blogs4God Controversy 3.0

Another controversy is raging over blogs4God, this time over a decision to disallow anonymous bloggers until they’ve established a track record. This is the third controversy this year by my count. Something good has come out of this controversy. Rachel’s created a visual psalm which is very well-done and moving. I really appreciate the honest exchange of ideas, even contrary ones, in the blogging world. The decision by Dean is fair game for discussion. But is part of this interpersonal? I’m wondering if we’re doing any better than the traditional church has historically done in resolving interpersonal issues and forgiving. I’m not saying this to condemn; I include myself in this. I read this quote by Saint Francis of Assisi today:

You should not let a single person in the world, whatever sin that person may have committed, come before your eyes and depart without having found mercy with you. And should that person not ask for mercy from you, then you must ask it of him. And were that person to come to you a thousand times, continue to love them so as to lead them back to the right path. Always have compassion, for all of us have sinned.