Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Christianity/Noticeboard

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Wikipedia:WikiProject Religion

Please comment: Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Religion#interreligious --Striver 05:13, 11 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Anyone here?

I don't see any activity here. In fact, the project itself was started by a Muslim! Is anyone interested in getting things going?

Here. I am a noob, but my fields of study are theology and divinity. Devious Viper 12:06, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My two cents

For the moment, I have one comment. In my experience a good deal of contention has ocurred at Christianity-related pages between people holding one of two points of view: (1) Jesus is Christ and Divine, and the NT is literally and inerrantly true, and (2) Jesus never existed and the NT is a pack of lies. We will always have contributors who espouse these two views. However, there is a third view (or a range of related views) that believes that Jesus existed and that some but not all events in the NT ocurred, but that rejects the divinity of Jesus and any miracles. Currently I think this view is represented, but I have often seen edit-wars in which this view (or, as I said, group of related views) got squeezed out. I just think it is important to represent this view, and to acknowledge that there are other views besides the two extremes I mentioned in the second sentence, ant to actively seek them out.

A related comment. I think that the two extreme views I describe in the second sentence of the paragraph above reflect deeply personal experiences of editors. Indeed, religion-related articles are often articles about which people have knowledge from personal experience. I do not want to deny that. But there has also been a lot of research done on Chritianity and Christian-related topics that is based not on personal experience but on conventional methods of scholarship. We need to draw on that scholarship. this is a simple matter of avoiding original research and finding verifiable sources. BUT I think you (we) will all find that following these policies and seeking out such disinterested, impersonal scholarship, will also help us comply with NPOV A LOT. Just some advice, if I may presume to give advice. Slrubenstein | Talk 00:14, 8 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm game!

I've been meaning to edit our Christian articles for a while now, but have always felt a bit overwhelmed with the seriousness of the subject matter. - Ta bu shi da yu 01:46, 8 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I wish others (like user:Cheesedreams) felt the same... Sam Spade 08:36, 8 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

ooo... CheeseDreams... *shudders* Ta bu shi da yu 16:28, 4 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Template

This project doesn't seem to be using the template / set up process outlined @ Wikipedia:WikiProject. Cheers, Sam Spade 08:34, 8 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Somebody started the page without any plan to make it active (as best as I can tell, he was actually a Muslim who started the Islam project and decided for the sake of completeness that there should be a Christianity project). So the set up process was already a little out of whack. Other than that, what are your thoughts on the prospects? Would you yourself help? (Counting myself, there are three so far who say they will.) A.J.A. 03:46, 9 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

New template...Template:Christian theology...please help! Thanks...KHM03 13:19, 10 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Added Footer and modified Scope

I added the footer. It is in the form of most of the other project footers out there. In doing so, I also modified the scope or goal. I added a statement about neutrality, and a statement about honor for Christ, the head of Christianity. I don't think this is in conflict with basic neutrality. Guðsþegn – U T C E – 19:32, 13 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Collaboration

So far nobody's commented on the collaborative projects I've suggested. Either that means they're so great there's nothing that needs to be changed, or they're so bad there's no point trying to tweak them into something workable and everyone is too polite to point that out. A.J.A. 01:47, 14 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps I missed something, but what particular collaborative projects are you referring to? -- Guðsþegn 05:02, 14 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Number 3 on the To Do list. A.J.A. 05:17, 14 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Should we move the "General" discussion to this page? There seems to be two places to look to see what's going on. Endomion 21:36, 15 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would definetly be intrested in any collaboration. Coffeeboy 20:12, 24 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bible articles

There are a number of Bible article centralised discussion which have been initiated by User:-Ril- (many repeats of ond wars). Anyone interested in this project might like to contribute. They are at Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/200 verses of Matthew Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Verses of John 20 Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Whole bible chapter text. --Doc ^ask? 18:09, 16 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Okay

There seems to have been some interest, so we'll see if actually implimenting the stuff I suggested gets things moving. I've started the destubbification campaign. I gave each category of stubs and initial population of five. Feel free to add more. A.J.A. 19:50, 20 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Article Approach

Since there is really alot of debate about the validity of the Bible, how do we approach the articles. Are we to approach them from an assumption that since we are talking about articles of faith that any background being supplied is assumed true for the purposes of the article? For instance if using the Ressurection as a background point, do we just say that?Coffeeboy 20:12, 24 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bible Version

I recommend that members of the project agree to use the same version of the Bible for consistancy. Coffeeboy 20:35, 24 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If we do go with a common translation, then I recommend the English Standard Version.

