The Gospel According to Wikipedia

[I had to repost this with my correct account]

This past Friday as part of the annual January Series lectures,Calvin College welcomed Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia. Jimmy (or "Jimbo," as he's apparently called on the interwebs) spoke on the issue of "Democracy and the Internet." Using the political examples of China and Iran, he discussed internet censorship and the need for the free flow of information.

However, I couldn't help but detect some questionable underlying themes consistent throughout his talk. Jimmy painted a picture of the world --a narrative, a mythos -- that went something like this:

Humankind is moving forward into the future with the onward march of progress. Liberal democracy has freed us -- this aggregate of independent, autonomous individuals -- from the oppressive chains of tyranny. This progress is largely made possible by the advances in our knowledge and technology. However, surrounding the shining beams of hope there are patches of darkness. Evil stands in the way. Evil states are resisting the inevitable dissolution into representative governments, and censoring the very information that would open the floodgates of freedom -- a digital "book burning," if you will. Despite these setbacks, we have unwavering faith that the truth shall be victorious. With the widespread dispersion of education, we will assuredly usher in the eschaton of peace, prosperity, and eternal happiness. Swords will be beaten into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks.

Sound familiar?

Ahh yes, that oh-so-familiar voice of Modernity echoes loud and clear: Progress. Knowledge-as-salvation. Autonomous independence. I was even momentarily taken aback when Wales explicitly referred to those such as himself as "Enlightenment thinkers," in a somewhat throwback to the 1800's.

Jimmy's goal in the founding of Wikipedia is to be something of a visionary prophet or messiah -- Modernity's own personal Jesus. Jimmy travels the world and into the lowliest of dark places -- Cuba, China, and more -- to proclaim that the kingdom is, indeed, at hand. He has come to set the captives free. Repent, and thou shalt be saved.

Needless to say, Wales is kind of stepping on someone's toes here. You know, that otherMessiah, who said His Kingdom was at hand. But nevermind that.

Questions:

• Is this vision compatible or competing with the Kingdom of God?
• What might a postmodern response look like?
• Doesn't Jimmy Wales kind of look like a white Jesus?
• What if you squint your eyes and tilt your head to the left a little--how 'bout then?
• Does Jimmy Wales make the 8 lbs. 6 oz. baby Jesus cry?