Searching the blogosphere

Over the weekend I spent some time searching the blogosphere; dropping in on random blogs and reading.

I was touched by the personal reflections some people post. There are hurts and struggles that are hard to imagine. Amid some of these are deep discussions about religion, God and faith. People write about their personal view of God, their struggles and victories with their beliefs and ask a lot of questions and comments about the Church.

Sometimes as I read, I found myself annoyed by the writer, and other times frustrated with the church for having treated someone badly. Mostly, I sensed the longing people have for a spiritual relationship that will speak to their life reality. On one blog I left a comment pointing the writer to www.whatyoubelieve.com because I knew she could find answers to her questions on her own terms.

I've often expressed the opinion that the church needs an Internet chaplain, someone who can be available, provide loving responses and build relationships with bloggers, tweeters and anyone else online. Blogs tend to attract like-minded contributors, so someone posting faith questions is likely to have their doubts and beliefs reinforced. What if there were some loving, patient, Christ-centred responses?

Is anyone taking up the challenge?