| Author | Message | ||
| Greg Registered user Username: Greg Post Number: 91 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hello everyone, it's been awhile since I have posted here as things have been a little busy. I want to suggest an idea that others have mentioned before but so far has not materialized. In my study out of Adventism, I've been struck by a thought that I'm sure all of you have had at one time or another--I wish someone had introduced me to these concepts much earlier in my life. I've read so much now that I almost want to write a book to lay a roadmap, so to speak, for others to follow. Writing a book is no small undertaking, but there is an alternative--it's called a "wiki". Wikis are web sites where information is organized and edited in a collaborative way. Think of it as writing a book together with several (potentially hundreds) of co-authors from all over the world. The largest wiki is actually a web-based encyclopedia called "wikipedia", found here. There are over 500,000 articles on that site, maintained by people all over the globe. There's even an article about the SDA church here. So why don't we begin this project as a roadmap for others who are searching for information about Adventism? What I envision is a wiki organized like a book into a number of "chapters" or sub-topics, e.g. new covenant, Sabbath, EGW, etc. We don't need to be too ambitious at first--we can gather the relevant posts from this site and organize them into appropriate topics. Individuals may also contribute totally new articles if they want. Then, as we are reading over each article, we can modify and improve upon it in a collaborative way, adding links to other resources, adding new Bible texts, clearer explanations, etc. Most of this information is already available embedded in the posts on this and other forums, on web sites, or in books, but this may be somewhat overwhelming to a casual "seeker". With a more organized site such as a wiki, we could streamline this information and all participate in maintaining the "map". A wiki will in no way eliminate the need for this forum, but will add a new dimension to the ministry of the forum members. To get the ball rolling, I am willing to commit my technical expertise to this project. I have previously set up my own wiki for a project of mine and I'd be happy to donate my time to this endeavor, if you guys think it will be of value. Greg | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 192 Registered: 7-2000  |
Greg, that is a fantastic idea! I have Christian (non-SDA) friends who wish they had that kind of easy resource to refer to when dealing with SDAs. Bob | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 325 Registered: 7-2004 |
Absolutely wonderful idea. Give us some ideas what to do, and I'm sure there will be many willing to contribute. | ||
| Tdf Registered user Username: Tdf Post Number: 69 Registered: 11-2004 |
Greg, I like your idea. I realize that there are books available for purchase. However, when I first started studying, I would never have bought a book (but I would have read a web-site). Of course, I've now read a number of books on the new covenant and found the material to be life changing. I'd love to see this information become even more accessible. I'd love to help! | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 50 Registered: 3-2005 |
Greg, I have been just burning up inside with a need to speak to mainstream Evangelical Christians on the huge misunderstandings concerning Adventism, and on the urgency of Evangelicals to stand beside Christian FA's as they make their way out of the web of a cultic church (SDA), into a somewhat informed and understanding Christian Community of Faith. They seem to have clarity on Mormonism, Jehovahís Witnesses, etc..., but are very leery on speaking the truth with regard to Adventism. I believe this is because Adventists have been masters at disguise, and have lied both to themselves and others about what Adventist Doctrine states as fact. An example of this would be the 27 Fundamentals. Some doctrine stand out clearly as problematic, but the whole of the doctrine is so masked that it's difficult for an outsider to understand why the doctrine is so toxic. I think a "wiki" would be very helpful to my pastor who's asked for information, and others wanting to understand the dynamics of a dying church. Just an idea, it seems to me a good way to frame each discussion would be to simply and clearly state the Adventist Doctrinal Stance, then state what most SDA's think they believe, or ways the doctrine has been and is being "cloaked" to make it tolerable for the "masses", and then discuss the problems from there. Thank you for being willing to dig in on this project. I'm more than willing to help in any way I can. Sincerely, Lisa | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1769 Registered: 12-2003  |
It's a great idea, Greg. Colleen | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 556 Registered: 10-2004  |
I think this might be something very beneficial. I just looked at the Terms and Conditions for this forum, and they state:
Wow, those are great terms and conditions, Richard and Colleen!  That pretty much allows anything to be done with the posts on this forum. But of course, we would need Richard and Colleen's permission, to be able to use the posts on this forum in the wiki.  Jeremy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1774 Registered: 12-2003 |
Those terms and conditions are fairly standard for public forums. Actually, the quote you posted above gives this broad permission to use the posts to "GS", or Graphics Studio, the owner of the website. Basically they protect the owner of the website from liability for any references to or use of quotes from the forum for any other purpose--such as the proposed wiki. In other words, if the forum didn't have that statement, we couldn't use any quotes from the forum or its archives for the wiki because the original authors would have to give their permission personally. But of course we'll work with you, Greg! Colleen | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 185 Registered: 3-2005 |
Greg, Sounds like a great idea. I hope to see you when you come out to Anaheim. Stan | ||
| Greg Registered user Username: Greg Post Number: 92 Registered: 2-2005 |
OK, it sounds like everyone is interested...that's good! Jeremy, your insights on EGW alone will be a huge contribution. Colleen, I'll send you an email about specifics. I'm aiming to get this set up over the next couple of weeks and I'll let everyone know when it's ready to go. Once everything is set up, I'll post a tutorial on how to add and edit articles. In all things, I pray our efforts will be for the glory of God, demonstrating our active faith in Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit. Greg | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 50 Registered: 2-2005 |
Greg, This is sure to be a blessing to many. Thanks for coming up with this idea and implementing it. What an awesome idea! Heretic | ||
| Praisegod Registered user Username: Praisegod Post Number: 305 Registered: 3-2004  |
Yes. Great idea. Colleen, how is the dictionary coming along? Remember how all of us have run into trouble once we found out how differently SDAs define terms from the rest of the Christian world. Could we post the dictionary there as well as on FAF? Praise God... | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 207 Registered: 5-2004 |
Gregg, great idea! I believe the church is reeling from the impact of the internet. All the more information out there, the better! I will help out in any way possible. | ||
| Brenttn Registered user Username: Brenttn Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2005 |
Wiki is an awesome tool and I think the collaboration will make a truly valuable resource for everyone. Of course watch permission as we would not want to have our stuff changed by militant adventists | ||
| Greg Registered user Username: Greg Post Number: 93 Registered: 2-2005 |
Brenttn, yes, that's something we need to think about. There are pros and cons for making things easier to edit. For example, wikipedia is almost completely open for anyone to edit and most people play by the rules. One of the major reasons wikipedia has grown so fast is that anyone can update or add new information. That said, most wiki software has a built-in reversion feature if someone decides to deface the site. Eventually, it makes sense to have topic editors who would be responsible for maintaining distinct portions of the site and could police things a bit, but that's a ways off I think. For now, we can start small and see where it goes. Greg | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 560 Registered: 10-2004 |
Greg, would it be possible to only allow registered users to edit things? Jeremy | ||
| Greg Registered user Username: Greg Post Number: 95 Registered: 2-2005 |
Jeremy, yes--the more I think about it, this is probably the only realistic option. We've seen how the truth is treated on RS. It'd be a little annoying to find entire sections deleted every few days, even if we could restore it. Greg | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1374 Registered: 3-2004  |
Greg, Like Lisa above, I have this need to let other Christians know what adventists really believe. I will be glad to help in any way possible. Thank You God for Greg and the talents you have given him. Diana | ||
| Loneviking Registered user Username: Loneviking Post Number: 337 Registered: 7-2000 |
Count me in too! | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 386 Registered: 6-2004 |
Pehaps it should be titled " SDA Wiki Tiki", as it would represent a lies on top of lies. |
