Ever heard of the phrase, “Keep It Simple”? I have! It’s actually a common phrase in the tech field. According to a friend, it’s also a common maxim in Engineering. It seems that techies have a bad habit of making things too overly complicated. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy. I can still recall those thick books on how to use a spreadsheet.
For anyone who is new to the idea of using a computer, it was a virtual nightmare for any unsuspecting beginners. That’s why there is an extra “S” in that slogan, “K.I.S.S.”. The last “S” is not directed at the poor beginner; rather it the egghead who wrote that frustrating book on how to use a word processor or spreadsheet.
How is this related to Christianity Explained?
My goal for all three platforms is to provide contents that will help you learn about biblical idea and precept that will help you, in your Christian walk. Though it seems a noble goal, there is one problem. It is very easy to lose sight of a simple truth.
8 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes one conceited, but love edifies people. 2 If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know;
1 Corinthians 8:1-2 [NASB ’95]
For one, I am not a seminary student and I’ve no desire to enter such a place. However, I did spend a lot of time in studying the Word of God. It came from a deep desire to know my Father in a more personal way. In saying this, I do hope you read that last part of the above quote. I have and it’s a friendly reminder that I barely scratch the surface.
How about a little English; especially for the person. Like my techie friends, it’s very easy to forget that an alarming # of Christians don’t read their Bible, on a regular basis. Don’t believe me? Go take at the chart on this site. The stas is based on a survey of 3,354 respondents. It would explain why YouTube channels, podcasts, and blog sites are so popular.
This fact does not contradict the reality of a real hunger for the Word of God! Otherwise, people would not be flocking to the many Christian related blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channel. On the one hand, I am glad for the growing diversity in Christian related content on these three platforms. Yet, a note of caution needs to be given.
Yes, I am looking at myself. You’d think that I would have learned from the many years of blogging for this niche. However, it is something that I readily forgot when diving into YouTube. If you visit Christianity Explained on YouTube, I’ve created a variety of videos. However, it is in January 2022 that I fully committed to that platform. The same thing applies to the audio podcast.
Do you know that each platform has its own needs? When it comes to YouTube, the good folks at VidIQ have pointed out that YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine on the Internet. What are people searching for? Well, it is not a detailed teaching on John 7:24. If you watched my video on that verse then you can guess where I’m going.
Do you recall what I mentioned about biblical literacy in America? Guess what? I think that I went a deeper than the average person could take in. It didn’t help that the video was 26:44 long. I can just hear the crew from VIdIQ and my friends saying, “Can you break that topic down to bite size morsels and in a shorter video format?”
My various friends are quite correct. How does this relate to the call of “Keeping It, Simple”; especially for YouTube and the other platform? The aforementioned video could easily have been done in 3 or 4 parts. In other words, smaller and more easily digestible bite sized videos done in love can have a more lasting impression than a truck load of knowledge.
This truth comes just in time. Why? I am toying with the idea of a video on spiritual gifts and their role in the life of believers. Yes, I am one who believes the gifts are for today and I believe in the role of Scripture in guiding how they are used. As Rob and Dan of VidIQ would say, “Take that one big idea and break it down in bite sized small videos!”
What about Christianity Explained Podcast? I’ll be linking this blog post to an audio podcast. I like the idea of having a conversation through my writing and audio podcast. As the blog site and audio podcast continue to grow, I will trust the Holy Spirit to lead me in choosing the right content for these two platforms. Right now, Christianity Explained Podcast is definitely showing signs of growth, these past two months.
Do I have anything in mind? That would be telling! You’ll have to come back and find out. My blog posts won’t always be directed at one specific target. I hope this blog post is of some help and encouragement to you. Have a blessed day!
Christianity Explained 