August 27, 2008
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Stop Whining about Revelife
All right, I've had about enough with the constant criticism of Revelife from those Xangans who show up to Revelife just for the sake of complaining about it. Does Momaroo get complaints from fathers who feel left out just because they lack the ability to nurse their young? Does Hoodstars get complaints from country folk disturbed by Hoodstars urban ways? Does Datingish get complaints from the celibate and monastic sorts? No. But for whatever reason, too many Xangans are trying to get some creepy form of Xangan street cred by criticizing Revelife for not catering to their non-Christian selves.
Here, let me give you a clue. If you visit Revelife, and you're not a Christian, you are a minority, and you are a guest. Don't start waving your hands around in horror and wondering why Revelife has no posts about the beauty of atheism, threesomes, or the Bhagavat Gita, ok? Look, shut up and try to understand, or GTHO (Get the Heaven Out, ha), ok? Your reaction is the same as if you showing up to a block BBQ party in the inner city and complained that there wasn't any exotic cheese sampling or discussion of the latest New Yorker article, then leaving when they refuse to play your Kenny G CD! They're not sheep or intolerant because they don't cater to you! No, if I did that, I would be clueless. I would be an idiot who, when the majority would not cater to my personal tastes, threw a fit, ruined the party, and went home. Do you all lack self-awareness that badly? Are all your friends so much like you that you're shocked and horrified when confronted with new ideologies or cultures?
And for the last time, I'm not going to sit around and water this post down by talking about all the things wrong with Christians. For the record, way too many Christians on Xanga spend their time acting as if there's shame associated with the Christian label. I refuse to be cowed by people's attempts to silence Christians by keeping them always on the defensive. Sure, Christians have done terrible things, but that's not me, and that's not my friends. No, I don't run around with a picket sign as a spear, so stop lumping me with those who do. Unlike Jesus, I don't die for the sins of other people, ok?
Here's what's right with REAL Christians:
We do unto others as we would want it done to us (Matthew 7:12).
We are kind and tender-hearted to each other, and willing to forgive (Ephesians 4:32).
We do good to all people as we have opportunity (Galatians 6:10) and do not become weary in doing good (Galatians 6:7).
We do not take revenge, but let God have revenge and instead return good for evil (Romans 12:17-21).
That is how we roll, ok?And even if you don't like this post, or criticize Christians, I'll still do those things to you and for you. I haven't complained in anyone's comment section because I didn't want to start a public fight. (In fact, if you show up in this comment section trying to start a fight, your comment will be deleted without explanation or apology). But I'm letting it out this once, because it needs to be said. I'm a Christian. I'm PROUD to be a Christian. And although I'm very willing and able to befriend Xangans with a variety of beliefs and ideas, and try to make this site as tolerant as possible, I will not sacrifice my identity or water it down for anyone. Clear? It's a crying shame that I had to write this, as I prefer to politely influence thought rather than scream from the roof. But if no one else will say it, then I will.
Comments (119)
I think a lot of it is simply there's always been this massive base of iconoclastic troublemakers on Xanga (at least as long as I've been here) and now that there's a Christians only Xanga they feel that they're even more justified in attacking them there. You know, sites like GodIsDeadLogicLives (not an actual site...just an example) that go around trolling Christians in order to debate scripture/logic and the like for whatever reason. Personally, I blame a lack of sex, that's the only reason I'd ever get into religious arguments.
While I admit most of the posts I see on Revelife are a load of "double-you-tee-eff-eff-effing-eff-ess-jay-cee-f", the only real bitching I had about Revelife was the compartmentalization of people rather than simply accepting Xanga as an integrated whole.
Etc etc.
Word.
Very well said!
enjoyed reading you post
@Drakonskyr - I expected a few wisecracks--in fact, in the hands of the right comedian, I love those satires. So I ignored the first batch of complaints. But it boggles my mind how many of the posts seemed genuinely baffled or angry that their belief that Jesus Christ is the Loquacious Carrot in the Sky wasn't instantly met with Revelife approval.
@GreekPhysique - Flying Spaghetti Monsterism meets Close-Minded Intolerant Belief System versus Close-Minded Intolerant Hatred Of Belief System sums up the majority of the posts I read on the subject.
@Drakonskyr - I know exactly who you're thinking of.
I personally don't know why Christians need to have a Xanga. It seems to me that in grouping those 'like us' at the exclusion of others we do the Great Commission a disservice. Its the same beef I have with mainstream Church; Christians live to be fed...not to feed.
Great post! I'm proud to be a Christian.. By saying that, I mean it in a good way.. Christianity is not just a religion, but a way of life. God bless!
@Evowookiee - I have a post in the works titled "Fences or Guns" about the topic of segregation vs. assimilation. It's a tough decision, but overall I think Revelife is more good than bad. Some Xanga users are only interested in Christian topics, so rather than lose those users when other topics are mentioned, why not build them their own home? I personally decided to stay here, but it was a tougher decision than I expected, and I still might keep a consistent Revelife blog at some point.
@Drakonskyr - Yeah, it's an intolerance fest of epic proportions on both sides. I'm a Christian, but I at least can understand that people might not want to be one due to intellectual concerns, previous bad experiences, or feeling that Christianity limits them from partying or having sex (that's an amusing topic for another time, tentatively titled "Did you Dump Jesus Because the Sex Was Bad?", ha).
Hey I have hated on datingish. Also I would hate on hoodstars if it were still alive. I think the thing that annoys me is how people do the I hate revelife thing, just because it is the thing to do.
I am a Christian in the sense that I bleieve in Jesus. I make fun of things that certain Christians say or do sometimes, just like I make fun of what many other types of people say or do sometimes. Does this make me less of a Christian? No. Does being Christian make you immune to looking or sounding ridiculous? No. As long as it's not done in a hateful way I don't see anything wrong with it.
