The End Of the Internet Monk
Our sites are about the same age…almost twenty years…which is ancient in internet years.
For the IM it’s been an astounding run of excellent, thoughtful writing and content that blessed people who were in theological and spiritual transition.
Unlike many of the churches it critiqued, it survived the death of its founder, Michael Spencer.
One of my great regrets is that Spencer and I did not get on well…I no longer remember why, but I assume it was because of some foolishness on my part.
Chaplain Mike has provided a steady hand and clear voice since Spencer’s departure.
I did not read there regularly, but often, and the site made many appearances on the Linkathon!.
I will miss just knowing it was there…it seemed to me a place of honesty and sanity when there is very little of either online.
I salute Chaplain Mike and the other writers for carrying on with excellence…and knowing when (and how) to finish well.
May God richly reward all involved for what they’ve given to us.
Michael, praying your friends offline and here pick up the slack
God keep
Thanks, Em…we’ll keep slugging along…
Michael, even though you haven’t been knocked off your horse by the Lord, Himself, there is a wee bit of the apostle Paul:s genes in you
I have reached the point of slugging along, myself. I asked the Lord to heal the tumor on my nose (courtesy call?). He didn’t. Instead He got me through 3 surgeries, now 4, but last Tuesday’s was an easy skate. The 2 skin grafts, including taking cartilage off of my ear for my nose rebuild, were something i don’t want to go through again (please, Lord) because of the need for general anesthesia. At my age it shuts down the peristaltic wave, mouth to the other end and takes forever to get out of your system… Leaving one dull and not safe to drive a car.
I ramble…. But it seems True Believers ARE being tested now
God keep
How do I reach you, either by email or phone? I’m 561 738-7171, thanks….
* I originally contacted you just to get the current status, direction and your opinion on Bob Coy. I’d like to be on your remain on your email list but just ‘sparingly’; for the biggest & most important events only.
* There are area are at least a few areas I can serve your ministry; where may I send an email?
* I’m trying to locate Dion DiMucci, who live in Boca Raton, FL and Barry Gibb who lives in Miami, or at least their agents asap. Any clues?
Keep up the good work & have blessed & profitable tomorrows ….
Tom,
phoenixpreacher@gmail.com
Em,
I hear you about the effects of anesthesia…and pray that you recover completely and stay that way…
Michael, i think i have – in no small part to prayers heard and i am grateful – both to the Body of Christ and to our strong and merciful Triune God. Driving in traffic this week – no problems, i don’t think.
A member of my daughter’s little church asked, will she still be able to smell? Oh, yes! A neighbor has trapped 13 skunks so far. God bless him. LOL
That said, living in a lovely little town now much destroyed by fire? Sigh .. .. praying for you and yours.
Using too much PhxP space today, avoiding removing doctor’s bandage from cheek – sorry
Yeah, the IM closing is, in my mind, bittersweet. I’ve contributed off and on over the years but I’ve received a great deal more than I’ve given. I really like Chaplain Mike — I think he’s a pastor from Indiana who’s worked at hospices and hospitals with the dying. But I could be wrong.
Their “Saturday Brunch” thing is always a hoot.
I agree with Michael that it was a place of sanity. God bless all of them.
And, of course, Michael here at PP!
Michael Spencer could be slightly neurotic and paranoid, but overall had a dramatic impact on the formation of my faith. He hit nerves few others did. We emailed back and forth a bit. His foes were Phil Johnson and his sidekicks at the Pyromaniac website.
PH,
Yeah, I think he butted heads a lot with the Rigid Reformed community. But also any type of “fundamental” Xnity that was rigid and unbending.
He was also opposed to an “easy” faith that had no room for ambiguity and nuance.
He helped me navigate the post-evangelical world. Though he’s been gone 10 years, I think his influence continues, esp. through his writings.
I will miss the Internet Monk greatly. I didn’t comment much there, but like here, found some good fellowship and community.
Michael, thank you for your kind mention. Internet Monk was one of God’s greatest, and most unexpected, gifts in my life. “The road goes ever, ever on,” and I’m sure there are new surprises to come in the future. Thanks for your faithful blogging and linking to us. (Chaplain Mike)
Thank you, Chaplain Mike…may God bless all you do going forward.
Job well done…