jesus’ feet, Doug!

  • Pete Turner

    “Jason Cole”….it genuinely saddens me that it’s come to this. My family decided to leave Frisco CofC over this mess. We sorely miss a lot of our friends from there, but if the church’s members are going to resort to this, I think we made the right decision.