Talk:John Warren Branscomb

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)[reply]

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)[reply]

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)[reply]