Goodwin (d. 2009)
Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by Mark Jones in Book Reviews
I had some emails asking what had happened to thomasgoodwin.wordpress.com. I ended up restricting access to myself, which meant, of course, the end of the blog. If you care for an explanation, well, here goes:
1. I remember Richard Muller’s expression on his face when I mentioned blogging … that’s not actually a reason, but, I’ll never forget the expression.
2. Besides Muller, Trueman’s latest piece at the Ref. 21 site has confirmed a number of thoughts I’ve been having for some time. You really should read his latest article. I did notice that he doesn’t seem to be blogging anymore!
3. All of the fuss over Frame’s review over Horton’s book, “Christless Christianity”, drove me nuts.
4. Blogging is a huge temptation for lazy/careless scholarship. I’ve posted some things in the past that I regret. And, as a Pastor, I have enough trouble keeping my mouth in check, never mind my “pen”.
As far as this blog goes, I hope to share information from time to time that may be particularly helpful. Nonetheless, my academic obligations will prevent me from saying anything of substance, which is probably a (very) good thing.
Thanks, Richard; thanks, Carl; thanks, Hunter Powell (who, of the three, might read this!) And thanks to thomasgoodwin.wordpress.com for all the friends and acquaintances I made over its two years of existence. I think I made more friends than enemies, but one never knows!
MJ
9 Responses to “Goodwin (d. 2009)”
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Gregory Moeck
04. Nov, 2009
Mark,
It was a blessing being able to work through the content which you had on your previous blog. Any chance you’d consider allowing access to the old content, perhaps editing out those things which you regret posting in the first place? Your historical writings in particular ought to be available for the edification of the body. They really only direct the heart toward a deeper knowledge of the savior, and draw your readers towards the men which came before us (Heb. 13:8).
Blessings,
Greg
D. Philip Veitch
04. Nov, 2009
Regrettable post.
Dr. Trueman gave an opinion that works well for several contexts, but it is that, his opinion. And one about modernity, not about his field of expertise.
As far as negative impact on reading and service, it is noted. There is some wisdom to this. Like all conveniences, like cars, there can and are accidents, but we don’t swear off from driving.
But contrary to the Professor, I’d prefer to pray and see a St. Athanasius today–redux–with a laptop.
Glad for the internet and the information offerred.
So, there is no concurrence on my end or any thanks to Dr. Trueman other than, “noted.”
Regards,
Phil
Mark Jones
04. Nov, 2009
Phil,
These paragraphs from Trueman were particularly convicting for me:
“Yet in this regard, I think the church is best served by those with such limited ambitions and myopia. I am not much of a web-wanderer but on the odd occasion I do a bit of websurfing, I am struck by how many Christians, pastors, professors, and laity, have blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitters going. How many millions of Christian hours are wasted writing this stuff, engaging in mindless blogthreads, and telling the world about personal trivia? And what does it tell us about the expansive visions and ambitions out there? Apparently the world is now everyone’s birthright.
Now, I find myself very uncomfortable with this. I do believe that some professors, pastors, and laypeople are called to have regular ministries outside their immediate geographical locations; but I also believe that there are precious few thus called. Certainly, mere possession of hi-speed internet is not a divinely given sign of such a worldwide calling. When I see Christians blogging so much, I wonder how many sermons are being prepared on the fly because of lack of time, how many parishioners go unvisited, how many prayers remain unprayed, how many words of love and affection to spouses and children are never said, how many books – let alone the Bible – are left unread, and how many fellowships atrophy through lack of any real, meaningful social and spiritual intercourse. Indeed, to summarize: how many online `communities’ (sic) prosper to the detriment of the real, physical communities into which the Lord has placed each and every one of us?”
MJ
Mark Jones
04. Nov, 2009
Greg, and others,
If you email me (mjns at mta dot ca) I will give you access.
Mark
Allen Mickle
04. Nov, 2009
You’re still my friend Mark. :)
Alan Gibble
05. Nov, 2009
A two edged sword, I suppose. I’ve ofter wondered how some of these pastors and academic professional have so much time to blog so much on the internet, and at what expense? On the other hand, your articles and posts were usually well thought out and thought provoking in a worthwhile and edifying way. Not all of us, for a variety of reasons, have access to the interpersonal stimulation along these lines we might desire. Blessing to you, particularly in pastoring your church. On one point you are right, they deserve and need most of your time and energy (vocationally, that is).
Alan
Mark Jones
05. Nov, 2009
I know this will sound pious, but I do wonder how much time these uberbloggers spend praying. Not only do they post a lot, but they seem to pop up on other blogs and respond to comments on their own blogs. Amazing, really.
MJ
CG
09. Nov, 2009
Mark, your blog was one of the best things I could ever find on the web. I’ll miss it!
Mark Jones
09. Nov, 2009
CG, you’re too kind … but I feel so liberated … and CT said he was “glad to be of service”!