User talk:Peter Kirby/archive

Archived: Welcome from Longhair
Welcome!

Hello,, and welcome to Wikipedia! Thank you for your contributions. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers: I hope you enjoy editing here and being a Wikipedian! Please sign your name on talk pages using four tildes (~&#126;); this will automatically produce your name and the date. If you need help, check out Where to ask a question, ask me on my talk page, or place  on your talk page and someone will show up shortly to answer your questions. Again, welcome! -- Longhair | Talk 09:25, 8 August 2005 (UTC)
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Archived: Bible and Wikipedians for Decency
The subject of Decency in the Wikipedia is presumably one in which editors of the article The Bible might take interest, as part of the recommendation for announcing a new Wikiproject, we announced it on a number of talk pages where interested users might be located. Does this explain it? Agriculture 08:04, 16 August 2005 (UTC)

No original research!
See No original research! Am I in more trouble? --Poorman 06:15, 6 September 2005 (UTC)

Authentic Matthew
I like your style, and believe you will include all sides fairly, even when you have a differnt point of view! Melissa and I are taking a break for she says this is taking taking all our time (she is a teacher I am clergyman)--The not so Very Revd.Poorman 00:32, 24 August 2005 (UTC)


 * Thanks! I shall do my best. --Peter Kirby 00:42, 24 August 2005 (UTC)

Hi Peter
Sorry about deleting your writing. We were both editing at the same time. Have a go at fixing Authentic Matthew. We need all the good will we can get! --Poorman 07:44, 23 August 2005 (UTC)

Welcome Aboard
Hi Peter. It's good to see you getting interested in this. I think Wikipedia will benefit a lot from what you have to offer. I tried it out for a while, but eventually I had to set priorities to accomplish certain things I wanted to do. At any rate, there are lots of interesting personalities that make Wikipedia both so exhilirating and so frustrating. Of the people who were around when I was more active, Mkmcconn (Mark) was one of the good guys. Stephen C. Carlson 02:59, 9 August 2005 (UTC)
 * By the way, one of the singularly most useful features is the watchlist. It'll make it easy for you to keep tabs on the articles you're interested in.  Stephen C. Carlson 03:07, 2005 August 9 (UTC)
 * I'm glad to meet you, Peter. I'm grateful to Stephen for alerting me to your presence, and your area of interest. Let me know if I become one of those causes of frustration, that Stephen mentioned ;-) — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 03:24, 9 August 2005 (UTC)

NPOV
As a new wiki-user, please be aware that NPOV is something that must be kept in mind. NPOV means Neutral Point of View. This is extremely important, especially as you say you are interested in biblical criticism.

In particular, concerning the edits you made to the Aaron page. The information was excellent, but the JEDP theory officially has it's own page, and the Aaron page concerns Aaron as he can be seen through what information we have about him through the biblical narrative. Ideas of the JEDP nature are presented on Documentary Hypothesis, while the basis of JEDP findings can be presented in an NPOV fashion on the page to broaden the information present, without being directly POV. SF2K1


 * I believe that we've worked this one out.--Peter Kirby 04:57, 11 August 2005 (UTC)

Biblical criticism
Hi Peter. Thanks for the question. I think that you'll find quite a bit of room to work on Psalms, if you haven't visited there, yet; and if you check What links to Easton's Bible Dictionary, you'll find a virtual playground, I think. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 05:00, 10 August 2005 (UTC)

I thought of something else, which I mentioned to another user (and he doesn't have time). Would you be interested in starting an article on Toledoth, concerning the literary structure especially of Genesis? I'm certainly not an expert, but I think that such an article might be useful in several places if it's written in a balanced, fairly complete and interesting way. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 07:13, 10 August 2005 (UTC)

Hey. I'm needy and require feedback or I start to worry that I've said something stupid ;-) — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 06:11, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * I have so many books, I'm not sure whether I have a commentary on Psalms or it's on my to-buy list. Nevertheless, I have a few introductions and Bible dictionaries (Anchor Bible, HarperCollins, Oxford) to which I may refer for the Psalms article, plus the university library.  Don't know much about Toledot right now, but I can learn.  I notice that you have quite a few edits of the Jesus article and talk page to your name... is there anything I can do to tidy up that thing?  You can see my page explaining the various Jesus theories here. --Peter Kirby 06:19, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * That's a helpful survey. I do get lost in all the theories, and as you've probably noticed I'm a neanderthal, when it comes to critical views. I just don't get it - but that's why I feel I need to work hard to understand where all this stuff comes from. That's to say, I'm glad you're here. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 06:32, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * That's a good attitude to keep. By the way, at the annual meeting in November of the Society of Biblical Literature at Philadelphia, there will be a "biblioblogging" (blogging on the Bible) section, and aftwards some of us will have lunch to discuss ways to promote and succeed at open access scholarship.  Among other things, I plan to encourage more scholars and profs to contribute to Wikipedia and its biblical information. --Peter Kirby 08:11, 11 August 2005 (UTC)