@GreekPhysique - but my point is that a Christian should be a Christian, no matter where they are, and cloistering, or fencing them in does them a great disservice. Perhaps this whole issue comes from my going to a Christian College. Did I get a great education? Yes; but it was inSPITE of the 'fencing' that I got. We called it a bubble, where Christians could come and constantly graze without having to deal with the world...But doing that tends to lead a flock to get fat and lazy. I know people who:
Only go to Church group functions, go to Christian schools, only attend Christian concerts, have Christian only friends, and as such the all Christian all the time blog is very appealing to them. The problem is: what good is a Christian, if their interaction is soley with Christians, and when a non-christian shows up, it's heard mentality to beat the living crap out of them?
Just wanted to say great post!! I think we're all guilty at some point or another of getting on here (or there) and having "comment wars." Somehow, the controversial posts seem to come when many are in "a mood." Let me tell you, I've gotten into a few myself... and it leaves me ashamed, because I'm look back and think, "Geez, was that me?? I'm so not like that in real life!"
Thanks for the reminder... and I'm totally reccing this post.
@Evowookiee - The answer is simple. We don't NEED a Xanga. We want one. I post about my faith a lot. But I also post about other things... like the intricacies of Star Trek, or how annoyed I get when cops block off my route home for no apparent reason.
@Evowookiee - I posted about this on thexangateam blog... it has nothing to do with separating people. It has to do with advertisers: they are much more interested in focused sites then on all purpose sites like Xanga.
@vanedave - I have written a bunch on Datingish. I'm curious what drove you to hate on the site...
Plain, simple, and to the point. Enjoyed it, and agree.
Brilliant Written. I am not a member of Rev life, but was raised catholic, I am not very religious, but am still proud of my faith and having been brought up in the church. I do get very tired of the criticism of the church, specifically when it is unwarranted. If you disagree with everything on rev life, do not visit....
@Papillon_Mom - I have read your posts, and they are articulate and well thought out. I can't say that I agree with everything you say, but hey...who can? But my issue is not with posting about Christianity, rather it is the subliminal idea that Christianity is somehow an exclusive group. I can say about my faith that I believe those who don't know Jesus will go to hell...that's Biblical, but when you have a system setup to allow Christians to 'gang' up on non-believers.
Now, granted, most of the time these non believers are picking a fight; however our responses should be, not out of the herd mentality 'defending our faith' that I view on Revelife, but rather out of a more mature one on one encounter designed to build relationships...not build walls.
@Evowookiee - Ah... and yes. I agree with you. I've never joined Revelife for a few reasons... one of those reasons being exactly what you said.
@john - Ah, marketing! I understand that. I have somewhat mixed feelings on that though in regard to my faith; however I understand that getting advertisements is important for a web based company and that the more income you get, the better things are for us. But Christian commercialism really bugs me...ever since the Prayer of Jabez horror.
@vanedave - I think we're in agreement. A funny or biting critique of Christians can be quite entertaining, and I subscribe to some Xangan Christians who do so quite well (Such_Were_You comes to mind). But I just hate critiques that are blindly done or copy-cat style.
@Evowookiee - Bah, you're just criticizing the Prayer of Jabez because you didn't get all the things you prayed for. You folded your hands wrong, didn't you?
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Sent from my Blackberry in my Rolls Royce.
:-p
Awesome. Thank you for no apologies and no watering down.
~V
@Evowookiee - The site is run by people of faith, and hopefully the posts on the site reflect that.
I don't take feedback on Revelife too personally. I think that many people with strong objections are projecting their feelings about Christianity onto the site?
In any case, we strive to make all of our sites respectful towards the communities they serve (Christianity, moms, dating). We will be adding more over time too.
@Evowookiee - I hold an account on Revelife, on one Xanga, and one on Momaroo.... managing quite well to break out of my own bubble and be in the world and not of it... there is absolutley nothing wrong with being edified by other believers.
And I dunno if you notice that Christians get a heck of a lot of crap beaten out of them over on Revelife as well.
@john - I really like the advertising segregation... just thought I would tell you that. I assume you guys like positive feedback as well sometimes
@GreekPhysique - I would kiss you but my husband may come after me .. or you. Nor would it be biblical
. Great post.
you could not have said this better... so articulate... and i agree with many of your points...
Great post! I whole-heartedly agree.
@Evowookiee - You have a rightful frustration with people in the church who cloister themselves off instead of building relationships to be a witness. Criticizing Revelife because of this general tendency of Christians, however, is perhaps misplaced. Last I checked, Revelife didn't require you to check a box saying "I am a Christian" in order to get a blog, and commenting on Revelife has, at least in practice, been by no means exclusive. And saying "If you don't like it, don't complain about it" is not any less Christian or exclusive than saying that if you visit a Mosque you shouldn't complain about them not taking communion. Live and let live and just strive to be like Christ, I say - and whether that's on Revelife or off, in church or out, in a "bubble" or not is up to each Christian's individual calling.
@Drakonskyr - Wrong. I do post my counter-arguments on revelife, and I am not lacking in the sex department. I wonder what makes you come to such sweeping generalizations. It's not becoming, Daniel. But, what else can we expect from you? Such small-minded assumptions are par for the course with you.
Thanks for sharing this. I like the way you think.
One question: Can someone please explain to me what Revelife and Datingish and Momaroo are? I know they are blogsites, but are they subsets of Xanga? Or are they separate sites that pay to be on Xanga, like an ad? I don't get it.
Great post! It can be hard to say proudly "I'm a Christian" because (at least I feel) many people will peg you as a narrow-minded, Bible thumping idiot who can't think for themselves. That is often the image presented in the media et c... et c... unfortunate.
