Risky Business
Over the last two days I have found myself “jumping head-first” into several online discussions (some heated at times) with fellow bloggers regarding the subject of publishing religious-based material on the Civil War. Although I do not agree with much of what that these individuals profess to believe, I do respect their right to do so, and I usually try to stay out of these debates. This is a most difficult task however, when I visit these blogs only to find that I (or friends of mine) have been used as the target for their criticism. There are even times that my material has been directly quoted (in an “anonymous” manner) as an example of what they refer to as historical “mythology.” This factor, above all others, bothers me greatly.

Unfortunately, I have allowed myself to become personally offended, (even irritated) and my emotions have negated any grace or humility in my responses. This is a weakness on my part, and one that I am most certainly going to work on. In the future, I will be using prayerful consideration before allowing myself to become a vocal participant in these online-feuds. It is an exercise in futility and serves no one in a positive manner. In retrospect, I don't think it is easy for any of us to discuss and debate sensitive topics (such as religion) via cyberspace where our words are not always "read" in their proper tone or context. As amazing as Internet technology is, we cannot assume that people will always understand the intended meaning of our thoughts. After all, we are unable to read each other's faces, hear the tone in our voices, or witness the postures and expressions in which we "speak." Blogging, like any other form of self-expression, can be a very risky business.

Regardless, I do not want to get in the habit of using this forum for the criticism of these more liberal, and secular/progressive historians. They will probably continue to criticize my peers, and me but I am trying very hard to take the high road. I also don’t want to become a regular adversary of those that choose to criticize Christians on their blogs, so this post will be all that I say on the subject…

The bottom line is that I am not trying to re-write history or indoctrinate anyone. Christians find joy in these books, and I find joy in writing them. I get a lot of support and praise from people (a lot smarter than I am) who understand what a Christian writer's purpose is in writing religious-historical material: To celebrate and educate in an uplifting and inspirational manner. I will be the first to admit that none of these men were perfect. They (like us) have faults. But I think that there is a reason that we still remember them today and (IMO) faith has a lot to do with that.

The teaser on my book “Onward Christian Soldier” simply states: "This is a story about faith. A story filled with the kinds of heartache and hardships that would leave many of us questioning our own beliefs. It is a love story that is filled with sorrow, testimony, hope and despair. It is a story that reaffirms the power of prayer and that all things in Him are possible. Ultimately, it is the story of a man who suffered greatly, but chose to embrace the Will of his Savior as the foundation for a legendary life."

I think that explains my belief on this entire subject.