I note that I have been visited by a grammarian, who suggests that I can neither spell nor write coherent sentences. Well, I cannot spell: I make typographic errors, and I write fast. Not merely here: yesterday I managed to get three tasks done — one an hour: reviewing the first draft of a grant proposal, writing research emails (and printing off a very long review that is in final draft, and post typo hunt, for a second typo hunt by someone else) and writing a first draft for another proposal.
But that is not what this blog is about. It is not about grammar. It is not that much about the craft, though craft is a discipline.
The driver for the blog is in the text for today. It is Ascension Day, and these are the Last words that Christ gave to the disciples. It is called the great commission by evangelicals. And it is something we need to take seriously.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Why does the commission exist? Why can Christ tell the apostles to make disciples? For he has the authority to do so. Any changes that happen in my life, or for any readers, is not my words or craft or grammar or lack thereof: It is not my work.
The reason that the Christian blogosphere exists is evangelical. Something I don’t think about that often, I’m just trying to deal with the scripture of the day, or comment on the issues of this time. I see the blog as akin to a broadsheet or tabloid — today read by a few, tomorrow wrapping fish.
I hope and pray that our society will reform.
But one thing I know: the Lord remains with those who are faithful, to the end of this universe. And in him we need to abide.
Hi Dark Brightness,
You can address me (B4L) directly if you’d like! No need for passive-aggressive shout-outs.
I’m not sure how suggesting you correct your errors makes me a grammarian; I makes tons of mistakes myself, NBD. (Mine include an unquenchable love for parenthetical asides, semicolons and wacky syntax.)
Nor am I sure how the suggestion of keeping your actions in alignment with your (literal) words connotes that you can neither spell nor write coherently. Neither of those things are true; I believe you know your readers better than that.
In any event, I respect your right to a blog free of grammar-policing. (Though I am surprised, as it is a tactic commonly used by “SJWs” and radical feminists. I suppose there have been stranger blogging bedfellows, but not many!)
Peaceful Ascension to you and congrats on finishing your tasks!
If you confront my professional status on a personal website you will get both barrels. In public. And not, I won’t contact you offline. First warning.