We just received the very sad news that our friend and inspiration Michael Spencer, also known as The Internet Monk, died yesterday at his home in Oneida, KY. Please say a prayer for his family.
As a writer and thinker, Michael pioneered the Gospel-centered ecumenism that we shamelessly try to imitate/emulate here. His site remains the model for anyone interested in an ‘online witness’ – perhaps the first (and certainly the greatest) example of a religious forum that managed to express a genuine point of view without succumbing to the stone-throwing and endless insider/outsider parsing of terminology that characterizes so much of the blogosphere. One that was/is utterly accessible, deeply insightful, always engaging and never patronizing or condescending about other perspectives. He brought Christians together in the most positive way, and provided a bridge for those who would no longer consider themselves such. Michael understood the Gospel as Good News, and it was infectious. Even when he went on the occasional rant, he exuded warmth and brilliance. And when he graciously conducted an interview with me last year, it was a serious encouragement, both professionally and personally. This is a major loss. I only wish I had gotten to meet him face to face.
To (re-)read his seminal piece on the future of Evangelicalism that appeared in the Christian Science Monitor last year, click here.
We encourage you to pre-order his long-awaited book, Mere Churchianity: Finding Your Way Back To Jesus-Shaped Spirituality. We also encourage you to post links in the comments section to your favorite articles of his.
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11 responses to “Michael Spencer – The Internet Monk, 1956-2010”
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Such a sad loss! I met him briefly, just before he was diagnosed. I believe his book will be out soon and I very much look forward to reading it. He brought so many Christians together (instead of dividing them) using the gospel, and I hope this blog can continue in that legacy. I know he loved Mockingbird a ton!
I discovered the Internet Monk through Mockingbird, for which I'll always be grateful. He was doing something very special on his blog and in the world. What a terrible loss. RIP, Michael…
Few words to explain what the man and his work meant to me – his writing (by the grace of God) literally may have saved my faith.
Miss him already but look forward to seeing and hearing from people who have been encouraged by his defense of grace, the gospel and people who don't measure up like me.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/from-the-imonk-archives-when-i-am-weak-why-we-must-embrace-our-brokenness-and-never-be-good-christians
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/a-luther-quote-to-wake-up-the-sleepers
I had read the article Jady suggested, but had never seen the one Mark Babikow mentioned.
It's absolutely amazing. STRONGLY URGE EVERYONE TO CLICK ON IT NOW!
Thanks Mark….
I agree StampDawg.
And here's my favorite line from the Luther article JDK posted:
"Let Luther bother you a bit. Particularly if you are starting to get miserable in this Christian life, and wonder where the laughter and honesty are among Christians. We can find it again, but it comes with embracing justification by faith existentially, and not just as a doctrine."
His blog pointed me Mockingbird!
He was such a wonderful Christian; forever preaching Grace to the lost and found. He was absolutely courageous in his pursuit of Christ and shared that exploration with us.I will miss him more than I can say.
Mich–we will miss him too:(
This is really hard. Michael Spencer pointed me to mockingbird.
He was a hound in pursuit of grace.
And when he found one way love he wanted others to find it too. I will so miss this internet friend and lover of gospel grace.
Keep the torch lit mockingbird.
StampDawg and Mark, That really IS an amazing article. I have sent the link to so many. Thanks for passing that along Mark.