“…People can and do use popular [communication technology and] media culture as a way of working on their own spirituality, [so as] to constitute meaningful symbols [and resources] for themselves and their communities... Popular media culture is an imaginative palette for faith…”
Paul writes – The summer issue of REFRESH (Dec.06) contained a reflection written by me – Blogging – A Creative Way of Exploring Spirituality and Spiritual Formation.
“I’ve had a blog for over 4-years. ‘A “blog”? ‘What’s that, you ask?’ A web-log is a frequently, or indeed infrequently updated web-based journal. It’s an easy-to-use online ‘tool’ that allows one to publish on the world-wide-web. The author of a blog is often referred to as a “blogger.” Blogs and blog content are as diverse as the people who create and post to them.
While not wanting to over-romanticise blogging I do want to explore something of my experience that blogging can be a creative way of exploring and discussing spirituality. Blogging can provide a means of responding to God. Indeed, theologian Susan J. White suggests, “technology [and the use of technology] can become sacramental. It can become a bearer of the self-giving love of God to a broken [and searching] world.”
Blogging offers a means through which God touches, forms and shapes persons.
The Spirit, in life-giving ways, blows inside and outside of cyberspace…”
If you’re interested, you can read the extended mix in the PDF that is attached.
Thanks for your thoughts on spiritual blogging. I have found it to be a rewarding process and found much of your article resonated with my experience. I have at times felt lonely when blogging but keep at it because of what it does in me internally which is that I reflect and process so that I can intelligibly express my faith and so grow more aware of myself as well. Keeping a private journal just doesn't cut it because you don't have a critical voice.
Posted by: djfoobarmatt | Saturday, 10 February 2007 at 11:57 PM
Paul, This is an excellently written article and resonates so much with my experience of blogging. My site has remained silent for some time out of the sense of feeling inadequate about having anything to say or share. Maybe I need to resurrect it! The internet is truly a rich resource for spiritual formation. I would be interested to know more about your background and story.
Posted by: Gary Manders | Sunday, 11 February 2007 at 02:17 AM