Join the party. Wear a funny hat.

 * Good. The more the better for Wikipedia. So, I've explained my interest in your field of expertise. I've admitted my lack of understanding for the whole enterprise (when my frustration doesn't give way to outright hostility).  And I've assured you that I really mean it, when I say that I want to learn from you.  Now, will you come to  this discussion and help me to work out a proper NPOV categorization scheme?  — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 16:50, 11 August 2005 (UTC)
 * Would you work with the definition, for the purposes of categorizing, of (1) a narrative, (2) passed on in oral tradition, (3) including superhuman or supernatural beings? That would include some but not all biblical stories.  For example, it would not include Esther or Maccabees or much of anything in the letters of Paul, but it would include the creation story and the Elijah story and the Gospel story. Even though I think there is history in the Gospel story. Perhaps using two categories for some articles, "Christian Mythology" and "Christian History" (such as the Gospels and Acts) would make it clear that they are not mutually exclusive. --Peter Kirby 19:23, 11 August 2005 (UTC)
 * WELL ... now, that's an idea. I hadn't thought of that.  Hmm.  Let me try to think of an objection, and I'll get back to you. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 20:01, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * Experimenting here. How about a category: Bible as myth? — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 20:59, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * Heck we could even call it "Biblical Oral Tradition about the Sacred". No disclaimer necessary, no effrontery included. --Peter Kirby 21:15, 11 August 2005 (UTC)


 * I'll go a half-step further in your direction and offer the category, Bible as "myth" (I like to over-use scare-quotes; they aren't essential), or Bible as Myth, would prove useful for sub-categorizing literature types.  I like the "as" word, so common among these meta-textual critics - through pervasive use it has actually serves to identify the sense in which the Bible or the Bible story is being called "myth".  If it appeared together with Christian history, this would add an additional explanatory and useful way of categorizing the articles.  The benefit of this scheme is that it lowers the bar considerably, for access to scholarly opinion; and in combination with more "orthodox" categories, it also satisfies the complaint against neutrality.  What do you think?  If you like it, do you want to be my proxy and present it?  I consider it your idea. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 21:24, 11 August 2005 (UTC)

I've replied on my page. BTW I'm hoping that Keith's prediction doesn't come true, that people may use the mythology category in the same way they had before all of that discussion. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 17:26, 13 August 2005 (UTC)

Authentic Matthew
Thanks for the offer and, looking at your user page, your interests may well be helpful here.

Here is the sorry and convoluted tale. Authentic Matthew was created by User:Melissadolbeer who has been vociferously defending it, and reverting all attempts to clean it up. She has admitted using at least one sock puppet User:Mikefar and quite possibly others.

User:Ril VfD’d the article as 'original research' (and I supported him). But due to Ril's repeated trolling the VfD was a fiasco and was aborted. A second VfD ended with a delete majority, but no consensus. (In part due, I think, to folk's justifiably negative reactions to Ril and to the technical nature of the subject). See the VfD here - and particularly the arguments for deletion. Votes for deletion/Authentic Matthew

Subsequently, and after discussion on the tak page, I redirected the article to Gospel of Matthew but that was subsequently reverted by Melissa. We now need to establish a fair consensus on what should be done with the article and then to enforce the consensus against any unilateral opposition.

