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October THE FAIR JOURNAL 2010
The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research
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LATIN – apologeticus GREEK – apologetikos
Apologetics: “The branch of theology that is concerned with
defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines” (The American
Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition, Houghton
Mifflin Company, 2009).
ABOUT FAIR
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http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php
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PO Box 491677
Redding, CA 96049-1677
JOURNAL CONTENTS
* Message from the President * FAIR Firesides
* FAIR Conference Talks * FAIR YouTube * FAIR Wiki
* FAIR Bookstore * Looking Back * Apologetics on the Internet
* FAIR’s ‘Front Page’ * Ask the Apologist
* Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
———————————–
It has been a busy month for the Church in the Media.
A new study was completed that showed Mormons know more about the
Bible and Christianity than any other group. I’m sure many of our
Evangelical Christian friends were shocked as some have said that if
we would become more familiar with the Bible we would leave our
faith and join theirs. Turns out we do read the Bible and are more
familiar with its teachings than they are. This is no surprise to
Latter-day Saints, but it does break some deeply held stereotypes.
We are also the group most likely to read religious books and
material in general.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1745/religious-knowledge-in-america-survey-atheists-agnostics-score-highest
The LDS Church owned Deseret News also made headlines as it
restructured its business. In the age of the Internet, newspapers
generally have been going through a transition. One of the changes
at the Deseret News, which is causing some angst, is a new editorial
board which seems to be friendlier to the LDS position. This change
shouldn’t be a huge surprise as the addition of the Mormon Times has
spurred growth in the circulation of the Deseret News, while other
daily newspapers have been shrinking. They seem to be the first
media outlet that has discovered that there are a lot of Mormons in
the world, and given the afore-mentioned Pew survey results, we do
read.
A third area where we have attracted a lot of attention is from a
few words in a General Conference talk given by President Boyd K.
Packer. We have had many conferences in the past that have sparked
barely a ripple in the media. Now we are in the center of the
spotlight and Elder Packer’s talk is being picked apart and
interpreted word-by-word by individuals who are sometimes not
familiar with our theology or practices or who are not interested
in what the actual intent of the message was.
Interesting times are ahead, with many opportunities for us to
clarify our beliefs with our neighbors. I hope we are up to the
task.
–Scott Gordon
President of FAIR
FAIR FIRESIDES
———————————–
FAIR is now featuring Firesides. Starting in October, FAIR will
begin down a new avenue in adult education by offering firesides
throughout Utah and Arizona. We will be offering topics that deal
with evidences, insights, and apologetics on The Book of Mormon,
Joseph Smith, the Book of Abraham, DNA, and much more.
Our first fireside will be Author Michael R. Ash on “Enlarging One’s
Testimony with Answers and Evidences”. Michael is the author of
“Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony In the Face
of Criticism and Doubt,” “Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences
Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith,” and writes a weekly article
“Challenging Issues, Keeping the Faith” in the Mormon Times. Michael
is also on the management team at FAIR, has spoken at many FAIR
conferences, and has helped many people who have struggled with
their faith.
This fireside will be held at the LDS Church at 2841 W 1300 N in
Clinton Utah, on Sunday October 24th, from 4:30-6:00 pm.
Refreshments will be served. Mark it on your calendars and bring a
friend.
FAIR CONFERENCE TALKS
———————————–
We are pressing forward trying to get our conference talks into
print. But, that takes time. In the mean time, we are offering a new
way to get the conference talks delivered to you. We now have video
streaming available from the talks. This will allow you to hear the
talk, and to see the PowerPoints of the talk, if there is one (not
all have PowerPoints). The purchased video stream will only be
available for viewing on your computer for one day. Because of that
limitation, and because some of the PowerPoint slides may be
difficult to read, we are pricing the stream at $1.97.
If you want something you can listen to again and again, you can
download the MP3 file for its usual price of $4.97. That allows you
to take the talk with you in your MP3 player, or on your computer
and listen to it again and again.
