I've given some degree of thought to how I should respond to the many posts that I have made that have been deleted by Craig Schwarze of "Craig's Blog". I've concluded that the best way of doing this is to compile an index of posts that have his purged from history because of Craig's editorial excesses. This would achieve two things. Firstly, it will allow readers of "Craig's Blog" to access the posts that Craig doesn't want you to see. Secondly, it will serve as a "Hall of Shame" if you will - a monument to the defensiveness that pervades Craig's thinking. I tend to ask some fairly difficult questions of Craig at times, and it seems preferable to Craig that my posts be removed than for the fraility of his position to be exposed. A link to this index will be available on the front page of my blog at all times for all to read.
Of course, it could be that Craig gets wind of my plans and that he decides he will not give me ammunition by deleting any further posts of mine. If so, I will be most pleased to be corrected. Either way, I have come to the conclusion that this is currently the best way to speak truth to power.
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6 comments:
David,
Think very carefully what you write on this blog about other people, especially good friends to you like Craig. I don't know what's gone on between you guys but blogging all the time about Craig and writing up things like "Craig Schwarz's wall of shame" is not godly and won't endear you to other people.
I can guarantee you that it will alienate you not only from Craig, but also from others you read your site. Since you've blogged all this negativity about Craig has your webpage readership increased? Have you elicited any (positive) comments that champion your cause?
What we think in our heads we don't always utter with our lips or write with our fingers, and I think that's especially true in this case. Perhaps you should stop writing anything more about Craig, re-read it, and bring the matter to God (the judge of all spirits).
Hey Heydn,
Thanks for your comment. I've concluded that the "Wall of Shame" is an excellent idea, simply because it allows me to post deleted content. It's a way of expressing opinions that are important to me that would have otherwise ceased to exist. As for the readers response to this initiative, readers can read for themselves and determine whether Craig was justified in deleting the post. I'm posting no more than what I would have been quite happy for people to read on Craig's blog in the first place. Ultimately, it is Craig that determines how full this thread will be.
Speaking of which, our first entry, a response to Jeff A in "Healyhatman starts a blog...":
Hey Craig...seems you have a few people after you lately...
Unsurprising...Jesus did say those who followed him would be hated by the world. [by Jeff A]
With all due respect Jeff, simply because one is criticised doesn't mean that people are out to get them. And simply because someone is criticised doesn't automatically validate their actions. As 1 Peter 3:17 suggests:
"For it is better if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than doing what is wrong."
That is, if someone "suffers", it could just as easily be because they have acted wrongly, than because they have acted rightly.
How to reach the Youth - or not
Interesting fact in the census stats I posted up recently - the median age in Australia is now 36 (my age as it happens). As a lot of people have commented, the population is aging. Churches have always focused so much on winning the youth, but every year the "mature mission field" (hey, I coined a phrase) is growing larger. It is vital that we develop strategies and put energy into reaching this group. It is hard. Why? Because old people are stubborn, and the older you get the more stubborn you get. We all know that's true. But try we must. Has anyone had success in this field? [by Craig]
I'd suggest that the Sydney Diocese has specifically targeted young people, usually university students for strategic and political purposes for two reasons. Firstly, converting people in their early twenties who are insecure and currently undergoing existential crises is like shooting fish in a barrel. Because they are looking for certainly amongst the uncertainty of the world they have been thrown into, they will quite often be receptive to black and white presentations of the Christian faith. Secondly, today's university students will be tomorrow's business, political and legal leaders and it's always helpful to have friends in high places.
One of the drawbacks to trying to convert an older individual is that it is less easy for them to embrace a formulaic faith. Even if these people are interested in Christianity (which I believe they are) then it is more than likely that their faith upon conversion will be less evangelical than evangelicals would like. Still, I believe it is a worthwhile question and I would be interested in seeing what you come up with as an evangelistic approach to older people.
How do you stop hating someone?
How do you forgive someone? [Craig]
Am I the person that you hate, Craig?
Is this person's behavior divisive?
Is the attack irrational?
Does the person go out of the way to initiate trouble?
Are the person's demands insatiable?
Are the concerns upon which he bases the attack minimal or fabricated?
Does the person avoid causes that involve personal risk, suffering, or sacrifice?
Does his motivation appear selfish?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, you have enough evidence to suggest you have an antagonist on your hands, and you need to take a closer look.[Craig, quoting Kenneth Haugk]
I wonder what would happen if you assessed this blog against these criteria? I don't want to sway the electorate by putting forward my perspective, but it would be interesting to see what people think.
Craig - Apologies
I've been very impatient with people this week. I will try and do better next week...
I think you'll find that your audience tends to be fairly patient and forgiving, and that they welcome your road to repentance in this respect.
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