Guðsþegn – U T C E – 20:34, 28 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Works for me. Coffeeboy 13:08, 30 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Me too. However, where the translations diverge we should really discuss why that is. - Ta bu shi da yu 16:30, 4 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Calling all mystics!

Please come help out @ mysticism / Talk:Mysticism. Another editor and I have been butting heads over some minor issues, and the article could really use some outside input. Please come lend a hand! Sam Spade 19:08, 1 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Just a thought...

One area of the Christian world that is under represented on Wiki is that of World Missions. The fact that we are able to have these discussions is that at some time or other, somebody took the Great Comission seriously enough to go! Though, where we start on this subject is anyones guess.Paulrach 22:05, 6 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Inactivity?

I've noticed that many of our members are quite inactive: might I suggest we take it upon ourselves to begin improving certain books in the bible? There are complete articles (such as Matthew 1) which are quite detailed, while others such as Matthew 25 are incomplete, and need tons of work. Should we take it upon ourselves to improve such matters? --Nomader^Talk 02:42, 9 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have tried to get some stuff done, but I don't see alot of activity in the Project. Coffeeboy 19:22, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would love your help.

I recently started a new wiki over at wikicities which is on the subject of christianity. Christianity Knowledge Base is the site.

The goal is to have a knowledgebase on christianity from a distinctly "C(hristian)POV" rather than the NPOV. This would go far beyond what is allowed on Wikipedia. Unfortunately, for example, there is a limit to how honorably and magnificently the Lord can be represented at WP.

Christianity Knowledge Base is not meant to be a mere Christian Encyclopedia, but to foster a real sense of community. I'd like to include things like current events, news, stories, and anything that would add to both an understanding of Christianity, but also its enjoyment. I'm looking for help to build a resource that could really enrich the lives of Christians.

I know you are busy but I am actively seeking new sysops/admins to help me build this site up, and I would be positively thrilled if you could contribute in any capacity whatsoever. nsandwich 05:51, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

International Churches of Christ

I'd like to suggest that anyone familiar with International Churches of Christ take a look at the article. The church is somewhat controversial and has some very harsh critics and the church itself seems to be a bit of shameless self-promoter. So there are competing strong viewpoints from both sides. The article is a real mess - much irrelevant information, disjointed history section, very non-NPOV statement, few references, and plenty of new anonymous editors trying to insert their point of view. If anyone is willing to wade into the mess, it could really use the assistance of an experienced and/or knowledgable editor. Thanks. Deli nk 14:21, 9 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

NTCC

Can someone help review this article? -- Zanimum 13:44, 10 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I Just read the article and I don't know where to start cleaning up! Looks like the article was written by the church member and very brochure-ish. Unless someone write a NPOV of NTCC, I suggest we just delete it.Atticuslai 08:48, 11 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Christian Essense

~~Perhaps a hoax, comment at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Christian Essenes~~

Content forking with chapters

Ive started a discussion at Wikipedia:WikiProject Bible#Content forking and the Bible about whether having articles about John 20, Matthew 27, Luke 23, and Mark 15, as well as articles about the Passion and the Death of Jesus, constitutes content forking, or is otherwise a bad idea.

I was hoping some people might join the discussion there and tell me whether you agree with my stance or not. Clinkophonist 13:55, 18 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Preventing an edit war over the Saints

A while ago, the WikiProject Saints set up an infobox template. The last part of that template included a space for a sample prayer.

