Why am I here...?

Before you assume that the following material will entail some discussion of the meaning of life, you should note that I intend for the title to be asking the question about this blog and not me asking the question through the title. This discourse will therefore seek to answer itself about the reason for its own existence.

This is but one post among millions of other blogs. What is it that is attractive about a web log that has created this virtual community?

Blogs provide a way to create, organize, argue, share and record ideas. The strength of a blog comes from its opportunity for individuals to openly express their ideas. The lack of boundaries for expression guards writers from feeling pressured into any specific style or form. This gives blogs a more personal touch than many other methods of publication. Writers never directly face their audience and therefore need not fear direct scrutiny. Without such pressures, bloggers can be more authentic than other mediums allow. For this reason, when the subject turns to current issues, blogs provide an "unbiased" opinion. While every writer will have his or her personal views, he or she is not limited to the biases of any given news media.

Blogging is also very useful because of the ease of interaction with other bloggers. One is not required to communicate with other bloggers, but blogs provide a quick, organized way to communicate, share, and argue opinions. Therefore, blogging inherently encourages participants to catch a glimpse into each other's minds. Important life skills such as relating to others, critical analysis of ideas and structuring of ideas are developed by participation in blogging.

On a personal level, I believe blogging fulfills the call for Christians both to go into all the world and to serve God with our minds. The virtual world is as good a place to have a spiritual discussion as any. Just because one is a Christian does not give one permission to check one's brains at the door. Christians need to be out in the thick of debate, giving an apology for the faith or a biblical viewpoint on hot topics.

Conclusion. Blogging, it's good. Do it.