I listen to conservative talk radio and there is one comment that I have heard the hosts make over and over. This is that liberal talk radio cannot make it, because the host of a talk radio show must have ideas that can stand their ground. The suggestion is that current left-wing hosts would not be able to stand the onslaught of facts that would challenge their creeds. Now, I do not know the job of a talk show call screener, but it seems to me that a lot of uncomfortable questions could be screened away whether the show be conservative or liberal.

Within the realm of blogging no such filters exist. Theoretically, you are broadcasting your ideas for analysis and comment to an entire world. Sloppy or ill-conceived ideas will be either ignored or challenged and laid bare.

Of course, this is a good thing. Another good thing is that blogging opens the doors for seeking students to hear various ideas spoken by strong proponents. And if strong proponents of differing ideas write comments on each others blogs, the community at large can only benefit. This is providing that:

• We constantly recognize the core beliefs and values that bind us.
• Put another way, we recognize what is essential doctrine--worth dying for--and what is disputed doctrine among Christians
• We promote and challenge ideas not people

What I am trying to say, but saying somewhat badly, is that blogging has the potential of broadening discourse and dialog among Christians and, from this, new and better formulations of ideas will emerge.

Here is wishing all of you a blessed 2004.

Tomorrow, I will begin a study of Philippians.