Today, I started writing an Authenticity Policy for bondChristian.com. The idea is similar to a Disclosure Policy.
A Disclosure Policy for a website tells what information the site collects from its visitors, what it’s going to do with the information, the site’s affiliates, and so on. Usually we put these up to avoid lawsuits or to comply with various regulations. But sometimes people put them up to build trust with their readers.
How this relates to bondChristian.com
I got to thinking about this for bondChristian.com. bondChristian.com doesn’t need one of these policies yet. But I’d like to take the initiative and disclose everything I can.
For bondChristian, I wanted the Disclosure Policy to be more than just disclosure. To me, “disclosure” sounds like a fence: “I’ll move some information out from behind the fence so you know what’s going on.” For this site, I think I can give more than that.
I want to tear down the fence completely, not just disclose what I must. I think the Internet in general is moving in that direction, but more importantly, I think it’s the way God designed us to live: authentically. As a community, it will pay off in the long-run.
How this relates to bondChristians (You and I)
When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, they were naked. That’s as physically authentic as you can get. It was only after sin entered the world that Adam and Eve realized they had something to hide.
The same is true in the non-physical world. We only need covering for sin. Otherwise, we should be completely authentic. I’d like to propose that each of us develop a personal Authenticity Policy.
Authenticity Policies initiate
Disclosure feels as if something been previously closed. Being truly authentic is being open from the beginning, not waiting until someone forces you to disclose.
Authenticity Policies are comprehensive
What’s up with being authentic in one area but keeping other parts hidden? That’s not authentic. That’s disclosing some parts. Authenticity is about revealing the whole truth (and nothing but the truth).
An Authenticity Policy is a promise
You don’t release it all in one shot, then leave it alone. It’s a constant reminder of authenticity in day to day interaction. It’s a commitment that, while difficult at time, must be kept.
So that’s what I’m working on now: developing a personal Authenticity Policy in how I serve others and how I live my life before God.
Serving Suggestions:
(1) How could you develop your personal Authenticity Policy to more effectively serve others? Try writing up a list starting with just three ways you could be more authentic in the lives of others. (Don’t forget to get specific.)
(2) Check out the Authenticity Policy here at bondChristian.com. It outlines some of the information you might like to know about your privacy and how I plan to conduct business around here.
Twitter Updates
I love your example of Adam and Eve as the inauthentic after they had attempted to cover their sin. I had never thought of it that way before but you’re completely right! I’ll have to remember that example.
Hey, thanks, man. I’m not sure I’d actually thought of it quite like that either until I started writing this. I mean, I thought of them trying to cover sin, but I’d never really considered it as being inauthentic. Great things come through writing (but I don’t have to tell you that).
-Marshall
Marshall, I like the idea of writing something like this. I’ve thought a lot about my own authenticity with my friends and colleagues especially as my life has changed in the last few years. Never thought to write it down though, so this sounds like a good idea for me to do. Thanks for the inspiration and idea.
You’re welcome, Mike. Glad you enjoyed it and can use it.
As I’m sure you noticed, I’m a strong proponent of writing. It seems to help me get a better grasp on my thoughts instead of trying to keep them all in my head.
I’m planning to eventually write a followup post to this about actually drafting one of these for personal life and interaction. I’ve found, though, that it’s more complicated than I’d originally anticipated. As a result, it’s taking longer for me to write my own. It’s been a fantastic exercise, though, so I’m looking forward to sharing it.
-Marshall Jones Jr.