Talk:John Warren Branscomb

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[edit] NPOV questioned

The article reads like an "appreciation" such a mught appear in a church publication. Entirely appropriate for there, but Wikipedia requires NPOV.

A few particular points:

  • He was always on the positive side of an issue
    So those who disagreed with him were negative?
  • and was an untiring promoter of all causes of Christ's Kingdom!
    All causes? when there are so many difft views among christians? Seems highly improabably, if not impossible.
  • He had great passion for missions and gave strong leadership to making the Florida Conference one of the most missionary-minded conferences of the Church.
    Florida one of the most missionary-minded: source?
  • Unfortunately, he lived to give only seven years of episcopal service.
    'Unfortunately' is not a NPOV statemement.
  • The responsibility for Cuba brought Bishop Branscomb great joy.
    Non-neutral language.
  • Bishop Branscomb was a most effective and popular preacher, in large demand for platform appearances throughout the land.
    Says who? Sources? Any opposing views?
  • Florida Methodism loved him with great devotion! When the day came for them to call him "Bishop," in their hearts he remained "John," as he had as a Pastor and Conference Member!
    The tone of this passage is entirely inappropriate for an encyclopedia.
  • Bishop Branscomb had a great sense of humor. He loved a good joke and was adept at telling humourous stories. He was a great "cut-up," so much so that some who did not know him wondered if he ever had a serious moment.
    This is not, after all this time, a measureable fact: it is a witness account. Source?

BrownHairedGirl 15:58, 18 March 2006 (UTC)


Calm down! These are the reflections of his biographer. They are referenced on his page. Can't we allow biographers to speak as they see fit. Pastorwayne 13:44, 20 March 2006 (UTC)
There is nothing wrong with quoting a biographer, provided that the quotations are acknowledged as such, and balanced where appropriate. There is a big difference between an encyclopedia saying "X was a good man", and it quoting "Biographer A.N. Other wrote that 'X was a good man". There is also a difference between biography and hagiography.
However, if they are quotations, then they should be both sourced and enclosed in quote marks. --BrownHairedGirl 23:58, 21 March 2006 (UTC)