Those Folks Who Write Letters to BAR* Should Learn From You
January 29, 2008 by Veronica Mitchell
I was very nervous about the post that answered Bub and Pie’s question. I do not court controversy on this blog; in fact, I usually write in a way that deliberately avoids it. But you all had such intelligent, articulate and polite comments to make that you actually made it a pleasure.
My pastor occasionally reads my blog, and he mentioned that he enjoys the comments on mommyblogs because they are so much more polite than the comments he sees on strictly religious or political blogs. After reading your comments, I would add that the comments here may be smarter too.
I thought about responding to some of your questions on the topic of the post, but decided the conversation was so well-represented on both sides anyway that I was unnecessary. I just wanted to tell you that you all impressed the heck outta me.
*BAR is Biblical Archeology Review, a magazine in which various scholars sometimes write angry letters deriding the views of other scholars. About such arguments, Az the Husband says, “The passion and reputation-staking shown in any given argument is inversely proportional to the importance of the issue being argued.”
Your husband is wise.
And verbose…
And gets straight to the point…
Smart guy you got there.
I didn’t comment on your post, but I did read it with great interest. I think you always make your points in a way that is rational, reasonable, and non-offensive.
You are convicted, but not self-righteous and intolerant. I always come away from your posts with a lot of food for thought. That’s a good thing.
No point in beating about the bush!
Best wishes
Did you see that letter that Brant posted today? The intelligent discourse that appears on your blog and others like it put letters like that (and the people who write them) to shame.
I agree with your pastor and your husband. I recently TRIED to become a reader of a smart and doctrinally sound blogger out there to attempt to “keep up” with the hot topics. But after 2 days I couldn’t take the cruel comments anymore. I mean, who needs it. And Az said it all. It’s funny, isn’t it? In a rather biblical “out of the mouth of babes” kinda way… like say, the rough fishermen disciple/preachers vs. the elderly educated professional Pharisees. Hm.
I gather that I am probably the least biblically educated of your readers (commenters), but I still want to put in my two bits on the whole Messianic Jew thing, how I would enjoy and appreciate a post outlining the history and why being an MJ is in opposition to being a Christian … you know, in your spare time, like.
Maybe Az could write it? You know, to make up for picking a fight with his poor exhausted wife who’s just trying to keep his sick children alive and cared for while simultaneously creating a new one inside her womb.
(Yes, Az, I know she didn’t blame you for the fight, but we mommy bloggers gotta stick together.)
The words in the original post, ” I don’t quite fit in anywhere” resonated with me. So many of my religious thoughts, views, and feelings cannot be slotted into any single group.
Years ago, I subscribed to BAR. I thought I would read fascinating articles about digs and biblical history. For me, it was not the most intriguing read for the lay person. The exhaustive detail to prove a point wore me out.
What Az had to say (and very astutely) about BAR also replies to much of academia. It seems (and I’m searching in my exhausted mommy-brain for the reference to an excellent article by John Leo on this -(Leo, J., (1996, April 22). Foul words, foul culture. U.S. News & World Report)- I think this was the one) that we simply live in a world where civility is only a behavioral guide for a minority of people. There seems to be a belief that if you believe in something strongly, you may make any argument in any way using any language you choose in support of that belief, and demonize those on the other side. You do a fabulous job of bucking that trend and making reasoned, non-emotional arguments for your position on things. Bravo!
Hi Veronica, I’ve tagged you on my blog for a meme. Come visit to read all about it. I look forward to hearing your quirks!
Oooo, I so agree with your husband’s comment. And since I have been extremely behind on my blog reading and have just now caught up on yours I want to say congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m jealous.
I also enjoyed all of the question/answer posts.
Go, mommybloggers, go!!
Go mommybloggers, go! I have an idea for a contest for mombloggers, I’ll let you know when I get it up….