Recently, there has been some commentary on the talk page about the inclusion of prayers on the articles about the Saints. Two editors in particular, Attilios and Ian Spackman, have been editing the articles pretty heavily. I think they both have an agenda and are pursuing it despite the consensus of the Wikiproject.

It is my belief that prayers in a literary or historic context are NPOV. I can understand that some may consider the inclusion of a prayer to be hagiographic, but freedom of religion is not freedom from religion.

There is a 3RR about to happen on a number of these articles. I am trying to be philosophical about this, but don’t want to yield the point when what is happening goes against the consensus and borders on vandalism. One editor is an Italian atheist who uses very poor English, didn't understand what are NPOV was and left nasty notes in the edit summaries and in the articles themselves.

"WIKIPEDIA IS NOT THE PLACE FOR PRAYERS. GO IN THE CHURCHES TO LOSE YOUR TIME IF YOU HAVE” [1]
There was an edit was on Philip Neri that accused the U.S. miltary of torture. [2]
One editor said he was editing drunk.

This on the heals of the edit war on John Bosco and homosexuality. How do we reign this in before it gets out control?

Thanks! --evrik 14:58, 28 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Passover in the Christian tradition

If anyone wants to weigh in on the discussion as to whether a section on Passover in the Christian tradition should be included in Passover may want to check out that article's talk page. Fishhead64 15:42, 7 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Local churches

Sorry to bother you with this remote subject, but I wasn't able to find a more specific WikiProject. The article Local churches quite clearly is neither honorable nor magnificent. Neither adherents nor critics seem to have anyone available who can write encyclopedic style. Any bold editor available, who has verfiable information and will replace the current article with a short but reasonable one? --Pjacobi 18:38, 9 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Christianity Wikia

A follow up on Nsandwich's message above about the Christianity Knowledge Base at Wikia. The site has recently gone through a fork, and so is undergoing some changes. If there are any wiki editors interested in getting involved with a wiki from a Christian point of view, this is a great time to join. It's hosted by Wikia, the company set up by Jimbo Wales and Angela so it's another good place to contribute. Anyone who would like to join is welcome. -- sannse (talk) 18:56, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ray Comfort

Someone seems to have added details about one Ray Comfort, and a Way of the Master group, highly prominently into the Open-air preaching article (which I have removed). I severely doubt that these are so prominent in Christianity, and I suspect someone is spamming wikipedia articles to make them appear more significant. Could someone take a look? Clinkophonist 17:24, 20 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Um, I put it there, and I didn't think it was linkspamming. If it was, I would've rathered you came to me directly. I figured that he was becoming much more prominent in the field of OA and street evangelism recently, because of Kirk Cameron and WOTM. What specifically did you find wrong with it? MessengerAtLWU (talk | contribs) 04:07, 31 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well there is only one picture in that article, it looked to me like it was just being used as an example. Homestarmy 14:02, 24 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Reverted truncation by User:Jedi Hibbler

I don't understand how User:Jedi Hibbler's truncation of this project was an improvement and so I have reverted to the version prior to his edits.

--Richard 19:33, 26 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sufjan Stevens assistance

This article has a section, religious themes, that needs the attention of someone with more than average familiarity with Christian concepts in art. The page editors have consensus that the section belongs, but we also agree that it's underdeveloped, and none of us really feels confident about improving it. If anyone could help, it would be appreciated, even if you just drop a citation link into Talk. --Dhartung | Talk 21:23, 2 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help develop Scripture Database website

I've been conceptualizing a Scripture Database website for several years now. I've finally gotten around to publishing a rough draft of the site online. It is wiki-based and would make a good compliment to Wikipedia scripture pages. Please use my dedicated talk page to discuss. --J. J. 19:35, 3 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

WikiProject Anglicanism

A new WikiProject focussing on Anglicanism and the Anglican Communion has just been initiated: WikiProject Anglicanism. Our goal is to improve and expand Anglican-reltaed articles. If anyone (Anglican or non-Anglican) is interested, read over the project page and consider signing up. Cheers! Fishhead64 06:15, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Last Temptation of Christ

