Ha! Well said.

Is it just me or are the comments at major Christian blogs becoming more ungracious while, at some smaller blogs, issues of greater controversy are discussed more graciously. Will the larger blogs go the way of adrianwarnock.com and end up closing comments?

The really disappointing thing in the link to the jib-jab is how grossly lacking are the basic processes of argument, and even more than this the grace that should be evident by being slaves of Jesus. Does bloggerdom just by nature attract such weird and dyspeptic spectators? It’s a sad commentary (no pun intended) to see the subject at hand in shambles because of misunderstanding and simple ego.

Are there not ways to disagree that exhibit both grace and intellect? Maybe local churches should be involved in controlling and approving the blog comments of some of their members!

I’m glad you like me, colors and all.

I would have you and Mark know that our high school fight song was the same as Tennessee’s. I had to have played that song over 500 times. We also recorded a version of Rocky Top in our concert band for a CD release. That was just a portion of suffering I underwent as a student.

I read Timmy’s blog.

I even like it.

Even though he’s a…(shudder)…coughBamaFancough…

I can’t wait for the day when we stop judging people because they’re “popular” or “young, untested, naive, blue-collar Christians.” [tongue-in-cheek] Maybe then Deaf ministry can get a fair shake with all you “stupid hearing people.” [/tongue-in-cheek] (And yes, hearing people actually are generally known as that in my world! )

Until then, however, I’ll just focus on teaching Baby Newell that Rocky Top thing. What a splendid idea, Mark!

I’ve got lots of love for you Canadians. I will never forget the banter from our Hebrew class with Dr. Gentry and my first-hand exposure to “Eh?” and the very cool way of saying “about”. You guys up north have two languages, and so does Alabama. Our second one just isn’t official and our pronunciation is equally as fun to listen to.

Erik,

I agree brother. Tim has conducted himself graciously as has been consistent with his interaction in the past. Contrary to some who have emphasized discernment without charity, Tim has done an praiseworthy of job of balancing grace and truth.

Andrew R.,

You’re welcome, and thanks for visiting here!

Nathan,

I am sorry if I missed your point. I suppose I read your comments wrongly. Nevertheless, I do not think I argued that you had a problem with Tim; rather, you had a problem about the why and how his book is getting published, and that is what I sought to address. You did not use any ad hominems as was in the case of Camp, but you did question the legitimacy of his book being published on its own merits, and I attempted to offer a defense for that legitimacy.

Mark,

No Roll Tide as of yet. But I imagine that is a little more difficult than the “woo” of Rocky Top. You Tennessee fans always have a way of making things easy.

Ron,

The funny thing is that growing up I was the only Tim I knew. Then I entered the blogosphere, and there are Tim’s everywhere. I guess Timmy helped a little in differentiation – for better or worse.

Just Kidding, I agree 100%.

So can the little one say “Roll Tide” yet? I’m working with my 4 month old to at least get the “woooo” down in Rocky Top by the time he’s 1.

I think you missed my point, but I do understand your position. I explicitly tried to emphasize that my disagreement with your statement stemmed from things other than Tim personally and the content of his book. And yet, I’m still interpreted as having a problem with Tim. That’s blogs for ya. So let me be clear in that my comments above have nothing to do with Tim personally, or the content of his book.

Nevertheless, since you and others emphasized Tim and his situation personally: if one interprets the Reformed community, blog success, prostituting blogs, and Tim’s situation/history/before-and-after-success as you detail above, then I see no disagreement. There are many reasons why these assumptions can be debated, but the public place is no place for this (let us strive to avoid slander and devouring one another).

I am glad to see Tim’s book, and will rejoice in whatever measure it brings glory to our Savior (which I’m sure it will).

Have a good weekend Tim and enjoy the new baby.