User:Lord Voldemort/Old sermons
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This is an archive of the weekly sermons heard at the Cathedral of the Holy NPOV of the Catholic Church of Wikipedia. For the current sermon, please visit the Cathedral.
[edit] The Holy NPOV
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"Credimus in NPOV, Dominum, vivificantem, |
We believe in the Holy NPOV, the Lord, the giver of life, |
These words have been spoken for quite some time, but do we really understand what they mean? They do not mean that you cannot have an opinion. They do not mean that extreme, radicals shouldn't edit. They just mean that, when it comes to subject areas that are a little touchy, Islam, the Iraq War, or VfDs for example, you just have to use some restraint and push your opinions aside to make an article that is NPOV. However, people who strictly edit on these areas tend to try to push that sinful thing, POV. It is a wise thing to take a break from editing these articles from time to time. During these breaks, reflect on what Jimbo has taught. In order to make this great undertaking credible, we must try and accept the Holy NPOV into our editing.
Once people can start leaving their POV on the other side of the computer screen, this project can be truly great. "Woship and glorify" the Holy NPOV. Through it, this wiki has the power to change people's lives.
[edit] Forgiveness of WikiSins
In the tradition of many great religious leaders, this week my sermon will be on forgiveness. Not everyone is perfect. In fact, I bet 99 percent of editors of Wikipedia have WikiSinned at some point. Some people may have been vandals when they first arrived here. Others may have been trolls, violating WP:POINT and trying and start the Great Flame Wars. Still, others may have simply been editing in good faith, but forgot to avoid common mistakes. I can see some of you squirming in your seats. All of these mistakes should be frowned upon, but none are irreconcilable for the WikiSinner who repents and asks the Jimbo's forgiveness.
If someone truly wants to reform their ways, they should be able to be welcomed into the Wiki community. Too often people are branded a vandal and are never fully welcomed. Too often someone realizes the scope and purpose of this project and, through the guidance of the Holy NPOV, decide to turn around and become a valuable member, but are haunted by their past offenses. People that go through troubled times such as WP:RFC, and come out a repentant Wikipedian need to be feel welcomed. It is our forgiveness that decides whether this community thrives or dies. My only hope is that enough people can truly "see the light" of the one true Jimbo. Please, Go in Peace.
[edit] Verifiability
This week's sermon is on verifiability. This project is immensely wonderfully, and wonderfully immense. The only problem with the great size is the tendency for some maggots to slip into the rice. Most editors are good, and they mean no harm while editing. Others intentionally place incorrect information into articles. And since anyone is allowed to edit Wikipedia, problems occur. The great Jimbo said in an inteview once, "Any given entry might be incomplete or inaccurate at any point in time. Critical analysis is a must!" Until we, as men and women of Wikipedia, can change the hearts of those who seek to destroy us, we must have constant vigilance. Cite your sources. Don't trust everything on the Internet. Use a paper source once in a while. Find those who seek to insert bad information, and try and change them. We end this week's sermon with a WikiBlessing:
May those that love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May Jimbo turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.