What really gets me annoyed is when people think I'm very naive because I am Christian, like I don't know the goings-on in the world. Pshh.... it's funny how the strongest detractors of Christianity are often extremely narrow-minded themselves.
I enjoy engaging in debates with open-minded individuals, Christian or non-Christian.
I applaud you for speaking your own mind about this issue. I admit that I do get a little irked whenever I see a post badmouthing Christians or bringing up the Inquisition as a means to illustrate why they're bad.
I've always felt that I was free to leave a party if I wasn't enjoying myself. I feel the same about the subgroups. I am not a mother, so I don't subscribe to Momaroo. I am not a charismatic/fundamentalist, so I don't subscribe to Revelife. What people post in those subgroups is for one another, as far as I am concerned, and I see no point in complaining about them, or making unnecessary or unkind comments on their sites. We're free to disagree with one another, we're free to say why we disagree, but I think most of us could show a little tact and a lot more class.
For what it's worth, I go to Revelife to try and respectfully point some things out. I never go there with the intention to criticize or chastise for their beliefs, and I don't understand those that do. But I think my comments could help some of them understand alternate points of view, rather than leaving Revelife to be one large, protected Christian bubble in a positive feedback loop becoming more and more sure that their point of view is the only point of view (or the only logical one, or the only one that matters, or the only Christian point of view, etc).
It's unfair, but not unexpected.
And thank you for not criticizing other Christians. I've ran across my fair share of Christian cannibalism on Xanga, and it's getting old.
Wow. I came because of a recommend from a friend; I've never actually been to revelife... not sure I could find it if I wanted to. I have enough on Xanga to keep me busy, it seems.
I am a Christian--yes, a regular-church-going, choir-singing, Bible-belt-dwelling, Christian; and I have to say that, in my opinion, there's something decidedly un-Christian about your post. I think it's the part where you tell everyone that (you and your friends who are Christian) "We are kind and tender-hearted to each other, and willing to forgive (Ephesians 4:32)." Your post is a rant. It's not kind, it's not tenderhearted (also in that verse; but apparently left out of your translation), and it's not very forgiving.
Don't get me wrong; I actually don't disagree with the general point of your post: that non-Christians shouldn't go to a site about Christianity (I assume that's what Revelife is?) and complain that there's not enough non-Christian content. I just think the WAY you say it certainly doesn't advertise well for Christianity as a faith of people who strive to be kind.
Those are my thoughts here. Feel free to delete if you feel so inclined or think I was simply trying to start a fight. I'm not. I really don't have "a dog in this fight" as the saying goes, since I'm not a revelife visitor; but I thought that you might maybe appreciate an outsider's perspective on how this post comes across to a fellow Christian.
FYI- The version of that verse that I have taped to my monitor (to remind me of who I strive to be when sending emails!) reads "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Eph. 4:32, NRSV Just a minor difference between translations, I'm sure; but maybe also in interpretation. I don't think the "one another" in that sentence means just our fellow Christians we should be forgiving; because that's not the only group who Christ forgave.
Amen. Good post. : )
@sarahsD - But why do you have multiple accounts? Are you a different person according to your audience? You see, I think that I should be the same, no matter who my audience is. My parents have access to this site, and even though I am long out of their house, I still feel a great amount of respect for what they think. Sometimes they call me on what I write, and yet I don't deny it because I think its important for Christians to be who they are...not just practice a watered down Christianese. So, its gotten me in trouble...especially about a year ago when I let people know that I was a non-literalist, and on my beliefs in taking the Bible as such being idolatrous. Even in the midst of that, I still stay me. I have one account where I do my blogging and I have one to hold my stories, which I link; but I deal all purposefully as 'me.'
@john - if you're still reading this, would there be a way to have a page that would function like this, without me having to have two accounts? see xanga.com/evowookiee and xanga.com/priest81 for an example. Oh, and I'm not dogging you, nor do I think that Revelife isn't ran by Christians; but I do understand from a business perspective how it is beneficial to Xanga. My beef isn't with Xanga...its with Christian marketers that advertise 'Christian' creditcards, or the "Better" Translations, or "Christian" dating sites. It's a whole other issue, and not the purpose of the OP, so I'll be quiet now.
@ocelot61 - But as Godlessliberal points out (correctly) there is a danger of a 'positive feedback loop.' It is an artificial social construction where the majority of the people that you surround yourself agree with you. When writing a post, the first things that I don't read are the posts saying "I agree with you." I don't need people to agree with me to make me stronger; in fact if everyone agreed with me my arguments or beliefs are rather weak. It is through discussion and dissention that I am continually reminded of the providence of Scripture and the importance of engaging the world.
As for living and let live, I am not dogging the author on his post, rather I am pointing out an obvious weakness in Revelife, and my opinion that it might have an adverse effect on peoples faith. It is by damaging uv rays that the body defends itself by making skin; let those who disagree with us put us through the fire so that we might be sharpened.
@GreekPhysique - That. was. funny!!
@sarahsD - haha, understood.And I think your approach is good too--by joining each group, you earn a right to speak and share with them that you might not have if you were Xanga only.
@leadworshipper82@revelife - thank you.
@In_Reason_I_Trust - It's fair to allow you a reply to Drakonskyr, so I''ll leave your original comment up. Please don't start a full-fledged fight, though.
@weedorwildflower - Subsets of Xanga is a fair way to put it, I suppose; you might also see them as "super-blogrings". I'll let john comment further on that if he wishes.
@Smiles3667 - Being a well-educated person helps in this matter, because it counter-acts the stereotype that Christians are all dumb sheep. Let's face it, the majority of ANY group is dumb sheep, ha, so I find this an unfair charge.
@Blades_Of_Athena - I may be old, but I'm pretty sure I'm not so old that I've forgotten torturing Jews in the 1500's, ha. And I'm not Spanish, either. Good point.
