On Not Piling On

Periodically, I will get an email or two from folks who will ask me if I am going to post my thoughts on the latest dust up over what this Christian leader said or what that pastor did or on some event everyone is commenting on. I have receive enough of these emails that I feel the need to offer a general response.

First, I am flattered that some (probably only a few) people are interested in what I think on a matter, I sometimes don't post on an issue because I am not sure I have anything of interest to say. What I might say has been covered well by others, so why do I simply need to reiterate?


Second, it is simply not possible to write on every single issue that comes before us publicly. There is too much drama in the world to write on all of it... actually there is too much drama in the church universal to write on all of it.

Third, I don't feel the need to join the debate. It takes place quite well without me.

And fourth...  at some point piling on seems... well... unseemly and unchristian.  I am not at all suggesting that a response is not necessary when a Christian utters something extremely unchristian or acts in a way that something needs to be said, but we all know that we Christians have certain favorite Christian persona "punching bags" whom  many enjoy beating up on to the extent that it just seems to become unseemly at some point. Whenever one of these polarizing figures speaks, we can count on the typical respondents to weigh in. After a point there has been enough response that the point has been made, but apparently that is not enough for some. It reminds me of some church meetings where one or two people keep feeling the need to repeat themselves. The point having been made needs reinforced by making the point again and again.

I don't comment on some things because I just don't want to participate in piling on.

That is all.