So, this is a link for an article that lists the top fifty most influential Christian leaders in the United states. W makes a pretty high placement. Pope Benedict is ranked pretty high for his Rookie season. T.D. Jakes takes the top spot.
One person who was on the list is the subject of a post at Get Religion. Rick Warren may very well be America's Pastor. Not to be snide, but who knew? The entire Purpose Driven... series has captured the hearts and minds of Christians, non-Christians, liberals and conservatives. He certainly has gotten our attention. He also reverse tithes. He keeps 10% of his income and gives the rest away.
Another influence on the theological scene once upon a time was Buffy. Yes, the Vampire Slayer herself, along with her friend Mr. Pointy, made the news for their religious influence.
I think it's an uncommon collection of influence. Some aspects are not surprising. Media focus and time make a difference. Access to large sums of coin als helps. But what do you think makes these people particularlu influential? Have they been influential in your life? Who would you add to this collection?
Posted by tripp at January 24, 2006 10:01 AMI'd never heard of most of them. I would say that those who are in positions of political power (GWB, Rick Santorum) have influence over my life, but zero to do with my faith life. Except that they contribute to the phenomenon of it being embarrassing to be a person of Christian faith in the U.S. these days.
It's particularly telling that the overwhelming majority of these "influential" people are white, male and rich.
And what the heck is Sean Hannity doing on that list? His blurb didn't say a thing about faith or lack thereof.
Posted by: Megan at January 24, 2006 12:10 PMIt is a curious list to say the least. I think there is a bias, but I am still puzzling through it.
How many Catholics are in this country? There are many more than the ranking of the current Pope might suggest. Well, that's my take at least. There are more Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago than there are ABC-ers in the entire country.
Perhaps influence, nominal Christian loyalty/affiliation and the number of similarly affiliated believers matters not at all.
I had not heard of Sean H. until I saw this list.
Posted by: Tripp at January 24, 2006 12:16 PMYou think there is a bias? Really? ;-)
Posted by: Megan at January 24, 2006 12:28 PMWell, I don't care to falsely accuse an organization, but perhaps there is a slight bias.
It's only a suggestion.
;-)
Posted by: Tripp at January 24, 2006 12:36 PMWhat makes you think the accusation would be false?
Posted by: Megan at January 24, 2006 02:53 PMNothing at all.
Posted by: Tripp at January 24, 2006 03:00 PM