BLOGGING is a common phenomenon
among those who have utilised the Internet frequently. A blog
is a shortened form for "weblog". This word has been
broken into the phrase "we blog". A blog is an online
publication of numerous posts of individuals and groups who write
about their daily experiences and views that would be communicated
to friends and strangers.
Besides offering the advantages of speed, immediacy and interaction
with diverse audiences, blogging also provides another route to
publicise opinions and feelings by adopting a playful persona.
Others advertise, to some extent, a particular product. But such
effective communication would also need to pay a price. Frustrating
words, sarcasm and incredulous treatises are present that create
a tension between integrity and credibility.
To some, blogging is a means of free speech, while others claim
that blogging requires courage. While the bloggers enjoy the self-therapy
through the candid expression, they are fearful that their elders
will think that they are misbehaving in the virtual space. Self-consciousness
is mixed with excitement. A courageous act is also tainted by
guilt.
Is blogging an expression of courage?
Is it trying to free itself from one's wrangling with social norms
and expectation? This freedom to express one's true feeling and
be at peace with oneself is extremely appealing to those who could
not get their messages across in any direct communication. It
is a serious problem for those who fail to communicate with their
loved ones.
According to a web survey company, Perseus Development Corporation,
in 2005, 58 per cent of the blogs are the works of 13 to 19-year-olds.
Critics might make us believe that teenagers are using blogging
as a form of exhibitionism. But an important motive that cannot
be ignored is a desire to meet a human need of finding connection
and understanding. They might seek the attention of their parents
by turning to blogging to voice their frustration.
Respectfulness and diplomacy have degenerated into a problem of
communication that highlights a breakdown of human relationship.
Without addressing this problem, blogging would be an indication
of the growing problem of human communication. Our stunning technology
has offered another replacement of dealing with the reality, the
problem of communication.
Who can we turn to if we are paying the price of our diplomacy
and ethics? Could God be the replacement? At least, He does not
talk back to us. We can even choose not to obey Him. Our fear
and constraint in direct communication at least would not be revealed
in this human-divine communication.
OUR failure in human relationship also reflects our relationship
with God. One might hope that God is only listening to all the
talking done by the Christian. One is tempted to use whatever
available means to manipulate God to entice Him to provide what
one really desires. Like those who are seeking attention through
blogging, we are also seeking God's attention when He appears
to be not listening to what we have told Him.
While blogging does bring multiple benefits and convenience, we
must understand courage in our Christian perspective. Courage
belongs to those ordinary events of life, of which man and woman
demonstrate boldness and fearlessness, that are derived from knowing
the present dangers and foreseeable consequences. In executing
their duty they demonstrate knowledge of a God who listens and
a faith that does not remain an opinion.
The Christian in this relationship must take responsibility to
deal with understanding the divine will and obeying God while
the future remains uncertain. Blaming or enticing God according
to human desire does not offer any constructive help in nurturing
the relationship.
No one could run away from rules and expectations. While we enjoy
the fruits of modern technology, we must be reminded of the responsibility
of cultivating the real virtue of courage, one that essentially
points to "the happiness of a soul which is 'lifted above
every circumstance'." (Paul Tillich).
We are assured of the divine love in spite of the daily inhibitions.
Our blog is not only words of courage but also words of responsibility.
Our willingness to demonstrate resilient steadfastness under such
circumstances points to our willingness to submit to the divine
authority that is established in every sphere of life.
Chan Yew Ming, a lecturer
at Trinity Theological College, worships at Fairfield Preaching
Point in Woodlands.
QUOTE:
DIVINE AUTHORITY
'Our blog is not only words of courage but also words of responsibility. Our willingness to demonstrate resilient steadfastness under such circumstances points to our willingness to submit to the divine authority that is established in every sphere of life.'