I'd invite you to review the article yourself. Check a commentary, see what you think. My own thoughts are this - in 7 years study and a PhD in NT, I'd never heard of 'Authentic Matthew'. Perhaps Jerome made mention of something such (I don't have access to Jerome to check). But this article mentions Jerome and then puts beside that a number of other pieces of scholarship. 1) discussions over an original Hebrew or more likely Aramaic Matthew in Eusebius. 2) The unrelated 'Gospel of the Hebrews' (language and recipients being confused). 3) Synoptic theories and ideas of the M source. Of course, all these are real views and can be, and are, discussed under Gospel of Matthew and Synoptic problem. The 'original research' is in putting these ideas together in one article - and implying a position that no NT scholar holds. Look at any commentary on Matthew - or any Bible dictionary - can you find a reference to 'Authentic Matthew' - I doubt it. --Doc (?) 14:28, 21 August 2005 (UTC)

Unfortunately, a fresh VfD is not an attractive option. However, we could restore the redirect to Matthew, or create a new article on the origins of the gospel and re-direct this there. Or rename this article and clean up. See the discussion towards the bottom of the talk page under ‘compromise’ and ‘redirect and protect’

Anyway, I'd be obliged if you could look at the matter, give your views, and help reach and enforce a consensus. Beware, if you get involved here you are likely to endure attacks by Melissadolbeer. --Doc (?) 14:28, 21 August 2005 (UTC)

Hi, Peter, your suggestion isn't a bad one, and I suspect a more nuanced reading of Jerome might reveal slighly different inferences. However, I have neither the Patristics not Latin nor access to the text. In any case, we'd end up with a very short article, which probably would be better merged elsewhere. What I'm going to do is this: a) revert the article to an earlier cleaned-up (but still pretty pointless) version (I expect this move will be undone - and, if you agree with it, I'd invite you to assist me in defending it with reverts as neccessary, so it isn't a my uinilateral move). b) propose on the talk page that the article be again redirected to Gospel of Matthew for now, with an option that someone might create an 'origins of Mattthew's gospel' article later, if they wished. (You might like to vote for this - or suggest an alternative on the talk page). Given the history, I need to be able to show clear consensus for any move I make. Thanks --Doc (?) 21:37, 21 August 2005 (UTC)

OK Peter, I'm going to conceed that you obviously have more knowledge here than me (I'm really a Paul scholar). If you want to make your suggestions on the talk page of the article - I'm willing to follow your lead. As long as we contextualise Jerome's remarks (what do modern scholars make if anything of his comments?), rather than putting them alongside unrelated theories. Mellisa and her supporter 'Poorman' (who claims to be her husband) are indicating a willingness to co-operate. I'm just about willig to assume good faith - but we'll see. At any rate the text as it stands needs a drastic clean-up - and again you may be the person to do it. --Doc (?) 08:30, 22 August 2005 (UTC)

I didn't think this was possible. My belief in redemption is being restored. You have no idea how bad this was in the past. I look forward to seeing your work when completed - although, as I say, it's not quite my field. (Little aside, how come with so many of us Biblical folk around the articles on the canonical books are so awful?) Cheers. --Doc (?) 00:56, 24 August 2005 (UTC)

WP:FAD and Manetho
Just to let you know, Manetho has been drawn as the next Current Effort on the Featured Article Drive. Rob Church Talk 22:46, 22 August 2005 (UTC)

Your recent work
I've been watching the work you've been doing, and I am impressed by the standard to which you adhere, of neutrality and scholarship. Your proposed revision of the Gospel of the Hebrews is a good example. I'm glad you're here. I'd like to help beyond some recommendations to improve readability and appeal to a wider audience, but regrettably, for the most part, I'm not in the same league with you. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 20:15, 24 August 2005 (UTC)

Peter, I've had a look at your 'sources', frankly it is all even more involved than I'd thought. There's a PhD thesis in there somewhere (although that's probebly been done). My advice, for what it's worth, is to keep the article fairly basic. Perhaps: 1) very brief summary of possible allusions to a 'gospel of the Hebrews' 2) difficulties with interpretating the evidence 3) list of possibilities offerd in main scholarly views 4) references. I'll have another look when I'm less tired, but I'm afraid I'm out of my depth a little. --Doc (?) 23:26, 26 August 2005 (UTC)

Another 'authentic' Matthew
Peter, I don't know if you know anything about the Talmud of Jmmanuel, but it is up for VfD Votes for deletion/Talmud of Jmmanuel - and I thought you might have some insight to offer. --Doc (?) 23:44, 29 August 2005 (UTC)
 * Sorry, I just realised this was nominated for deletion back in July, but never listed. I've left a note with the nominator to see if he wants to proceed or withdraw. At any rate the article needs something done with it. --Doc (?) 00:15, 30 August 2005 (UTC)

Thanks for understanding
Thanks for your insightful summation of my concerns. — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 23:18, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