@GodlessLiberal - I'm torn in how to answer your strategy. On the one hand, in general I agree with your policy of trying to poke holes in community bubbles. For example, I've gently tiptoed through mia-ana land trying to help both communities realize some of their inherent failings. However, I've recently started wondering if I just need to respect their right to assemble as a group and let it go. It's really hard preaching to the stubborn en masse, you know?
@Amarisa - I've never understood the desire of Christians to cannibalize, either.
@Shirlann - I knew I'd get at least one comment from this perspective. Let me only half-jokingly say that I have an "anger bank account" on Xanga, and I try to only make withdrawals on rare, much-needed occasions. I have often said nice things on Xangas where the person was very anti-Christian, so I certainly usually turn the other cheek. However, there is a place for anger and sarcasm in Christian discourse, as Jesus's teachings to the Pharisees, Jesus' clearing the temple, Paul's blinding Bar-Jesus, and Paul's letters to Galatia and Corinth show. It is, of course, up to you to decide if my post fits that place or is the output of selfish ambition or misguided pride. (For the record, I left out the last part of Ephesians 4:32 because I was aiming for short, easily understood Bible truths. You'll note a similar trim on Galatians 6:10).
@Evowookiee - @ocelot61 - Some Christians need to live in a bubble for the sake of their faith--the so-called "weak brother" of Romans 14--and fall easily when exposed to the world. Others are strong and can put up with much more. It's not an either/or, as I'm sure you both know. Each person must protect his faith in God while not shunning the needy and interesting world in which we live.
@GreekPhysique - I don't shun it; but the 'weak' brother issue falls in the face of the milk to meat transition. Does having a safe, happy bubble promote the transition...or should the mature Christian be constantly weaning the weaker off the milk?
@Evowookiee - no, I am always the same person everywhere I go.... it is all me.
The microscope on my life may shift angles somewhat on each site, but it is still the same life and my persona does not change at all.
Not everyone who reads my Xanga site is interested in my mothering, nor are they necessarily wanting to be more deeply encouraged in their Christian faith, but in saying that, I have never avoided posting about mothering or Christianity either. I just do those things on a deeper level on the other sites.
@GreekPhysique - Yeah, but I'd have to go all the way across the room to get to my Bible to check out the Galatians reference; the Ephesians one happened to be taped to my monitor... yes, seriously! In any case, thanks for the reasonable reply to my comment; much appreciated. For me, the jury's still out on your motivations for the post; I don't know you well enough to really say for sure. So, I'll take you at your word and assume you meant it in the same spirit as Jesus getting pissed off enough to clear the temple. Yes, I did just say "Jesus" and "pissed off" in the same sentence. I have a talent for that kinda thing, actually. (If you can call mixing theology with off-color language a talent.) Let's just say I enjoy vanedave's posts... I tend to be a bit on the irreverent side sometimes.
I'm not the most uptight Christian you're gonna find, despite my location or my proclivity for singing in the choir. I almost bought a bumper sticker once, that says "Proud member of the Religious Left" but decided that stating my political opinions, advertising my kids' activities, and the one that says "If you think getting up on Sunday mornings is tough, try rising from the dead!" was enough. Don't you think?
@Evowookiee - Ah, but see, you're instantly equating "weak" with "new" Christian, am I right? The fact is, many older Christians are the weak ones who are scandalized by, say, drums in worship. I think we also have to be careful about thinking the problem is just helping the weaker Christians grow up. Many times there's a grain of truth to their complaints. I'm sure 9 out of 10 mature Christians can use Xanga with no problem...but what of the 10th, who gets hooked into, say, an illicit sexual relationship, or gambling, or poor health choices as a result?
We definitely should be pushing those Christians who are able to leave the bubble, because they can be excellent representatives of Christianity to the world. But since we don't know who is ready and who is not, we have to be careful not to be too enthusiastic about this, but let them self-select if/when they leave.
@Shirlann - Understood. I certainly sound quite cantankerous if this is the first people have read of my content, and to be honest, even I can't be sure that I wrote this in the right spirit without a careful self-examination. We do tend to self-deceive ourselves. However, most of the time on Xanga I'm the guy frantically back-spacing words like "butt" and writing "rear end" instead, then wondering if "behind" might be a less offensive choice of words. :-p
@Evowookiee - I don't understand the question?
umm...I understand what you are saying, but I don't really agree with the "tone" throughout this post. In light of the scripture you are using, it sounds a little contradictory. I think we can be "no respecter of persons" in that we will not apologize for standing up for our faith without being disrespectful to those who treat us poorly for what we believe.
@GreekPhysique - Okay, that made me laugh.... butt vs. rear-end vs. behind?!? You're lucky if I erase the "a" word; and my parents and grandmother (highly religious) also read my blog! Yeah, I'm thinking this could be a first impression thing, as this was the first time I've read anything you've posted. Perhaps if I'm a good girl and get my work done today, I'll come back and read some older entries.
Free speach man, if people want to come hate on you, they are free to do so. I'm a Christian and I'll take the heat from any hater any day. If they are rude, I cannot guarantee what will happen though, be it right or wrong. If I get up on the wrong side of the bed and get a big hot steaming pile of feces, I might just throw it back... though I hope that I would not.
@GreekPhysique - No worries. He blocked me a few months ago, because he does not like people pointing out the obvious: that he ain't all that, and that a lot of his readers drool over his crap because they know no better.
You sir, are like the Christian DMV.
You get a recommend and a high five.
I have never read your blog before but I agree 100%!!!
I'm guilty about commenting there, and stirring the pot.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a public forum, and if Christians are going to come rant on my page as it's been done, I am entitled to do the same, though I make it a point to try and do it respectfully, if my temper allows it.
