Where the Orthodox Bloggers?

Today I was trying to update my list on the side that linked to other bloggs and foung it hard to find any of interest. None of them looked very promising in my search for bloggs with closer viewpoints as my own. It seems that Orthodox Mormonism doesn't thrive well on the Internet Ether. I have tried to come up with some reason for this.

Perhaps most orthodox Mormons like to live rather than talk. Conservatives of all stripes are not known for erudite expansion of their thoughts and ideas. This has given the Liberals, who do love to talk, plenty of false ammunition that Conservatives don't think. The truth is that Conservatives believe in doing rather than saying. They don't do much writing, they don't do much active protesting (although that has slowly changed), and they don't do nearly as much navel gazing. What they do tend to do is act on their thoughts and ideas in such ways that Liberal always seem reactionary. Thus, I believe, to blog is not something that Orthodox Mormons tend to appriciate. Instead they go to Church, read their Scriptures, Home and Visiting teach, go to work and earn money, raise children, and basically live the teachings of the LDS Church rather than discuss them.

I am not sure how this is effecting the Church members themselves. If the general Conservative Mormon doesn't care for blogging, they won't make bloggs. Sadly, this quiets the voices that reflect the mainstream of Mormonism. For instance, at BBC, the question was asked what books would be used to introduce Mormonism to outsiders for a better understanding? The list was of obscure history books of little value to actually understanding mainstream Mormonism. To be sure, some of them were good for those who are already familiar with Mormon readings of history. However, none of them capture the actual heart and spirit of Mormonism as represented by every day mainstream followers who actually live the religion. The point is that what is representative of a particular brand of Mormonism, the self-satified over educated and usually less Church active Internet devotees, is not what actually exists in the same numbers in the real world. Interestingly, most of the more Conservative Mormons who do have blogs concentrate on politics more than religion. Doctrinal and Religious discussions go untouched other than as possible background material. The possibilities for Mormonism seem to go unheaded by all but those who are less Orthodox in their views.

The blog world can be seen as a fulfilment of some Orthodox Mormon activities. The first is missionary work where the word is spread to those who are not members of the Church. True, it is probably less of a hit than even door knocking. People have to find you rather than you find them. Still, it is better to try than ignore yet another media outlet that can spread the word. Because of the nature of the blog world, it can also act as a public diary. This has its own problems as privacy concerns can keep it fully functioning. This can be overcome if the poster is prudent in what they decided to write, mostly keeping to gospel insights and observations.

I suppose I am calling for two things. First, if anyone has any ideas where I can find more Orthodox Blogs than please tell me. I am trying to increase my link possibilities and expand productive discussions. Second, more people who hold Orthodox Mormon views should go out there in cyber-space and be heard. We must become more communicative if we are to make any impact for the next generation who are more technologically friendly. Then again, perhaps actions speak louder than words and blogging is unnecessary. Only the future can tell.