The Evangelical Ghetto

Some interesting postings from Volokh amd Yglesias on the politics of the Blogpsphere. Here are some interesting thoughts from Yglesias that are worth thinking about-

Eugene Volokh makes the good point that there's precious little evidence for the oft-reported claim that the blogosphere leans right. As I well recall from my early days, this was definitely the case at one time, but it really hasn't been for some time.

I would also add that for a variety of reasons, the most prominent right-of-center blogs tend to be less rightwing than their left-of-center counterparts are leftwing. Another way of saying this is that the blogosphere-right is largely composed of pro-war libertarians, or maybe you want to call them socially-moderate conservatives, or whatever. People like Glenn Reynolds and Andrew Sullivan and Eugene Volokh all of whom have views on gays, abortion, and so forth that would disqualify them from, say, the Republican presidential nomination.

The liberal blogosphere, by contrast, is much closer to the prevailing Democratic Party orthodoxy, or at least it seems to be.

I think the reason for that what passes for the conservative wing of the Blogopshere, at least in the top 100, tends to be secular and libertarian. A quick look at top of NZ Bear's ecosystem shows but two evangelical bloggers, Tacitus at #59 (I'll take Ben's word that he's an Augustinian Wonder Boy) and Susanna Cornett of Cut on the Bias, and she sneaks in at #98. . Yours truly is a modest #445.

One of Yglesias commenters thought that it was the lack of intellectualism that cause the theocons to be underprepresented. I'm not the only one with a terminal degree; try a couple of law degrees, or a Ph.D. in Physics. Throw in a couple of law school students, a college dropout who left because he was too good a writer, computer expertsand Conan the Librarian.

No, what I think does makes evangelicals (and conservative Catholics who are in this camp as well) a lesser player is that the more we talk about religious matters, the less secular folks stop by. Libertarian sites share a common culture with liberals and also share a distaste for a less-permissive conservative morality. For the most part, the more successful evangelical/conservative Catholic bloggers focus more on non-theological topics.

Good blogging comes from the heart, and evangelicals heart's are going to be more focused on God; that's going to drive some secular folks away. Not only are we not focusing as much on popular culture as libertarians would (and when we do, it will often be in a critical fashion), we're talking about stuff that is outside of the sphere of the unchurched.

Does that mean that we should be less theological and talk about other stuff so that the more secular folks head our way? For some of us, possibly. However, I'm going to keep talking about what pulls my chatty-ring, and God pulls it a lot.

Comments

[John Bruce]

Daniel Drezner had a post on Christians a while ago and, according to him, got a lot of traffic. I think you can have controversial posts on religion that will get interest. Midwest Conservative Journal has certainly gotten some links from ME regarding their campaign against mainstream Episcopalians.

Actually, as a mainstream Episcopalian, I'm having a difficult time finding like-minded blogs -- nobody's blogging in favor of Gene Robinson specifically, though of course many blogs favor gay rights.

I think there's more latent interest there than may meet the eye.

[Alan]

I tend to agree with you. I started blogging mostly so I could have a place to post discussion list postings I have written that I especially liked. The topics mostly had to do with apologetics, though it quickly evolved into an "I'll write whatever I happen to feel like" thing. I only got involved in discussing politics because of the war and the fact that so many of the blogs I read are into it. But I don't care to limit myself to one area of discussion. I think there are many of us who will want to write about theology, or practical issues of faith as well, and this is stuff that will not be of much interest to outsiders. I suppose that means I will always have a limited number of readers, but that's fine with me.

That being said, I think one of the best political blogs out there is Don Sensing's One Hand Clapping.

[Joshua Claybourn]

Well said.

[Rob C]

Yes, Mark, I agree. When you start talking about religion people tune themselves out. . .unless they can jump all over you.

I use blogging as a tool for me to keep current with current events and as an outlet to practice and improve my writing skills; not as an outlet for very personal thoughts. I know of many fellow Christians who do use blogs (e.g. Xanga) for precisely that and I tend to think that it is somewhat inappropriate--somewhat akin to telling total strangers you just met your inner feelings.

The struggle with contend, I find, is that as you blog, you get pulled into the stream that everybody else is in and you tend to comment on that. I guess it's kinda like mom always used to say, "You are what your friends are".

[MarcV]

I'll second what Rob C said. It can be difficult deciding how much to post on personal thoughts, but it is not a personal blog until some of those "very personal" thoughts are expressed.

My other point, which I've posted on before, is the opinion that evangelical (or, gasp, pentecostal!) intellectual is an "oxymoronic" term. How can someone achieve great understanding and intellect if they're weighed down by the Bible, helping to win souls and serving God?

Difficult to break the stereotypes, but we'll just keep plugging and blogging along, looking to God as the Ultimate Judge.

PS Thanks for the mention as a computer "expert", but I'm no expert - I only portray one on the job. It's been seat-of-the-pants and scramble when I don't know an answer. Guess I'm doing OK if they still give me a paycheck every other week.

[Joe Carter]

Excellent post! I've linked to it an added some thoughts on how we can break out of our "ghetto."

[Tim]

I agree with the last sentence of you post, especially. If it floats my boat, I'll blog about it. I'd rather blog from a sense of passion than trying to just attract readers. The bloggers I appreciate the most are also the most passionate ones about what they are writing about.

[Kevin Holtsberry]

Is being a lawyer a sign of intelligence these days? :->

Perhaps I am just smarting because you didn't mention me and my fancy MAC Masters. "Bowling Green the Poison Ivy of the MAC."

[Adrian Warnock]

Further to our discussions about promoting Evangelical Blogging.....

'A new Alliance has been forged. The God Blogs have begun to unite. This potentially formidable force is rallying aroung the banner of 'The Blogdom of God'. Although now a small alliance, which could be seen to be like a mustard seed, will it grow as in the parable to be a large tree that birds can nest in?

This is essentially a blogroll for people willing to describe themselves as God Bloggers.

There are no other conditions applied. You do not even need to link to the Blogdom of God alliance to be a part, simply email [email protected] if you want in. For more info see my blog or http://www.truthlaidbear.com/ba.php

[djchuang]

I'm not sure how these God Blogs and Blogdom of God compares/contrasts to other faith-bloggers indexed & linked at http://www.blogs4god.com or http://www.planetemergent.org/ ??