I do love a good debate though, and I honestly do like getting the other side of things. I just have to agree with DMV about the "compartmentalization" of people. It's not Christians so much as the idea of "exclusivity" behind Revelife that bugs me. I mean, why don't we start a site for muslims? Or Hindu?
It just seems skewed, to me.
However, your post did give me some insight, and I will try to be more polite. I think I agree with your idea of being a "guest", even though I don't agree with the fact that they got a "house" anyway, if you get what I'm saying. But what's done is done, and there's not point in pushing it further.
Good post.
Hello. I came over from Spidey's recommend.
All I have to say about this is...AMEN!
This was a fantastic post. Have a great day!
A very good point. I hadn't run into any real criticism of Revelife, but then, I'm not exactly involved with Revelife. But not because I think Christianity is wrong (I'm Christian too), or because I think it's stupid, or whatever. I just haven't felt like it.
Everyone just needs to be tolerant of each other, I think.
you tell them!
Well spoken.
Mad props to you! I think it's wonderful that you are so proud of your religion. You hit a lot of good points. Maybe one day people will learn to just not visit Revelife. Congrats on getting Featured!
im not a fan of revelife but i hear what you're saying. word.
I like this entry, and I don't really bash revelife but I'm not a huge fan of it. I'm agnostic and I don't have a problem with Christians being on Xanga and posting on it, but I don't really like any of the little side sites that have popped up (hoodstars, momaroo, datingish, AND revelife). Maybe it's just because I've been on Xanga for so long and just about everything new bothers me... maybe I'm just stuck in my Xanga ways.
Anyway I've commented on some of the entries, but I never bashed them... I've put in my input on some subjects from a non-Christian point of view (I do still have morals even if I'm not religious!) and nobody seemed to have a problem with it. It's just the concept of the side sites that I don't really like... but, since they're there, I'm not going to try to stop them from being what they are.
Honestly, creating a faction for christiany is not a problem, but when people want to get worked up about religion and post about how non-believers i.e. non-christians are going to hell and the particular post gets featured, then I'm sorry for taking some offense at that. Just because people say "God" exists 50 billion times, doesn't make it true. Just because a lot of people believe their "God" exists, doesn't make it true. Just because people say I'm going to "hell" for being a "fucking muslim piece of shit" doesn't make it true. The reason I don't like revelife isn't because they're christian. It's because all of their arguments are based on fallacies, such as the whole appeal to authority. If the bloggers on there could be more open minded instead of deeming people like me as heritics, then yea, I wouldn't mind. I just started ignoring revelife alltogether when I read the entry about "Who cares about what non-believers think" I mean really, am I the one being offensive here? I'll admit that there has been some useless bashing on revelife, but that doesn't mean the other party is completely innocent either. See ya.
Preach it! Oh wait... XD Nice post.
@john - sorry. If there was a way to have a sub-page where we could dump documents into. we have one for pictures and audio. Keep in mind, I know nothing about how this works, so what I might be asking is akin to can I stuff potatos into your mother's Tarus; so I apologize.
you do have a point but some people are like that... some need more help then others. some just realized it more then others... just like ur POV of revelife is full of complaining christians... (and they are) the mature christians need to guild those who are having a hard time in the present world. we indeed made of flesh and fleshly (?) desires... i'm not here to teach you or anything, but one verse poped into my head as i was reading 2tim2:24 "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." anywayz brother, have a nice day.
well stated.
I had no idea they did that. Sometimes I go on Revelife even though I'm atheist, but it's just for a different perspective, not to scoff and diss. It's a shame.
Word to the entry. Hang loose brother.
oh my goodness, thank you my friend.
i appreciate you.
I love it! you've even got an atheist arguing on here about it!! And people call Christians idiots...As a person who had a featured blog on Revelife, which got flamed by every atheist and pagan with a Xanga, I think you're wasting your breath. What you've said is good, but they don't listen....See Ironstove's comment above for evidence of that fact. Christianity is the whipping post for everyone with a bone to pick. Revelife should just put up a big target that can be clicked on so all the unbelievers can drop their verbal bombs and waste material.
I don't go to Revelife anymore. I listened to all the atheists, gays, pagans, and other Church haters, whine about Christians when I was an agnostic. I think there are real problems within the Church, but it's for us Christians to do something about. I'm not listening to what an atheist, pagan or Buddhist has to say about what the Church needs to do. I'll hash it out with my fellow Christians. I won't be doing it on Revelife, and maybe that's too bad.
Good post.
There are definitely people on both sides of the revelife camp (those who read/post there and those who don't) who get a bit...carried away, shall we say...in thinking that their opinion is the end all be all and refuse to listen to others. Once we start trying to convince them without listening, we lose.
We must always listen.
Too many people, Christian or not, get carried away with this idea that dissent = attack. It's troublesome.
"For the record, way too many Christians on Xanga spend their time acting as if there's shame associated with the Christian label"
That is so spot on. The rest is great as well
I love Revelife, I love Christians, love love love. I only have an issue with those who preach and preach about how they're doing so well just because they found God. But what do I know? I'm bound to go to hell anyway.
Let's just all be happy.
finally! someone said it
it seems that bashing Christians and challenging them to religious debates has almost become a fashion...i'm so tired of it
i actually visit Rev life often, but I rarely comment. It just doesn't interest me as much to comment. Nothing seems "controversial" or even worth debating
great post...I think if Xanga users don't like it then don't visit! same as TV I don't watch LPGA.
i would agree with drakonskyr that my only real beef with revelife is the same as with momaroo and the other xanga sister sites-why create separate communities instead of trying to bring xanga together as one community. But then if dont like it, i just dont go. Nonetheless good for you for being proud of your faith, not that you need my validation
@Evowookiee - No we don't allow that, for security reasons (Macro viruses and the like).
well said, sir
Amen to that!