More Christian mythology
There is a new proposal at Category talk:Christian_mythology/Proposed_compromises. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks. JHCC (talk) 15:03, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

Early Christian theology
Peter, would you please look at Binitarianism? — Mark (Mkmcconn) ** 19:49, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

input request
Would you mind looking in on Talk:Jesus H. Christ? Thanks for your time. Tom e rtalk 00:33, 22 December 2005 (UTC)
 * np. I asked about 20 ppl to come look at it.  Although the article still has problems, they've been significantly reduced from when I asked for help with it.  :-)  Thanks for your time getting back to me.  :-)  Tom e rtalk  21:24, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

HISTORICAL JESUS I would, but I'm swamped with my undergrad work for a while... I can assist on an informal basis for the time being, but it is definitely a topic on which I have great interest... -Scientz

Input Request
The article Criticism of the Bible has "in need of attention from an expert" at the top of it. I believe you are an expert in biblical studies. Clinkophonist 11:44, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

I would love your help.
I know you are interested in christianity, and 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. I liked your contribs to WP. If you could transfer over some of the articles you have worked on for Wikipedia to the CKB, it would be greatly appreciated! nsandwich 08:10, 24 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I must decline because I do not share a Christian point of view. However, I believe that the Wikipedia uses a copyright license that allows you to copy any article provided that credit is given to the Wikipedia. You may want to look into that for articles which I have touched and the many more which I haven't. --Peter Kirby 08:37, 8 April 2006 (UTC)

new articles
Can you take a look at
 * Hebrew Gospel of Matthew
 * Authorship and Date of the Synoptic Gospels and of Acts

which have been recently created and edited by two new users, and see if they are the complete tripe that I think them to be? Clinkophonist 18:18, 15 April 2006 (UTC)


 * This could be out old Authentic Matthew friend. I'm not sure. Anyway, someone has afd'd Articles for deletion/Hebrew Gospel of Matthew and your comments would be helpful. --Doc ask?  21:57, 15 April 2006 (UTC)


 * I've chimed in. --Peter Kirby 09:59, 16 April 2006 (UTC)

External References to Islam
I saw the article you wrote here. I have a few questions that you may be able to answer. 1)I was wondering if your use of the word Muslim through the various quotes of the early sources was straight from the sourced text or if the original sources used earlier terms like hagarenes and you simply updated the word to its contemporary meaning. 2) Where did you find these early sources? 3) Would you releasse the copyrights to this article so that we could we create a wikipedia article roughly based on this article?--CltFn 12:25, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

WP:FAHD
Since you were listed as a Participant in the WP:FAHD, I thought I ought to send you a message announcing that I'm reviving and changing FAHD for the better, and if you are interested, please respond. - A Link to the Past (talk) 02:09, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

Welcome from Longhair
 * Notice from Agriculture
 * A lot of other stuff! Check it out if you care.

Please preserve the Archived notice when leaving a comment on my Talk page.

Image:Alexandria-sagan2.jpg
Hello, Peter Kirby. An automated process has found and removed an image or media file tagged as nonfree media, and thus is being used under fair use that was in your userspace. The image (Image:Alexandria-sagan2.jpg) was found at the following location: User:Peter Kirby/Library of Alexandria. This image or media was attempted to be removed per criterion number 9 of our non-free content policy. The image or media was replaced with Image:NonFreeImageRemoved.svg, so your formatting of your userpage should be fine. Please find a free image or    media to replace it with, and or remove the image from your userspace. User:Gnome (Bot)-talk 00:46, 14 May 2007 (UTC)

Image:Alexandria-sagan.jpg
Hello, Peter Kirby. An automated process has found and removed an image or media file tagged as nonfree media, and thus is being used under fair use that was in your userspace. The image (Image:Alexandria-sagan.jpg) was found at the following location: User:Peter Kirby/Library of Alexandria. This image or media was attempted to be removed per criterion number 9 of our non-free content policy. The image or media was replaced with Image:NonFreeImageRemoved.svg, so your formatting of your userpage should be fine. Please find a free image or    media to replace it with, and or remove the image from your userspace. User:Gnome (Bot)-talk 03:01, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

Contact
I've been trying to find a way to contact you regarding http://earlychristianwritings.com. Do you ever still long onto wikipedia? Thanks.-Andrew c [talk] 16:32, 20 September 2007 (UTC)