Being somewhat raised in an Old German Baptist Brethren setting (my mother's side of the family) I wasn't shocked to find out that there are some "young folks" who are openly blogging under the heading Old German Baptist Brethren. Growing up in the 1980's and 90's, I can remember my cousin who is my age, showing me the radio that he had kept hidden from his parents and that was a big issue for them then. Those who defy the elders and Annual Meeting have always been around. The only disclaimer that I have in this post is that I have not attended and Annual Meeting for some time and am not sure exactly what changes if any have been made regarding computers in the home.
My only shock factor comes in the form of a question, how many of the elders know about this and whether or not they have done anything about it? I do not have a problem with members of the OGBB who want to blog or even own a computer (which Annual Meeting decided that you could own a computer only for business purposes). My concern lies in the very question that has kept me from deciding to become OGBB. At what cost do you forgo the technologies to become a part of the community of faith? And what damage to you potentially bring to the community of faith by choosing to not adhere to the rules? I realize that we are all subject to these "laws" in our own communities of faith, so it is not directed at any one particular sect.
I applaude those who have used their blog for useful purposes, I just hope they are doing so without compromising the strict beliefs that hold that small community of faith (only about 6,500 in the U.S.) together.
I actually hope that some of those bloggers get ahold of this post so that we can maybe start some helpful dialogue that I don't always get with my mother's side of the family.
(Thanks to http://www.schumann.com/journalism/baptists.htm for the photo credit. There are many more if you choose to visit this site.)
4 comments:
It's not black and white like that – people are unique first – and conformed second – so the "rules" are – have always been – superficial.
I am curious, have you had any dialogue with any of them aside from Sam Garber? ;) And if so, what have you learned from it?
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
I should digg your article therefore more folks are able to see it, very helpful, I had a tough time finding the results searching on the web, thanks.
- Murk
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