The link for both the video stream and the MP3 files is:
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/category.php?id_category=81
FAIR YOUTUBE
———————————–
We will begin posting FAIR conference talks from the 2008 FAIR
conference on the Youtube site. We have a few posted, and will be
posting more in the near future. Geneticist Ugo Perego gave an
excellent lecture on DNA and Joseph Smith. Some claim that Joseph
Smith had children with his plural wives and attempted to prove this
claim however they could. Ugo Perego uses DNA to show that many of
the so-called children of Joseph Smith could not have been his
because the DNA does not match up.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWZg0rPTPoU
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNAEg74y6qk
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzF4kF0dZ88
Pt 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM0pT9nPNC0
Pt 5- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQAL6xcQVYc
Pt 6- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rd9uZYe7Ck
Newell Bringhurst and Craig Foster do a great job in discussing the
White-Horse Prophecy, that was allegedly given by Joseph Smith.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYbo2MZ0tAc
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oIFsYt4ksk
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAkasJP5HOA
Ronald Esplin, the managing editor of The Joseph Smith Papers,
provides a behind the scenes look at the process of finding,
authenticating, and publishing the most comprehensive book series on
Joseph Smith in his 2008 FAIR conference lecture.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePY8vO8RGfM
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdklrTja3_M
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggINnxvZ5qw
Pt 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LZAw2rYrlA
Pt 5- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4hPLTqiYTY
Pt 6- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oZSSrWPr2Q
FAIR WIKI
———————————–
The FAIR wiki project began in 2006 as a way to provide more
flexible and searchable resources on LDS apologetic issues. FAIR
wiki articles are created, expanded and edited on a continual basis
by various FAIR volunteers. The FAIR wiki’s main page can be
accessed at:
http://en.fairmormon.org/Main_Page
A June 2010 documentary called “8: The Mormon Proposition,” written
and produced by Reed Cowan, claims to be an expose of the role that
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played in the
passage of California Proposition 8. Reviews of the film generally
agreed that it was a polemical treatment of the issue, pitting the
Church as villain in a quest to limit or remove the rights of
same-sex couples. FAIR reviews some of the individual claims made in
the documentary.
http://en.fairmormon.org/Specific_works/8:_The_Mormon_Proposition
A quote alleged to have been uttered by Brigham Young recently began
gaining wide circulation on the web. The quote appeared to be a
“smoking gun,” with Brigham mentioning practically every
controversial issue in which he was ever said to have been involved.
Ex-Mormon critics of the Church became excited about the quote and
attempted to verify its source because it represented “an astounding
batch of ammo if it is a true quote from B[righam] Y[oung].” There
was even an allusion to Proposition 8: “If there ever comes a day
when the Saints interfere with the rights of others to live as they
see fit, you can know with assurance that the Church is no longer
led by a Prophet, but a mere man.”
The entire quote was later admitted to be a fabrication by an
anonymous blogger. We examine the full “quote” here:
http://en.fairmormon.org/Non-existent_quotes/Brigham_Young/The_%22I_have_never_given_counsel_that_is_wrong%22_quote
FAIR BOOKSTORE
———————————–
Come to the FAIR Bookstore to find the Internet’s best selection of
materials for LDS apologetics. Whether you are looking for books,
study aids, DVDs, or audio products, the FAIR Bookstore has what you
need. You can begin your browsing by going to our main site.
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/
Be sure to check out the Clearance Section. We have many older books
and some new books with slightly damaged covers that offer great
deals to buyers.
How To Understand the Book of Mormon
Duane S. Crowther, Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers, 6×9″
softbound, 192 pages. ISBN: 0-88290-045-5
This book is a valuable guide to enjoying and comprehending the
ancient American scriptures. It is a simplified reading program, a
useful summary, a doctrinal analysis and an in-depth topical guide
to the Book of Mormon.
Carefully designed to increase reader understanding, the book is
especially helpful for investigators, new members, young students,
and those reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. Teachers
of courses on the Book of Mormon Will easily recognize its value
also.
In Part I, The Reading Guide, the Book of Mormon is divided into
twelve portions of from 40 to 50 pages. Each portion contains a
simple story outline which indicates the major historical events
which transpire. Then, chapters of special interest are listed, and
passages of doctrinal importance are summarized into concise units.
