The evils of Wikipedia

Recently, I had the guilty pleasure of reading a set of short biographies about yours truly that were written by a group of Confirmation Students. It was very interesting to read about what they thought was important in my life. Funny, not one of them mentioned the numerous digestive problems I experienced, I know I wrote frequently about it.

"Puny Humans and their weak digestive tracts! My people shall devour you! Muhahaha!"

However, my sour digestion is not what has my intestines in a knot this time. What has me upset this time is how young people are relying on this thing called Wikipedia, which would lead you to believe I am more famous for writing in anger against Jews than for making a stand for the Gospel.

At first glance an instrument of knowledge that can be updated by anybody seems like a great idea, but really anybody with an agenda can come in and leave in accurate or misleading information. For example under the entry for Lutherans, Wikipedia records,

"Historically, Lutherans have tended to remain apart from associations with other Churches in order to protect their unique doctrines. Liberal Lutherans believe in ecumenism, the idea that there is a single Christian church, and a single Christian faith."

( this has since changed) This is not true, conservative Lutheran teach that there is only one Christian for Christ has one body not many. What liberal lutherans believe in is unity at all costs. Conservative Lutherans insist that before we have public unity between denominations we must be in one accord concerning teachings, something I recall myself saying.

Unfortunately, our young people are not verifying the facts on Wikipedia. Instead, they are using it as their lone source of information, just as in the past they used and Encyclopedia Britannica and Encarta as their sole source of information.

I think I will suggest to my pastor friend that he not accept any paper that list Wikipedia as its only source.