Best blogs of 2008
18 Dec 2008
It’s that time of year, and I’m looking back, and reviewing stuff. One thing for that review is the blogs I have enjoyed this year. So here’s a run down of the top dozen I track the most and some reasons why. (BTW all the blogs I track are listed here.)
Any Rowell: is a DTh students at Duke Divinity, relatively new to blogging. I keep finding him commenting at other blogs I like to read, and I look forward to his posts, on church and intersections with his research on the nature of church.
Ben Witherington: is shaping up as the New Testament version of Scott McKnight. His commentary on Mark has been a main read for my sunday teaching this past year. His blog is a mix of personal journal, and observations of church as it intersects with his interests. He wrote one of the best critiques of Frank Viola that I have come across and steer people to.
Dan Wilt: has one of the best looking blogs ever, he’s a fellow Vineyard Church guy, and is making the most amazing steps in exploring the nature of worship, and it’s depth with regards to our emerging culture.
Fernando Gros: is also a contender for the best looking blog, and very different to Dan Wilt’s in design, but so creative. When it comes to commentary on culture that is outside the usual blog platitudes, Fernando is someone who has something I always want to listen to. I think he’s one of the best culture blogggers out there. He also has a great name for an eponymous blog.
Dan Kimball: is someone I have a lot of time for and respect and I like where Dan has landed with regards to the Emerging Church.
Robin Parry: is the acquisitions editor for Paternoster, and a good mate. A shared interest in all things Sci-Fi, and he’s theologically sharp, with a wicked sense of humor.
Theopolitical: subtitled as, ‘Bridging the endless and treacherous gap between theological academia and pop-culture politics’, this is ’The’ blog for me with the smartest posts in the area of my research interests, resourced by the authors I have been reading the most these past two years.
Chris Tilling: Chris was a member of our church plant so many years ago, I think I had hair when we met. Then he went of to Germany, is close to finishing a PhD in NT stuff, and has returned to teach in London. Chris is super smart, and super funny. Probably the most satirical and entertaining blogger for me in 2008. He also wrote the shortest review (I’ve seen) of Pagan Christianity.
Alan Mann: is another friend, and prolific writer, producing a blog with superb commentary on church and society.
Faithmaps: I’ve relied on Stephen Shields faithmaps blog for years for a round up and heads up on broader trends within the larger emerging church conversation.
Jamie Smith: What can I say, he’s the kind of intellect and person of character I aspire to be. Jamie is someone I listen to and take a lead from in so much of my hopes and aspirations for theology and church.
Paul Mayers: last but not least, my running buddy, co-blogger, friend, fellow church member, and co-dreamer of all things Deep Church.
So what blogs have influenced you the most in 2008?
4 comments
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Comment by rodney
12.26 pm on 18 Dec 2008
hello Jason
an interesting list of blogs to check out! some of the blogs that have influenced me or I follow are:
Deep Church (you guys do a great job)
The Prodigal Kiwi – a New Zealand blog by Paul Fromont about Christian spirituality, contemplation and church. Some profound and moving reflections that encourage and inspire
Open Source research by Katherine Moody -she is doing a thesis on emerging church and truth. Her posts are well written and chronicle her exploration of this area…she will reply to you if you comment which I like.
Church and Pomo: an very academic orientated site about christianity/postmodernism issues …most of the posts go over my head but there is an occasional one I comment on. been going for a few years and need a fresh approach
Eternal Echoes: a very honest and personal blog about the life of a trainee methodist minister called Sally whose charming personality comes across in her writing
Missional Order: a newish blog about adapting monasticism to present day Christian spirituality – some thoughful posts I have appreciated
Way out West by Mark Berry
some of the blogs I have enjoyed this year!
Rodney
Comment by Jill
6.49 pm on 19 Dec 2008
In regard to BWIII’s critique of “Pagan Christianity?”, Frank Viola’s response to Ben Witherington can be read in its entirety here: http://www.ptmin.org/FV_BW.pdf .
He is also blogging at http://www.frankviola.wordpress.com/ .
Frank’s blog is a favorite of mine in ‘08. It’s a great combination of Christ-focused articles, light-hearted posts, contests and more. Frank interacts alot with those posting comments on his blog, so if you have a question or comment, check it out.
Comment by Becky
1.03 pm on 22 Dec 2008
Ahhh, Chris Tilling was a great loss to us at VCS, wish there were more like him. Loving Paul M’s posts, they really resonate with me. All the other blogs I read are totally unconnected and irrelevant though, so I’m relying on you for all the news, Jase
Keep up all your good work! Bx
Comment by Existential Punk
8.44 am on 26 Dec 2008
Blogs that have influenced me in 2008:
1. Pete Rollins: Great friend and challenging writer. Eloquent and provocative. http://peterrollins.net/blog/index.php
2. Tony Jones at Beliefnet: A whirlwind of topics with a progressive, emerging church perspective. http://blog.beliefnet.com/tonyjones/
3.Adam Walker Cleaveland’s pomomusings: Similar to Tony Jones.
http://pomomusings.com/
4.Peter Walker at Emerging Christianity: A good friend who writes in deep and provocative ways yet highly accessible. He is really good about looking at all sides of the issues and if he messes up, readily admits it! http://www.emergingchristian.com/
5. Tad at emerging toward something redeeming: Found this gem recently: http://taddelay.wordpress.com/
6.Unorthodoxology: http://unorthodoxology.blogspot.com/
7. Matt Stone at Glocal Cjristianity. Great conversation on topics and with people of other faiths and Christians. http://mattstone.blogs.com/
8. Rachel at Evolving In Monkey Town: A great voice who is a woman! She has a soft yet strong and forthright voice and extremely generous in her posts and responses to commenters.
9. Richard Beck at Experimental Theology: http://www.rachelheldevans.com/
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