User:Gabarker

I am Gregory A. Barker, a UK based scholar and freelance magazine writer. I joined Wikipedia in September 2013, offering suggestions to articles in the field of religion and in the music industry — two fields I love.

With my scholarly hat on, I’m keenly interested in the fair and objective study of religious traditions and their claims. I received my training at the University of Wales in the study of the world’s religious traditions using the research methods of Ninian Smart. I have published with Oxford University Press and various academic journals. However, I also wear a completely different hat as a freelancer in the music industry, contributing to and editing magazine articles that deal with technology, vocal health, vocal technique and reviews for musicians of rock, pop, metal, jazz and other contemporary genres.

Early life
I was born and raised in Chatham Township, New Jersey, USA, a quiet “bedroom community” to New York City. My father was a research physicist at Bell Telephone Laboratories and I enjoyed the atmosphere of critical scientific enquiry (as well dipping every day objects into the liquid nitrogen stored in my father’s lab). However, from an early age I grew interested in music and mythology, reading fiction, making films with my friends (regular 8, super 8 and 16mm) and musical pursuits: choir, Jazz ensembles (trombone), and marching band. The Stephen Spielberg/JJ Abrams film Super8 gives a perfect picture of my early adolescent life.

When our family moved from New Jersey to Aldergrove, British Columbia, I pursued music and filmmaking, entering festivals in each of these fields and preparing for a University music degree. After a brief period of fundamentalist Christianity, I grew interested in the scientific study of religion, particularly comparative religious studies. This led to two graduate degrees, one at the Lutheran School of Theology at the University of Chicago and the other at the University of Wales. My PhD research is on perceptions of Jesus in religions other than Christianity.

Music & The Music Industry
I pursued a university degree in music and have long been an avid vocal ensemble member and brass player (jazz/big band), but it was not until 2009 that I formally became involved in the music industry though freelance writing on music and technology. I actively commission and write articles in the subject of vocal health, technology, technique and oversee a small team of part time writers in these areas.

Academic Contributions
I’ve published books on the world’s religions with Orbis Books, Oxford University Press and in academic journals and popular publications. I was, for many years a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wales This position involved me acting as Department Head and Director of Research for the RERC. I am currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Winchester. I also regularly consult for Schools and teachers of various religions throughout the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia
I joined Wikipedia only in September 2013. I’ve used and appreciated Wikipedia for many years before realizing that I could try, in my own small way, to improve the writing and objectivity of some of the articles. I fully embrace the Five pillars: namely that Wikipedia is (i) an encyclopedia rather than a “soapbox”, (ii) written from a neutral point of view, which provides (iii) free content that anyone can edit governed by editorial civility, consensus-seeking and (v) policies and guidelines that evolve over time.

Personal Life
I live in Wales, United Kingdom with my wife and three children. We have strong ties to family and friends in Canada and the United States. I am a huge fan of the Star Trek franchise and of the original two Star Wars films. I am hugely excited about J. J. Abrams having taken on the next Star Wars production. I enjoy videography, London’s incredible Science Museum, The Blues, late night philosophical discussions, walks with my wife, and time with my children and friends.