They don’t. I apologize.

Case in point.

So, this is about SnarkerNacle and Trash Calls, then, right? You dont like the fact that they are making fun of your self-styled brand of evangelism?

Please don’t assume that I need to explain my intentions behind this post to you. I have several reasons behind why I wrote this post, none of which are really any of your concern. If you wish to believe that it stems entirely from the orthodoxy post, feel free to do so, my friend.

And I’m glad that you’re entertained.

And where did I take offense? Nowhere. Oh, and thanks for accusing me of being imprudent. Very much appreciated.

It is entertaining to me that in a post where you are allegedly apologizing profusely for being offensive and obnoxious, and telling your readers you are going to try to do better at being nice and charitable, you go and make silly accusations.

Agreed. You make several good points I think we’d all do well to remember. I concur that the anonymity provides more security for certain people to lambaste others without being accountable (except to God) for their words…

Why? Why do some tear others down and ridicule? Why do some mock and blaspheme? Why do others criticize and gossip? What is it about human nature that encourages such behavior?

The Impulse to criticise, belittle, and oughtright persecute others, is one I am sure we are all personally familiar with. As to why we do so, there are a few reasons I can think of. Pride and Narcissism are two. Another is falling into the trap of blaming others for problems that belong to us.

I have noticed that when people are harsh and critical, often the person they are hardest upon (by far) is themselves. In other words, we believe that we can never be forgiven for our mistakes, so why should we tolerate the imperfections of others? Unless we are truly narcissists, it may be difficult to have an inflated ego, without also having an inflated sense of our own guilt.

In the case of gossip, the reason is simple: petty backyard politics. We believe that by strategically stlinging mud at others, we can make ourselves look better, elevate our own social status, and possibly make money…. (Jerry Springer, for example)

In the Parable of the Indebted Servant, Jesus teaches that in persecuting and refusing to forgive others, we ourselves will fall under far greater condemnation. Needless to say, forgiving and refusing to speak ill of others is an essential and integral part of repentance. Once we realize that God loves and values each and every one of us infinitely, the mistakes and imperfections of others become a cause for sorrow, love, and compassion; not for anger and frustration.

Criticism, gossip and downright evil speech seem especially epidemic in the online community. I believe one of the reasons for this is the relative annonymity and lack of accountability to be found here. Perhaps we feel that without an honest reputation to protect, we are free to let loose all the anger, frustration, and darkness inside of us, as if no one will ever hold up the mirror of accountability. (This recalls the psychological concept of the “Shadow”, of Carl Jung)

On my part, I’d like to apologize to anybody I may have offended in the past in a blog post, letter, email, in person, or any other interaction………I’m sure there have been plenty of instances where I fell short of that expectation I have of myself, so if I’ve offended or spoken ill of any of you, I humbly apologize……….I truly hope that we can all strive to use our words as weapons for good.

Words well written. In liew of more typing, I think I will substitute these for my own……-J.W.

This post has absolutely nothing to do with the Orthodox post. Your choice in taking offense to words that had nothing to do with any single individual, including yourself, was quite imprudent in my opinion.

And I will have a nice life. Thanks, Kurt!

Nobody was backbiting you, we were telling you to your face (OK, your e-face) that we do not agree with you. And, when you resort to personal attacks, you were generally treated with the same back. You held up yourself as “orthodox” and condemned the heterodox. Not cool. If I held myself up as orthodox and contrasted myself with you, how cool do you think that would be? Uncool. It makes no difference who is doing it. Hence the advice to not pick at motes in other peoples eyes.

Have a nice life.