"Categorized as a Christian Film debate" I would very much deny that this could be called a "Christian film". What do others think. The fact that an author of a work believes something to be the case doesn't actually make it so. :: Kevinalewis : ^{(Talk Page)}/_(Desk) 11:05, 16 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would say that if the author claims it as a Christian film, then there is a good reason to let it be categorized that way. If any Christian groups (say, anything on the List of Christian denominations) do, it should certainly be in the category. Not everyone has the same idea of what is Christian or not. Let the article deal with what the theology of the film is, and why or why not certain groups might see it as Christian. If the category is going to be any good at all, it should lean towards the inclusive side. Sxeptomaniac 22:15, 16 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Chinese in Singapore needs cleanup

This article could really use some attention from someone who knows how to discuss religion in neutral terms, and who has a grasp of Christian practices and modern history. It's currently full of judgemental commentary. A sample:

"Protestants in Singapore consists of Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian as well as evangelist Baptist. Pentecostals, Charismatics as well as the City Harvest, who are being viewed as unorthodox by many Christians, have made large numbers of converts in the recent years, notably among youths. Other denominations such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Unification Church are being banned by the government as deviationist cults.

Christians are known for their taboos towards other religions among non-Christians. Catholic taboos are more accentuated towards human rights, notably abortion and IVF. Protestants, on the other hand, holds taboos against other religions, notably ancestor worship, worship in all Chinese temples, be it ancestral, Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist. Such practices are deemed as Pagan among Protestants. Catholicism, on the other hand, only prohibited worship of Taoist deities and Buddhism."

~~Anyone want to take this on? Su-Laine Yeo 16:45, 7 July 2006 (UTC)~~ - I've taken a stab at it. Su-Laine Yeo 03:55, 2 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Bible

There are alot of references to scripture throughout wikipedia and more than one version of the Bible at wikisource. I think it would be a good idea if we could link these references there. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Elatanatari (talk • contribs) 23:51, Jul 7, 2006 (UTC).

Bible study?

There is no article on bible study. Bible study is just a disambig page, and the closest thing is Devotion (Christian). I have suggested moving that page to Bible study (Christianity) and then overhauling the article. Is this a good idea? Would any members of this project be interested in contributing to a bible study article? Thank you for your consideration.--Andrew c 01:15, 21 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

OK the move has been done to Bible study (Christian). I welcome and encourage contributors to this project to help expand this article. Good luck, and thanks!--Andrew c 13:59, 21 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Key articles for Wikipedia 1.0

Hello! We at the Work via WikiProjects team for Wikipedia 1.0 would like you to identify the "key articles" from your project that should be included in a small CD release due to their importance, regardless of quality. We will use that information to assess which articles should be nominated for Version 0.5 and later versions. Hopefully it will help you identify which articles are the most important for the project to work on. As well, please add to the Christianity WikiProject article table any articles of high quality. If you are interested in developing a worklist such as this one for your WikiProject, or having a bot generate a worklist automatically for you, please contact us. Please feel free to post your suggestions right here. Thanks! Walkerma 06:08, 23 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Version Choice

Do you think that at Wikipedia we should run a poll, about bible versions, and find out which version people would most like references to and only use that? Or use many references to many different Bibles throughout our articles? BrentonEccles 07:44, 25 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Many to many. There are more complete resources at wikisource and sites like Wikible.org, not to mention BibleGateway.com. Plus, we'd never agree "which version people would most like"! See also Wikipedia:Bible_verses. --J. J. 03:59, 26 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Canon law

If someone knows much about Roman Catholic canon law, Patronage#Canon law is a cut-and-paste from the 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia at its over-erudite worst. Legal, because that's now public domain, but could someone with a clue about the topic please attempt to clean this up into something more our style? Thanks. - Jmabel | Talk 06:37, 29 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Restorationism

Needs a lot of work. Arch O. La ^{Grigory Deepdelver} 16:23, 8 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Jerusalem

I added this to the project (surprised it isn't already). At the moment it appears to have a very Jewish Bias (although Jewish and Christian history do overlap), I think it needs adding to from a Christian perspective.