I remember an unfortunate experience my freshman year at BYU where I told a “this really happened to me” spooky evil-spirit campfire story that I knew to be lie (yes, dishonest, unethical, duplicitous, I must admit it).

Afterwards a guy came up to me with tears in his eyes because my story had touched him and he felt the Spirit tell him that he needed to change his life and go on a mission. He was so sincere and so thankful, and I was absolutely floored (and quite filled with guilt). How could my lie become such a spiritual experience for him? I thought the Spirit only confirmed Truth. But clearly there was more going on than I had ever stopped to consider before, and to this day I do not really understand it.

So, if a lie can become a spiritual experience, then I suppose a blog can as well. Or maybe folklore, or satire, or any other number of things. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that my purpose in “Mormon blogging” has anything to do with furthering my spirituality — it is more a reflective exercise in self-definition and ego promulgation, not necessarily in that order. But maybe that’s just me.

Lots and lots and lots of random people doing Google searches come across our discussions. If we can help bolster their faith in Christ in any way we are in fact doing service for others I think. If that weren’t the case I probably would not invest as much time into this hobby as I do. The intellectual stimulation is cool and all but the numerous so-called lurkers make this hobby something more as well.

Other times it’s the less noble time filler and intellectual candy.

I was interested that you said you consider your blogging as a sacrifice of time and talent to help others. I don’t think of my blogging that way at all. I blog because I enjoy it. I don’t think of myself as doing anything particularly important, and I have never thought of it as doing something for someone else.

Personally, I like Widtsoe’s definition, but then again. It’s simple, clearly defined, easy to understand, and reasonable.

In response to your post, I don’t think that blogging can be spiritual by the Widtsoe standard you quote. Your comment #1 seems like a bit of a stretch to fit anything like blogging into the categories of obedience to the gospel and sacrifice for the cause of the Lord.

I do think blogging can be worthwhile and I certainly think it can play a supporting role in a spiritual life. I think my answer to the title of the post would be “yes” if it were not for Widtsoe’s very restrictive definition.

You can’t think of anything less efficient in improving spirituality than discussing our scriptures and theology with (predominately) fellow believers? Perhaps you are not thinking hard enough.

Can it be? Yes, I think so.

Can I think of a less efficient way to improve spirituality? No, I don’t think so.