These summaries help the reader to follow the major messages on a
verse-by-verse basis. Difficult passages such as the chapters quoted
from the writings of Isaiah, are examined and given special
explanations in their historical context.
Part II is a useful Doctrinal Guide to the hundreds of important
teachings found in the Book of Mormon. Passages are listed under
related headings with the Table of Contents serving as a simple
index. This doctrinal analysis is the most comprehensive list of
Book of Mormon themes in print and should prove invaluable to every
Book of Mormon student.
Part III contains Charts and Special Helps which will aid in
understanding the Book of Mormon. They tell in simple form of the
various groups that migrated to the Americas, of the plates upon
which the records were kept and of how God protected the writings to
come forth in the last days. The basic elements of Book of Mormon
geography are discussed, and the authors and keepers of the sacred
records are listed.
Special FAIR Price: $5.99 (60% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=710
To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson
Heidi S. Swinton. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Company, 2010.
Hardbound, 6×9″ 608 pages.
To the Rescue is the much-anticipated official biography of
President Thomas S. Monson. Beginning with President Monson’s family
heritage and his early years in Salt Lake City, it includes his
vocational preparation and his career in the world of journalism.
More importantly, this inspiring book recounts his lifetime of
Church service. Called as a bishop at the age of twenty-two, as a
mission president at thirty-one, and as a member of the Quorum of
the Twelve at age thirty-six, he has traveled the globe to minister
to the Saints for more than fifty years. This book shares many of
his personal experiences, from his visits behind the Iron Curtain to
his contributions on the Scriptures Publication Committee and in the
missionary and welfare areas; it also provides up-to-the-minute
information about his work as Church President.
Filled with wonderful photographs and little-known accounts, this
biography is a portrait of a leader who ministers both to the one
and to the many, and who is completely dedicated to doing whatever
the Lord prompts him to do.
Special FAIR Price: $27.99 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1146
FARMS Review: Volume 22 Number 1, 2010
Daniel C. Peterson (Editor), Provo, Utah: The Foundation for Ancient
Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), 2010, 6×9″ softbound, 295 pgs.
Editor’s Introduction: A Tidy Garden by: Louis Midgley, xi-xxvii
Basic New Perspectives on the Sermon on the Mount by: George L.
Mitton, 1-4
A review of “The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the Temple” by:
John W. Welch
From the Preface to The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the
Temple by: John W. Welch, 5-10
A Unique Approach to the Sermon on the Mount by: Gaye Strathearn,
11-16
A review of “The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the Temple” by:
John W. Welch
Often in Error, Seldom in Doubt: Rod Meldrum and Book of Mormon DNA
by: Gregory L. Smith, 17-161
A review of “Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA”
by: Rod L. Meldrum
Understanding the Book of Mormon? He “Doth Protest Too Much,
Methinks” by: Ben McGuire, 163-180
A review of “Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian
Guide to the Mormon Holy Book” by: Ross Anderson
On Not Understanding the Book of Mormon by: Robert Boylan, 181-189
A review of “Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian
Guide to the Mormon Holy Book” by: Ross Anderson
The Book of Mormon and the Origin of Native Americans from a
Maternally Inherited DNA Standpoint by: Ugo A. Perego, 191-227
Prospering in the Land of Promise by: Steven L. Olsen, 229-245
The Grace of Christ by: John Gee, 247-259
Was Joseph Smith Guilty of Plagiarism? by: John A. Tvedtnes, 261-275
Special FAIR Price: $14.00 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1134
Joseph Smith Papers Television Documentary Series, Season 2
Hosted by Glenn Rawson. Salt Lake City, Utah: Larry H. Miller
Communications Corporation, 2010. 6 Discs.
In Season 2, scholars continue the story of Joseph Smith by using
the documents that survive to illustrate his life, many of them the
very texts that compose the published volumes of The Joseph Smith
Papers. Whether on location or through in-depth interviews, early
Church history comes alive in this landmark documentary series.
