Blog Awards
I just found out this morning from Roger’s comment on the last post that “Christian Blogger Awards” are being given out in eight categories. As I look at the finalists, I think these are actually “Church of Christ Blogger Awards.” (I don’t mean to diminish them by that. Just clarify.)
You can vote here.
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Today I’m teaching Philemon to my freshmen students. I continue to be amazed at Paul’s gospel-formed style of persuasion. It also brings a smile to a reader’s face when Paul says, “Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.” Brilliant! He’s not going to be bold and order Philemon . . . but in saying that he could do it . . . well, Philemon doesn’t miss the point!
Paul also addresses the book of Philemon to Philemon, other leaders, and the church. So, if Philemon doesn’t do what Paul’s asking, others will know about it. Just another form of Paul’s Christian persuasion.
Excellent point, Matt. It’s a brilliant, often under-appreciated book.
Are you using Fitzmyers’ commentary in the Anchor Bible series? It is probably the best out there and takes into account some newer theories that really help put the pieces together. I haven’t look at Witherington’s commentary on it but I am sure that is excellent as well.
Yeah, Mike – I think calling this the “Christian Blogger Awards” is kinda like calling the championship game between the AL and NL the “World Series.” Still a great thing, but not very accurate nomenclature. But, as you said, not to diminish it. I think this is a good thing – both Christian blogging and the awards to be recognized at Tulsa with the huge CoC gathering.
Christian Bloggers only, not the only Christian Bloggers.
haha David – good one. Any awards list without Mike or Larry James is not much of a list.
Kent, I agree and I’d like to add one other name to your list……..I hope that is ok.
Keith Brenton
Kent F. Ouch … pretty cold hearted comment towards those that made the list.
I’m sorry that some don’t like the finalists, but that’s how the voting went.
I don’t know what is accomplished by disrespecting those who were nominated.
I think if you’ll look, the finalists either promoted the blog contest (therefore sending their readers to the voting) or they link on their blog to Theobloggers, the ones hosting the voting. See bradpalmore.com for list of some Theobloggers. Jeff, I’m guessing that all Kent means is this: add all the page visits of all those blogs listed and they don’t add up to the page visits of this one blog. Those of us who are regular readers knew nothing about it. The author doesn’t promote Theobloggers, and he didn’t point us to the contest.
Page hits do not equal a good blog (not to take anything away from this one). All of the blogs nominated for awards are excellent and worthy of recognition. There were some blogs that I thought should have been nominated, but I’m not going to disparage those who were selected.
I found Kent’s comment to be disrespectful and uncalled for.
well, i actually asked that the title of the contest be changed for both the sake of accuracy and that I personally find it offensive because so many of my same heritage don’t realize that others hear “we are the only real Christians” I don’t believe they meant that but it shows a lack of understanding of what is being “heard”.
But, Mike, I nominated you for the record…does that win me anything?
Ha! I didn’t know about it, so I can’t reward you. The only legitimate awards on this blog came at 1,000,000 (a book) and 2,000,000 page hits (a $25 gift certificate, as I recall). I slept through the 3,000,000 mark sometime at the end of 2008.
story of my life…
For what it’s worth, I’ll weigh in on the Christian Blogger Awards issue, being that I am one of the finalists and I also believe Mike’s blogs is one of the finest blogs I have experienced.
My blog was voted as a finalist in the category of Marriage/Family/Parenting. I knew nothing about the awards contest or TheoBloggers until getting an email from Brad Palmore notifying me I was a finalist. I was surprised and honored (after first clarifying that it wasn’t just some internet hoax!). Upon looking at the voting page, and looking through the various blogs represented, it quickly became obvious to me that this was a very Church of Christ oriented award. Two things hit me shortly thereafter:
1. Why isn’t Mike’s blog anywhere on the list? (sorry, I don’t frequent Larry James’ blog, but I hear it’s great)
2. Will I be “disqualified” when the award officiants realize I am no longer a CoC member?
I asked Brad about the absence of Mike’s blog, and he said he had been surprised as well. He suggested it may be because those selected tend to be more involved in networking across the blogosphere, while Mike shares this blog with the masses, but doesn’t do as much of the blog cross-fertilization as the others. (By the way, he did not share this in any sort of derogatory way about Mike or his blog, just as an observation). I guess that makes sense, I don’t know.
As to my blog being on the list, while I am now worshiping with a non-denominational (and “instrumental”) church, John Dobbs graciously and sincerely assured me that my blog/ministry stands on its own merit, and the CoC factor is not an issue as far as that goes. He also explained that those who organized and promoted this new award are all CoC members, so it has begun with a very CoC scope. Time will tell how it may grow.
My thanks to Brad, John, and the others involved in bringing the significance and power of blogging to the attention of the CoC fellowship in a very intentional way. My hope is that this award and awareness will grow exponentially to the full borders of the Kingdom and to those still lost in darkness, and that many lives will be transformed to the glory of God via the tremendous conduit of Christian blogging.
Speaking personally as a finalist in this award, I took no offense at either Kent’s or Keith’s comments, but I can only speak for myself. And I also greatly appreciated the sincere words of believingthomas.
Wow! What a fun conversation about the Blogger Awards at the Tulsa Workshop! As one of the sponsors of the “Christian Blogger Awards”, I found Kent’s comment to be more of a vote of confidence and appreciation for Mike’s blog than a slight toward the list.
And Dave’s comment was hilarious!
Since this is the first year we’re doing this, we knew that there would be some hiccups in the system. If we’re fortunate enough to do this again next year, we’ll try to iron out some of the kinks.
There is not an intentional desire to include only C of C blogs. TheoBloggers hosts a variety of blogs from all different denominational and non-denominational groups. Many of the blogs nominated were non-C of C, and one of the judges that helped put together the finalist list is non-C of C. Because of the overwhelming involvement of C of C people in the nominating process, this year’s awards took a turn toward being C of C heavy due to the population that responded to the nomination opportunity. This opportunity was open to anyone to nominate blogs of their choice in the categories represented on the voting page.
Additionally, there was no desire to exclude non TheoBlogger hosted accounts. Of the 24 finalists, only 10 are actually hosted by TheoBloggers.
To help avoid any speculation, I’ll happily answer any questions you have about the awards. If you’ll be at the Tulsa Workshop and would like to register to attend the awards luncheon, please visit http://register.theobloggers.org.
Uh, folks. I just wanted people to have a chance to vote. I don’t know those blogs, so I can’t vote. But I’d love for others to.
Thanks, Mike!
*gasp*! Mike! You aren’t going to endorse your RPM buddy??? Where’s the love?
I would . . . but you are a 5:30 a.m. dropout.
I’ve only heard of one of these bloggers. Don’t really care about the awards….no biggie.
I would also add a favorite blogger, Neva Cooper! She has been unable to blog for the last month or so due to serious health issues, but her blog, “Dancing in the Light” is a daily must read for me when she [Neva] is able to blog. If you haven’t had a chance to read her, take a peek – you will be blessed enormously by her writings. Prayers for her healing would also be welcomed, btw.