I recently received a comment from a Christianity Richly reader that helped me realize I had not been considerate of readers’ time—and for that, I apologize. If you are interested enough to write a comment, you should know in advance how comments are handled.
This is a moderated blog. Comments that emphasize the joys we share, rather than points that divide us, will have a greater chance of being published. My posts will generally observe the same guidelines, although on fundamental issues like the right to life, or compassionate social responsibility to the living, some of us will inevitably disagree.
If you think posting a comment adds to the discussion from a Christian perspective that I have missed or ignored, then posting your thoughts is probably a good investment of your time. Assuming the tone and content is consistent with that standard, your post will likely clear moderation. If not, you may want to send an email to discuss whatever concerns you.
Not all comments are published, even if congruent with the focus of Christianity Richly. I want the blog to be useful and easy to read. Comments that don’t observe normal conventions of grammar and spelling, or repeat something that has already been said, probably won’t be published simply because it is not fair for me to edit your work—which could inadvertently change the meaning of the point you intended to make.
Similarly, although I do respond to email (even critical ones), it is not possible to reply to every note. If you disagree with something posted to Christianity Richly and are truly interested in discussing it, then send an email to the address at the bottom of the copyright notice, under Welcome.
Please think twice if your email only includes proof-texts. I don’t say this to denigrate anyone’s scholarship or discourage discussion. But if you’ve read much of Christianity Richly, you’ll know I believe interpretative authority is necessary. Certainly it is right and proper for any Christian to begin an assertion with, “The Bible says.” But given the real differences in soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology among those who believe in sola scriptura—the Bible alone—what then? If we both say our positions are grounded in scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit guidance, but end up in opposite positions, we’ve settled nothing. Reasoned discussion of your point, and of the significance of texts cited, will enable us to speak to (rather than at) each other. Know that I will begin from the position that the Bible is our textbook, but the Church is our teacher—and was intended to be so by Our Lord, Who founded it.
“God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV). I look forward to our discussions, pursued on that basis. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Christianity Richly 