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 kind enough to consider writing 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. If you think your comment meets that standard and adds to the discussion, then posting your thoughts is probably a good investment of your time. 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 clear moderation.
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.
To invest your time wisely, 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—then what are we to do when we differ, but we both say our positions are grounded in scripture; established with the Holy Spirit’s guidance? Reasoned discussion of your point, of the significance of texts cited, will enable us to actually speak to (rather than simply at) each other.
“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).