This documentary series is produced by KJZZ Television and the Larry
H. Miller Communications Corp., in cooperation with the Church
History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and The Joseph Smith Papers Project. Focusing on the
documentary record primarily found in the LDS Church History
Library, more than fifty esteemed scholars of early Mormon history
appear on the program in interviews and in lectures.
* The series aired weekly on KJZZ TV, and season 2 will also
begin airing weekly on BYU TV in late summer 2010.
* This 6-DVD boxed set includes all season 2 episodes
* A comprehensive summary of all episodes
* A complete topical index
Special FAIR Price: $39.99 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1143
Thank you for using the FAIR bookstore!
LOOKING BACK
———————————–
This section of the FAIR Journal is designed to focus attention on
the wealth of information available in past FAIR Conference
presentations, which began to be given in 1999.
The views expressed at the Conference represent those of the speaker
and not necessarily those of FAIR. You may even find occasional
differences of opinion between speakers. But, they are all good
talks for investigating and thinking about a topic.
This month, we are highlighting just one speaker, Brant Gardner.
Brant Gardner’s academic background includes work towards a Ph.D. in
Mesoamerican Ethnohistory at the State University of New York,
Albany. His published works on Mesoamerica include an analysis of
classical Nahuatl kinship terminology, an ethnohistoric
investigation into the identification of the use of Coxoh to
designate a people and language in Southern Mexico, and an
examination of the Aztec Legend of the Suns. He has written
articles that have appeared in the FARMS Review, and his widely
acclaimed six-volume commentary on the Book of Mormon, Second
Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon,
is published by Kofford Books.
Brant Gardner “A Real People, Time, and Place: Contextualizing the
Book of Mormon”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2000_Contextualizing_the_Book_of_Mormon.html
Brant Gardner, ” A Social History of the Early Nephites
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2001_Social_History_of_the_Early_Nephites.html
Brant Gardner, “The Gadianton Robbers in Mormon’s Theological
History: Their Structural Role and Plausible Identification”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Gadianton_Robbers_in_Mormons_Theological_History.html
Brant Gardner, “Monotheism, Messiah, and Mormon’s Book”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Monotheism_Messiah_and_Mormons_Book.html
Brant A. Gardner, “The Case for Historicity: Discerning the Book of
Mormon’s Production Culture”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2004_Case_for_Historicity.html
Brant A. Gardner, “Mormon’s Editorial Method and Meta-Message”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_Mormons_Editorial_Method_and_Meta-Message.html
Brant Gardner, “Joseph the Seer–or Why Did He Translate With a Rock
in His Hat?”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Joseph_the_Seer.html
APOLOGETICS ON THE INTERNET
———————————–
The newest issue of the FARMS Review has been published. For anyone
interested in current academic thought on books that are being
published, this publication is a must. Anyone who wants to claim to
know apologetics should know this publication.
The new issue of the FARMS Review is out and available for purchase
here:
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1134
Of particular note there are some articles in the Review from FAIR
Volunteers that you can read on the Internet.
Often in Error, Seldom in Doubt: Rod Meldrum and Book of Mormon DNA
by: Gregory L. Smith
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=793
Understanding the Book of Mormon? He “Doth Protest Too Much,
Methinks” by: Ben McGuire
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=794
On Not Understanding the Book of Mormon by: Robert Boylan
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=795
FAIR’S ‘FRONT PAGE’
———————————–
FAIR’s ‘Front Page’ is a free news clipping service and the
recipient can unsubscribe at any time. It is not sent in any
official Church or other capacity. It is for those who are
interested in keeping abreast with what is being said around the
world about the LDS Church and its members. Sometimes media
portrayal of the LDS Church, its members and of other religions is
not positive or accurate. The responsibility for the interpretation
and use of this information lies with the reader. As all information
comes from other news sources and has not been independently
verified, FAIR cannot guarantee or be responsible for the security
of links in the clipping service. FAIR will attempt to exclude news
articles containing strongly offensive language but cannot guarantee
that some will not slip through. Some links may also lead to
offensive images. To receive this service click on the link below,
enter your email address in the white box, and push the “Sign-Up”
button.
