Atmosphere could be defined as the weather or climate at some place. So is it even logical to refer to “the Australian atmosphere”? After all, the Australian atmosphere today may be the Indonesian atmosphere tomorrow. Just as the idea of a line between Australia’s atmosphere and Indonesia’s is a slightly hazy concept, so there are no clear delineations between Australia’s blogosphere and that of the rest of the world. Still, there is enough distinction to make it worth talking about and definitely enough to make it worth developing.

In the last week, we’ve seen the blogosphere abuzz with the Sword of the Lord editor’s comments on blogging (see here). It’s not my intent to comment on that here, but the point I do want to emphasise is that the blogosphere is here “like it or not” and it’s here to stay. Bob Bixby, in his controversial post, pointed out that the blogosphere is bringing much needed openness and accountability to Fundamentalism.

I say all that to come to this point. Where’s the Australian blogosphere? Where are the Australian pastors who post thoughts from their weekly study and reading? Where are the godly church members and leaders who are taking advantage of this medium for the glory of God? I know there are some. But not many. Let me clarify here that I’m talking about blogs that deal with serious issues of religious or Fundamentalist interest, not just personal blogs. I’ve got a personal blog where I vent every now and then, and that’s fine, but I’m dealing here with blogs that are dealing with substantial issues.

I’m going to be honest here. I want to see the Australian blogosphere developed because I believe it is an important tool for growth and development. I’m also burdened that we would learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the pitfalls of the blogosphere. Here are some principles we’ll have to follow if our blogs will be honouring to our saviour:

Discipline

When it comes to time invested in the blogosphere, it is essential to maintain discipline.

Accountability

Anonymous blogging generally undercuts biblical patterns of interaction and accountability.

Love

Nothing will reveal unloving attitudes more quickly than the ability to air them publicly, easily, and quickly.

Purpose

Know what you’re doing before you start doing it. The lure of high stats can easily distract someone whose purpose is not clear and firm.

So there you have it. We’ve got work to do.

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About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

2 Comments

  1. Armen 4 April, 2007 at 5:58 pm - Reply

    Jason – I’m not a native Australian, but living here and being a very young pastor here, I am interested in hearing more of your ideas as to what you’d really like to see. Maybe something entirely new, or maybe a blog similar in concept to some American blog you’re aware of?

    I am also encouraged by your willingness to link to some of my articles, it has been a great encouragement to me.

  2. Jason 4 April, 2007 at 6:15 pm - Reply

    Yes, I’m very encouraged by your blog and would love to see others developing their blogs on a similar model. The typical serious blog has some non-serious mixed in and that’s great. But I really enjoy seeing someone who posts the things he’s learning and every now and then sets up a soap box and shouts about something important.

    Part of my desire for InFocus is to introduce people to new blogs and to be hub for the emerging Australian fundamentalist blogosphere.

    I’ll have to post a follow up eventually. :)

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