@Rveblade - thanks. As I said elsewhere here, I know segregation vs. assimilation is a sensitive topic, and I won't claim one choice is always better than the others. Depends on the people group and the reasons for the action.
I like this post. Thanks
What I don't understand is why people who do not share the Christian beliefs, want us (dogmatically) to be hands off with them, but they feel complete freedom and obligation to come and harrass us with their ideologies. I'm all for respectable discussions and debates...but flat-out name-calling and complete disrespect is unacceptable. Where is the social-respect that they scream for for themselves when we are just trying to do our thang? Double-standards bother me. They bother me in Christianity and they bother me in the world.
Thanks again for your post, Brother
Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.
I'd agree that people (especially on the internet) do seem to enjoy pointlessly attacking others just to create a scene, and because they can without running a risk of, well, what happened at the end of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.... (which I sooo wish would happen to some of those people!)
The thing with an online community like this is it is open to all and, since Christianity (or any religion) addresses perceptions of morality, the quality of people's characters and the nature of their beings, people can find it extremely offensive. If you found something offensive written online would you not feel a need to respond, to argue against it? Naturally, as Christians, you do not find your religious views offensive, but some people do (and I don't mean in a "from my religion's perspective" kinda way.) If you happened upon a racist's xanga (and sadly, they exist) would you not find it offensive and feel a call to action? Some people may feel similarly to what is written on Revelife. If all religions were simply devoted to love, peace and understanding, we would have no problem (except from intolerant atheist-jerks, maybe.) But generally most religions contain hefty amounts of dogma and judgments many people find deeply offensive. How do you feel about Richard Dawkin's book. "The God Delusion?" This book makes extremely offensive and aggressive remarks about Christianity which, even I, as a none-Christian, find offensive. Would you not wish to give him a piece of your mind if you could?
I haven't read Revelife or any of the comments of which you speak so all this is merely speculation on my part. Perhaps all you're speaking of is the brainless jerks who insist on attacking someone just for believing in something. But I don't think it's fair to criticise people for defending themselves if your religion says something inflammatory about them and they happen upon these remarks whilst trawling xanga. If Revelife wishes to be a Christian-only community perhaps making the posts private/protected would be a good idea?
@sarah_withanH - I love your handle. I'm Sarah with an H too.
Totally off topic, but had to say it. 
@MCTCanadian - That's the thing, it's not supposed to be an apologetics site. It's supposed to be a site for Christians, and thus some things are just assumed. Then non-Christians come in and debate that, which isn't wrong per se...but it is wrong if they don't understand why things are assumed and not defended. Does that make any sense?
@wherestherum_17 - Christianity doesn't guarantee ANYONE a better life on earth, and I too dislike prosperity preaching. But as for going to hell--dear, how can you believe in hell but not believe in Christianity? It has to be believe in both or neither to be consistent, right?
@Krissy_Cole - Oh, I'm right with you that too many Internet people see any argument as attack. For me, this post was written after reading at least 5 posts with variations on "those stupid Revelife/Christian people on Xanga are all sheep" this summer. I just hit my breaking point.
@GringoBoi - Thanks!
@sdj777 - You may be right, friend, but I also think that sometimes a stern word is necessary. Take, for example, some of the things Paul said and did in Acts when confronted by non-Christians (Bar-Jesus, for example). Still, I thank you for your comment. I think perhaps I should spend more time trying to mentor other Christians on here, or learning more myself from my elders.
@Ironstove - Watch the Democratic convention tonight. There will be no coverage of what a great guy John McCain is, no open-minded discourse that Republicans have great ideas too. Does that make them biased and close-minded? Neither does it make Revelife close-minded for focusing on Christians and Christian beliefs. I'm not going to defend every Revelife post, but you still seem to be missing my point.
@sarah_withanH - saraHHH,
thanks for trying to understand my point. Appreciate it.
@Chinese_Sait0u - @EuphoriaUnplugged - Yeah, exactly--I'm not asking you to become Revelife fans, I just want people to allow Revelife to exist without second-guessing that.
@theblackspiderman - TBS, I noticed that a few months ago, spent weeks trying to deny it and grumbling under my breath, and then just grinned and let it go. :-p There is some truth to that comparison. Thanks for the rec.
@nimbusthedragon - It's certainly your right to preach to Christians too. But I'm just saying, keep the "house" analogy in mind. While it is a public forum, it assumes that most members believe in certain principles. So a writer may refer offhandedly to "hell" as if everyone believes in it. It's not fair to then bash the writer for not posting a lengthy explanation and defense of the concept. You see what I'm saying? Same as Democrats talking to Democrats don't bother to explain why "I hate George Bush"--it's because they are among friends and believe the same thing. And groups have a right to assemble and say what they believe without have to back up every last sentence with lengthy explanations. Of course, they do need to make more sense when talking to someone who lacks the same beliefs.
I agree so much..
you get a MINI.. ha ha
There are definitely times for Christians to meet with one another for mutual encouragement and not to be dragged down by distractions and false teachings from unbelievers which does happen on revelife...
Yet, on the other hand, we should consider what Paul wrote in Colossians 4:
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
And what Peter wrote in I Peter 3:
Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
I think these words are good to consider re: revelife....
If revelife wants to be a closed community and limit who can comment, then that's a different story. But at this point, revelife is open to anyone, so we should expect people to show up there who are opposed to our beliefs (after all, isn't that what Christ told us would happen?). We shouldn't be surprised at the extreme and often hostile reactions to Truth. Christ came not to bring peace but a sword. People either believe or don't believe. There's no middle ground.
So long as revelife is open to all, Christians must see it as an opportunity to meet with agnostics and atheists and peoples from all religions at the Areopagus, so to speak. As we do so, we proudly preach Christ and Him crucified, we don't water down our faith by any means.