http://www.fairlds.org/
ASK THE APOLOGIST
———————————–
The public is invited to submit questions related to LDS
*apologetic* issues to “Ask the Apologist.” This feature can be
accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php
Mark the box labeled “Questions (for the FAIR apologists).” Then
fill in accurate information in the five white boxes and push the
“Send Comments” button. All inquiries will be shared with members of
the FAIR List and the questioner may receive multiple responses from
FAIR volunteers. All responses reflect the opinions of the
respondents only and not the official position of FAIR or The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE & DISCLAIMER
———————————–
Copyright (c) 2010 by The Foundation for Apologetic Information and
Research (FAIR). All rights are reserved. FAIR is not owned by,
controlled by, nor affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. All research and opinions provided in FAIR
publications are the sole responsibility of FAIR and the individual
authors who provide the information, and should not be interpreted
as official statements of Latter Day Saint history, doctrine,
practice or belief.
Foundation for Apologetic
Information and Research
PO Box 491677
Redding, CA 96049
Foundation for Apologetic
Information and Research
PO Box 491677
Redding, CA 96049
To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit:
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Redding, CA 96049-1677
JOURNAL CONTENTS
* Message from the President * FAIR Firesides
* FAIR Conference Talks * FAIR YouTube * FAIR Wiki
* FAIR Bookstore * Looking Back * Apologetics on the Internet
* FAIR’s ‘Front Page’ * Ask the Apologist
* Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
———————————–
It has been a busy month for the Church in the Media.
A new study was completed that showed Mormons know more about the
Bible and Christianity than any other group. I’m sure many of our
Evangelical Christian friends were shocked as some have said that if
we would become more familiar with the Bible we would leave our
faith and join theirs. Turns out we do read the Bible and are more
familiar with its teachings than they are. This is no surprise to
Latter-day Saints, but it does break some deeply held stereotypes.
We are also the group most likely to read religious books and
material in general.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1745/religious-knowledge-in-america-survey-atheists-agnostics-score-highest
The LDS Church owned Deseret News also made headlines as it
restructured its business. In the age of the Internet, newspapers
generally have been going through a transition. One of the changes
at the Deseret News, which is causing some angst, is a new editorial
board which seems to be friendlier to the LDS position. This change
shouldn’t be a huge surprise as the addition of the Mormon Times has
spurred growth in the circulation of the Deseret News, while other
daily newspapers have been shrinking. They seem to be the first
media outlet that has discovered that there are a lot of Mormons in
the world, and given the afore-mentioned Pew survey results, we do
read.
A third area where we have attracted a lot of attention is from a
few words in a General Conference talk given by President Boyd K.
Packer. We have had many conferences in the past that have sparked
barely a ripple in the media. Now we are in the center of the
spotlight and Elder Packer’s talk is being picked apart and
interpreted word-by-word by individuals who are sometimes not
familiar with our theology or practices or who are not interested
in what the actual intent of the message was.
Interesting times are ahead, with many opportunities for us to
clarify our beliefs with our neighbors. I hope we are up to the
task.
–Scott Gordon
President of FAIR
FAIR FIRESIDES
———————————–
FAIR is now featuring Firesides. Starting in October, FAIR will
begin down a new avenue in adult education by offering firesides
throughout Utah and Arizona. We will be offering topics that deal
with evidences, insights, and apologetics on The Book of Mormon,
Joseph Smith, the Book of Abraham, DNA, and much more.
Our first fireside will be Author Michael R. Ash on “Enlarging One’s
Testimony with Answers and Evidences”. Michael is the author of
“Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony In the Face
of Criticism and Doubt,” “Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences
Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith,” and writes a weekly article
“Challenging Issues, Keeping the Faith” in the Mormon Times. Michael
is also on the management team at FAIR, has spoken at many FAIR
conferences, and has helped many people who have struggled with
their faith.
This fireside will be held at the LDS Church at 2841 W 1300 N in
Clinton Utah, on Sunday October 24th, from 4:30-6:00 pm.
Refreshments will be served. Mark it on your calendars and bring a
friend.
