The Direction of Apologetics Blogging
Posted by RazorsKissFeb 25
Is something I want to change.
See, we’re all on our particular blogs, blogging about topics all over the spectrum.
I want to do something about this – get all the apologetics blogging in one place – at least “pointing to” from one place.
That place will not be here. Not because I’m not willing to do it – but because it has to be a cooperative effort by multiple members of the blogosphere in order for it to be something less than an overwhelming task for a single person, or even a few people. Trust me – I could spend all night, every night, on the Daily Cut – and still not cover more than a portion, or anything close to a full treatment of apologetics.
I’m talking about a BIG group blog. With forums, with all the little doodads and resources a major site can offer. I just bought a big webhosting package that can do it with ease – and I’ll volunteer to pay for it, or whatever. What I want, though, is unity, and centrality. Not for “purity” or anything – or to conform it to my own direction; But, in order to present a unified front to the world – of Christianity united in defense of it’s principles, in opposition to a hostile, ever-increasing bevy of worldviews. This must, and this has to be, done, for apologetics to become effective, and noticeable.
How do I think this can be accomplished?
1) A user-friendly, well-appointed, organized central blog. A “clearing house” for blog-based apologetics work – or otherwise, for that matter.
2) A supporting website with all the resources we need, and a central archive of apologetics work by the members and/or contributors.
3) Forums, for formal and informal debates.
4) “Departmental” focus. See, there are a great deal of possible topics to defend, and many worldviews, and sub-sets of those worldviews, to do “stronghold demolition” on. I think there should be “departments” which take on their “specialties” – this way, we can all tailor our strengths, and shore up each other’s weaknesses. I’m weak, for example, in creation vs. evolution/bioethics. I’m weak in Biblical “problems” defenses. I’m strong(er) in anti-humanism, philosophy (to an extent), and offensive “take it to the opponent” apologetics. So, under this plan – I’d be in the “humanism” department, for instance.
5) A central location to host Vox Apologia. Now, I know most Carnivals have a “migratory” setting. However, we need to decide something. Is the purpose to highlight blogs and bloggers, or to provide a topical defense of Christianity, and it’s tenets? We can still use posts on individual blogs – but if we’re going to have a large group blog set up specifically for this purpose – let’s use it to host, so that we aren’t sending people hither and yon any more than possible. Note: This isn’t a specifically targeted thing. I’m throwing out an idea for public consumption.
6) A central “fortress” for skeptics to attack/object to. See, if there’s nothing concrete to attack, and the battles go on piecemeal, we’re never going to be unified, or act in like manner. If there is a central “fortress”, we can BOTH defend from within it, and make sallies from it.
Get the idea? If enough of us are in one place, we can present that unified front – and act in concert and cooperation.
7) Give skeptics a place to aim their skepticism. Not at us per se, but to the Christians who minister in this way, to answer their honest questions. If we don’t answer, they may be hard-pressed to find an answer from Christianity these days, sadly. I’m not saying “apologists are the only ones who can answer skeptics” – I’m saying that we can both improve our study, our skills, and our witness, by giving them the opportunity, with people who want to do it, and have a heart to do it. In addition, we can provide a group that can “take the heat” better than most – and, thus, take the heat off of people not as used to taking it. Face it – if you’re an apologist/debater – you’re used to getting zinged by the other side. Constantly. if you haven’t developed a thick skin – you need one, posthaste 😀
There’s some general ideas, as far as the philosophy goes, and the needs I want to meet.
So, here’s my logistical ideas, thus far.
URL: voxapologia.org – or, weaponsofwarfare.org (to steal Andrew’s title – I WANT him in on this!)
Group members (to start with)
10
Topics: (departments?)
Atheism, Agnosticism, Cults, Humanism, “Life” issues (Euthanasia, Abortion, etc.), Doctrine/Theology, Biblical studies (defending the Bible as Truth, with a capital T), “Objections” answered, Debates
Things I want to include:
Invitations to skeptics to ask questions, and have it discussed as a “main” topic.
A formal debate forum.
A language moderated “informal” debate forum.
A “skeptics corner” – where skeptics can ask, atheists can challenge, and we can answer.
An expanded version of my “Daily Cut”, where we can put a *lot* of people on the task – and really get a good cross-section of apologetics on the web, and especially, in the blogosphere – daily.
Please, discuss, and give me some ideas and feedback. I’m going to do this – but I need your elp and input.
So get to it.
P.S. – I’m on instant messengers, if anyone wants to chat with me in the evening. Go to my main site: – look to your right – all my im information is there. Click, and talk. Or, email me. rk AT razorskiss DOT net
8 comments
Comment by Dr. Andy Jackson on February 25, 2005 at 7:54 am
FYI. This post will be featured on SmartChristian.com/blog today. Andy
Comment by Joshua Duncan on February 25, 2005 at 9:15 am
I’d be willing to help out in some way. I’d like to participate in perhaps the Life issues section as well as the philosophy sections on atheist and agnostic arguments. I could help out in the Biblical studies area as well.
Comment by Tim on February 25, 2005 at 10:15 am
I’d too would like to contribute, especially in the areas of atheist/agnosticism and humanism.
Comment by AlexF on February 25, 2005 at 11:02 am
I think it’s a great idea. I’d like to be involved but my time is limited, at least for a while.
Comment by Milton Stanley on February 25, 2005 at 11:35 am
I’m an evangelist, not an apologist, but it sounds like a great idea to me. And consider this: If blogging apologists could achieve a unity that for centuries has eluded the church, that in itself would be a powerful apologetic.
Comment by Catez on February 25, 2005 at 4:57 pm
I’ve emailed you RK
Comment by NC on February 26, 2005 at 1:19 pm
I wonder if you will get much traffic from skeptics? My site is dealing with skeptic issues and the only people who come there and comment are Christians who seem already committed to their faith and beliefs. If you put all of this effort into an apologist resource site, I think that you’ll also have to put a lot of effort in figuring how to direct skeptics to your site.
Comment by Weets on March 2, 2005 at 3:03 pm
The neat things about blogs is that they are spontaneous and necessarily personality-based. What you are proposing is just a full featured web site with department heads. My site covers the areas of divorce and remarriage, and I’d be happy to contribute or tie-in with your idea. (http://home.earthlink.net/~weets/