@moss_icon - Appreciate your well-written reply. If you were talking to the me of a decade ago, the answer would be "YES, argue with anyone who's wrong!" But I no longer try to change people who are set in their ways, because it wastes their and my time. Jesus himself said if they don't accept you in one place, shake off even the town's dust and move on. It's not very Christian to sit around and vehemently quarrel with people, which is why this post is my first (and probably last) post on defending Revelife/Christian Xangans.
But moss, here's another analogy for you. Would you advocate shutting down, say, a chapter of Democrats just because they say bad things about Republicans sometimes? Or, would you say that it's your duty as a Republican to plunge into the midst of the Democrat meeting, shout "GEORGE BUSH RULES!" and run out? Of course not. There is much, much more to the Democrat platform of ideas rather than just complaining about the Republicans. And isn't your idea, by its very nature, infringing on the rights of Christians to peaceable assemble and talk about those topics that they themselves hold dear? Of course not all outsiders will agree, but doesn't a group have rights to conduct its business as it sees fit? I see your point about Christian blogs going protected/private, but it also has a nefarious "wear the yellow stars" feel to it if taken to its logical conclusion.
@GreekPhysique - A person can only take so much, right?
@GreekPhysique - Thanks for the response!
Yeah, the "George Bush Rules" analogy isn't really acceptable behaviour. That's kinda what I was trying to say, that if all people have to offer is petty name-calling and infantile insults then I agree, they should indeed shut up and go elsewhere.
However Christianity (and all faiths) touch upon very tender issues that are offensive to others. The "freedom of speech" arc is a very tricky one. I'm British and in the UK the tabloids will often argue that they should be allowed to make potentially offensive judgments in the name of free speech. People will swing one way, insisting on political correctness and infringing on an individuals rights to form any kind of opinion, but there is the other end of the spectrum too. I have heard people try to justify offering racist opinions, saying it's "their right to free speech." There is a balance somewhere and, honestly, I have a hard time finding it.
I guess what I hope from Christians (and everyone) is an open mind. Like you say people set in their ways, you just gotta shake 'em off and move on. But that is true of everyone, be they Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Agnostic, Atheist, whatever. Accepting challenges to your beliefs, accepting the chance that "hey, maybe I'm wrong about such-and-such" seems kinda necessary, otherwise it's just delusion, not faith. (That goes for Atheists too!) But if what you're talking about is not reasonable arguments but childish attacks (like your analogy) then I agree. They should just shut it!
@moss_icon - By now, I just assume that every post will be read by people who don't understand where I'm coming from, and so I do my best not to assume that everyone agrees with my assumptions. It has been the secret to having a (mostly) peaceful blog that can have readers from a variety of faiths and races. Today was an aberration to attempt to balance what was starting to feel like gross inequity. You can read my other posts--I'm usually much more mild-mannered.
However, I would add that we must be careful not to make a virtue of open-mindedness. We all know people who are so open-minded that they never make a decision or come to a conclusion on anything. Eventually, we have to pick sides and take stands, while hopefully not demonizing people who chose differently.
@GreekPhysique - True. Though one's definition of open-minded can be confusing. To me open-mindedness is simply possessing the ability to re-examine what you believe (and let's face it, everything in this world is just "belief." Even gravity is not 100% infallible fact!) Open-mindedness to me does not necessarily mean being flaky and on the fence all the time but just having the ability to examine, re-examine and accept the possibility that you are wrong, even if you believe you are right. Xanga here has just become a microcosm for the whole world; people believe they are ABSOLUTELY right, they butt heads with another who believes the same thing but about a different opinion and BOOM; on Xanga we have arguing. In life we have war.
What you said about taking a side but not demonising others who differ, I totally agree.
it's a clarity. it's an absolution. it's a comfort. it's a conviction
nicely put.
Well said. ~ L
Dude! Great post. I've recommended it. I don't spend much time at Revelife, but I identify with your frustration.
Good post. I don't frequent revelife all that often.
I live in an area where people still quote the Bible when writing a letter to the editor. A college student whom I met who wasn't from the area was absolutely amazed and dumbfounded at this and thought it ridiculous that someone would quote the Bible in a letter to the editor of the local, secular paper.
Not exactly the same but your post reminded me of that...
A good post, especially your stance about snapping out of the "perpetually apologetic Christian" mentality - something I think a lot of us have to remind ourselves about on a day-to-day basis.
wow... i came to say "I agree" and ended up reading ALL your comments. Some interesting conversations going on in here. Btw.. GTHO (Get the Heaven Out) had me really lol.
I wasn't exactly sure what Revelife was (soooo out of the xanga loop), but after reading this I'm getting all fired up about it! Ha! Great post. Oh, and by the way, I think a beeping ankle bracelet is a GREAT idea!
No more sleepjumping for me!
lawl people do that? I just read the stuff and post my opinion, but I never knew that people actually go there just to start fights. Hmm maybe there's more to xanga than I thought?
excellent post. i keep trying to add to this comment but it just comes back to... excellent post. a rec and five stars from me. (and a subscription!
) i came here via recs from blackspiderman and spiderdad. hmmm..... must be something about arachnids.
@xapatotheworld@revelife - Sweet.
Haha, everyone always misspells it as Sara so I figured I ought to places some emphasis on it... My Xanga username used to be SgtPepper1940 but then I got a new email which was sarah_withanH and I had 10,000 credits so I figured I might as well change it. 
Great post!
I agree!
I don't agree with the haters who START fights on revelife, but personally I don't like it myself. People should get a life. :-/ That's why I don't go on revelife at all or look at it because I'm personally just not a religious person and I have no purpose being there.
Let people live their life and just shut it.
I'm a Christian, and very open about it.
I had a blog for a short time on Revelife, but went back to Xanga.
