Dr Albert Mohler is a big man on radio, behind the pulpit, in the classroom, in the biggest office of one of the biggest Seminaries in the world, and also on the blogosphere. In fact he has just topped the blogosphere with the leading religion blog according to Technorati rankings. I know this because I am running right behind him at number 2.
Al Mohler deserves to be on top. He writes good content and a lot of people read it. Christianity Today called Al Mohler the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” And of course a lot of people link to his content which is what Technorati notices – esp. since the changes last October in trying to reflect the dynamic nature of the blogosphere and how blogs are ranked. Since Technorati changed the way they rank blogs, all those years worth of permanent inbound links dont really count unless they were recently added. Or in other words, if you dont write compelling content that gets linked by websites and bloggers, and not the same bloggers all the time, your blog will not rise to the top.
But Al is more than a blogger and theologian. He is also a journalist and an apologist with knowledge of how to use media. Thats a unique ability. Al was recently appointed to the Francis Schaeffer Chair of Cultural Apologetics at the World Journalism Institute at The King’s College in New York City. Thats impressive!
I have never met Al Mohler face to face but I think i saw him speak at a Southern Baptist Annual Meeting some years ago. Back in 2006, Al and I both had articles on new atheism at the same time. Al’s article outranked mine but both of our posts sat on the front page of the google search results for “new atheism” and I felt a little like we were in the same fight together. Which should not be surprising because we are both Southern Baptists – he on the more conservative, suit-and-tie-wearing, institutional side and me on the more experimental edge previously known as both “postmodern” and “emerging” but now probably best thought of as “missional.”
Anyway, allow me to introduce you to Big Al, a better blogger than I. Blog on, Al Mohler!
Huh. I didn’t know Al Mohler had a blog. I hear his show on our Christian radio station every weekend. I’ve always enjoyed listening to it. Gonna have to check his blog out.
I’m a new reader. Been enjoying your blog! My husband recommended I read it. 🙂
My blog is ranked several million below yours and Al’s, I’m sure but with enough time and luck I’m sure I can get within several hundred thousand of you two. Here’s hoping….
I just had a quick look – I found it interesting and thought provoking what he had to say. I will definitely be visiting his site again.
Andrew,
“Big Al” has a much bigger platform than TallSkinny. Al does touch a wide array of subjects – generally connected to culture wars, etc. These are helpful even if I might draw different conclusions. You on the other hand need to be encouraged. Just because Technorati changed the rules for determining these things, You still connect with a much wider audience and carry as great an influence. Keep writing, leading, visioning, etc.
Peace.
thanks todd. actually, i spent so much of last decade as number one that i am thrilled when someone knocks me off. scot mcknight was the first and ever since, when someone does it again, even if they sink down later on, i like to honor them. keeps me in my place.
now that we are driving through africa and wifi will be hard to find, i expect to drop down sigificantly – a blogging bungee jump. all good for the soul.
Andrew, you are very kind. May the Lord reward you.
The statistics are indicative of the on-line activity of a segment of Christians in the US, and they are quite active, in keeping with a history of using whatever new media exist to communicate “the Gospel”. Other folks don’t care to use the Internet that way, or don’t go to those sites. I check your blog daily, even though I haven’t been an Evangelical for a long time; I would not read Dr. Mohler’s blog. As for CT naming him “the reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” – well, that’s simply their opinion, and unfortunately I would consider it not very well researched.
Safe journeying.
Dana
I am utterly agreed with your outlook. Thanks for sharing your expensive feelings.
Andrew,
You’re my blogfather from about eight years back now. And until very recently, I was also in the So. Baptist camp.
I must say that I have to respectfully disagree with your generous assessment of Dr. Mohler. Aside from my significant theological differences with him, I’ve found much of his writing to be most unhelpful, in the way he actively participates in the culture wars. His is a polarizing, often judgmental voice. At times, he writes some good, informative posts. But IMHO, he’s also been guilty of making strong statements about some things he seems to be ill-informed about. That’s true for all of us bloggers – kind of the nature of the medium – but for someone of his influence and academic standing, he needs to be more careful.
In short, I don’t believe Dr. Mohler is helping the missional cause in North America much through his divisiveness. So it’s troublesome for me to see him ranked this highly.
Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing yours.
Wow, I didn’t know Al Mohler had a blog. Thank you for pointing others toward new blogs. I also realy like the content on yours and plan to link to yours tonight. God Bkess.
Al is the man!
I am pleased you enjoy his writings etc.
It is very important. Right now doing it. Thank you very much!