I'm content with my christian blog being on Xanga and not being on Revelife. I don't know why I'd want a blog on Revelife. Why separate my blog from the rest of Xanga? I want people to know I'm a christian, and I'm not ashamed of it. At the same time, we've created this christian bubble that everyone wants to stay in. Instead of being "in the world, but not of it" we create a totally separate world. This has been done with christian music, media, entertainment, etc etc. For some reason, everyone feels we need to create a christian counterpart to what's secular out there. I love Christian music, but I love it even more when a Christian creates an original style of music rather than being a christian version of some band. And I love it when Christians invade the secular music industry.
American Christianity really has it all messed up. Our evangelism is ineffective (or maybe even non-existant) because we choose to stay in this christian bubble.
The church I go to has a bar ministry. Yes, people from my church go into bars and share the love of God with people. Many christians find it unacceptable to do such a thing. We don't need to create a christian alternative to the bar. We go to the bar and get people saved!
When are Christians going to go into the dark places and let their light shine?
Hmmm. I'm a Christian, but I guess what nags at me a little is that Xanga is just completely inundated with ReveLife. You can't do anything on the front page without their headlines in your face, which honestly I think a lot of times are worded to draw in crticism and open up debate. That's not a bad thing. After all, it's a public blog site. I don't like hating in any form, regardless of the topic but hearing different view points is interesting.
I kind of miss the days when featured blogs would just be Just Jane or Friendly Frank, two average people who have a blog. Now featured blogs are from Momaroo, Datingish and ReveLife.
Again, I don't like the hating, but I've been impressed with a lot of the commentary, discussion and debate that goes on in ReveLife. If they were looking for a place to have fellowship amongst just Christians instead of debate and conversation from outsiders and seculars, the front page of Xanga probably isn't the place to do it.
Thank you. You have stated it well, and I appreciate your defense of the site.
I haven't been on Revelife but I've run into people like the ones you mention who just love to try to rile Christians. We had one last week on the site I help moderate who was trying to upset the forum by asking if God has a penis. Then he tried posting that God is a girl, nyeh-nyeh-nyeh-nyeh-nyeh. Give me a break.
What these people don't see is how pathetic they are. It is SO sad if your enjoyment in life comes from baiting other people. It must be because Christians are so infuriatingly intelligent and happy that they feel the need to come and crash our party
. They're jealous!
A Christian community that talks too much about Christianity? *GASP* The nerve!
Amen!
Thank-you
Good post, and interesting comments. I read almost all of them!
This post is truly refreshing as far as I am concerned! Thank you for writing so candidly from your heart! I feel really encouraged! Actually I had not read the "Revelife bashing" comments but now that I know about them I am really glad that GreekPhysique has so clearly outlined the inappropriateness of attacking these folk who blog on Revelife!
We all need to be very considerate of one another in the overall Xanga community! I'm a Christian and I'm on record as being truly grateful for the privilege of Xanga membership. I have Xanga friends who are Christian, some who are Jewish, some who think of themselves as non-religious. Some who are straight, some who are homosexual. I am careful to show each of them respect and appreciation, even though I often don't agree with them.
AN EXCLUSIVE BUNCH?
I think most people like to make friends and associate with those who have a lot in common with them. Christians, me included, certainly do! That is why we have church buildings and services and prayer meetings. But we also sincerely try to reach out to non-Christians. Jesus Christ and His apostles teach us in the Bible to bring others to know and obey and love Him. Many of us are quite shy and awkward and not very good at fully living up to Christ's command to "go into all the world and ... (bring others into His family)" Often when we do reach out, we are misunderstood and sometimes some among us are martyred for their genuine attempts to share the Christian gospel with those who want to have nothing to do with it.
I think Revelife has an important place to play within the overall Xanga community, and we need to respect them instead of bellyaching about them.
Peace!
David
Truth! I understand your frustration. I think a lot of it is the overwhelming amount of morons hanging around - and there are morons on both sides of this issue. There are obnoxious, sanctimonious Christians as well as thoughtless, belligerent non-Christians (heathens? gentiles? athiests and co.?) I've had people start heated arguments with me over Ted Haggard (who I know personally), New Life church (which I attended my entire life up to age 18), and focus on the family (whose HQ was just up the road from me growing up.) They've been both Christians and non-Christians. A lot of non-christians have disputed with me over religious teachings and the like while being obviously misinformed (or just not informed period.) I've had a lot of bad experiences with Christians, and I don't consider myself one of them anymore, but I'll still defend them against people who just want to shout from a soapbox. The existence of revelife shouldn't bother anyone, and before revelife was here they were all complaining about all the Christian blogs on xanga. It's really a no-win situation.
@elvesdoitbetter - Oh yes, there's definitely some crazies on the Christian side too. I won't mention names, but the closest I've come to not befriending a non-EX blogger was a Christian's Xanga who was just way too over the top for me. Not all the "You go, dude!" comments on here truly understood the issue. But I felt it was worth putting a bit of a smackdown on Xangans to balance things out--I may have to do the same to Revelifers down the road, though, if they harass my Xangan friends!
AWESOME POST! I applaud you! Thank you very much! It drives me nuts when non-Christians post on Revelife about how we're wrong and blahblahblah. I don't care if they post their opinion, but please do not insult us. Yeah, Revelife is a bit cheesy at times, but who cares? It's a site with blogs that contain people's opinions. If people don't like it... they don't have to read it.
i don't know about anyone else but i have nothing against the revelife site i just wish it didn't dominate so much of the ad space and front page of xanga.I do understand that ads are how they survive-just saying. The other sites you mentioned at the beginning of your post don't show up nearly as much either. And they seem to be written by certain people not a network. Other then that i see nothing wrong with revelife- datingish on the other hand just flat out annoys me personally so instead of bitching i just don't read it.
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