FAIR CONFERENCE TALKS
———————————–
We are pressing forward trying to get our conference talks into
print. But, that takes time. In the mean time, we are offering a new
way to get the conference talks delivered to you. We now have video
streaming available from the talks. This will allow you to hear the
talk, and to see the PowerPoints of the talk, if there is one (not
all have PowerPoints). The purchased video stream will only be
available for viewing on your computer for one day. Because of that
limitation, and because some of the PowerPoint slides may be
difficult to read, we are pricing the stream at $1.97.
If you want something you can listen to again and again, you can
download the MP3 file for its usual price of $4.97. That allows you
to take the talk with you in your MP3 player, or on your computer
and listen to it again and again.
The link for both the video stream and the MP3 files is:
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/category.php?id_category=81
FAIR YOUTUBE
———————————–
We will begin posting FAIR conference talks from the 2008 FAIR
conference on the Youtube site. We have a few posted, and will be
posting more in the near future. Geneticist Ugo Perego gave an
excellent lecture on DNA and Joseph Smith. Some claim that Joseph
Smith had children with his plural wives and attempted to prove this
claim however they could. Ugo Perego uses DNA to show that many of
the so-called children of Joseph Smith could not have been his
because the DNA does not match up.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWZg0rPTPoU
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNAEg74y6qk
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzF4kF0dZ88
Pt 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM0pT9nPNC0
Pt 5- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQAL6xcQVYc
Pt 6- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rd9uZYe7Ck
Newell Bringhurst and Craig Foster do a great job in discussing the
White-Horse Prophecy, that was allegedly given by Joseph Smith.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYbo2MZ0tAc
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oIFsYt4ksk
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAkasJP5HOA
Ronald Esplin, the managing editor of The Joseph Smith Papers,
provides a behind the scenes look at the process of finding,
authenticating, and publishing the most comprehensive book series on
Joseph Smith in his 2008 FAIR conference lecture.
Pt 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePY8vO8RGfM
Pt 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdklrTja3_M
Pt 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggINnxvZ5qw
Pt 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LZAw2rYrlA
Pt 5- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4hPLTqiYTY
Pt 6- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oZSSrWPr2Q
FAIR WIKI
———————————–
The FAIR wiki project began in 2006 as a way to provide more
flexible and searchable resources on LDS apologetic issues. FAIR
wiki articles are created, expanded and edited on a continual basis
by various FAIR volunteers. The FAIR wiki’s main page can be
accessed at:
http://en.fairmormon.org/Main_Page
A June 2010 documentary called “8: The Mormon Proposition,” written
and produced by Reed Cowan, claims to be an expose of the role that
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played in the
passage of California Proposition 8. Reviews of the film generally
agreed that it was a polemical treatment of the issue, pitting the
Church as villain in a quest to limit or remove the rights of
same-sex couples. FAIR reviews some of the individual claims made in
the documentary.
http://en.fairmormon.org/Specific_works/8:_The_Mormon_Proposition
A quote alleged to have been uttered by Brigham Young recently began
gaining wide circulation on the web. The quote appeared to be a
“smoking gun,” with Brigham mentioning practically every
controversial issue in which he was ever said to have been involved.
Ex-Mormon critics of the Church became excited about the quote and
attempted to verify its source because it represented “an astounding
batch of ammo if it is a true quote from B[righam] Y[oung].” There
was even an allusion to Proposition 8: “If there ever comes a day
when the Saints interfere with the rights of others to live as they
see fit, you can know with assurance that the Church is no longer
led by a Prophet, but a mere man.”
The entire quote was later admitted to be a fabrication by an
anonymous blogger. We examine the full “quote” here:
http://en.fairmormon.org/Non-existent_quotes/Brigham_Young/The_%22I_have_never_given_counsel_that_is_wrong%22_quote
FAIR BOOKSTORE
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Come to the FAIR Bookstore to find the Internet’s best selection of
materials for LDS apologetics. Whether you are looking for books,
study aids, DVDs, or audio products, the FAIR Bookstore has what you
need. You can begin your browsing by going to our main site.
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/
Be sure to check out the Clearance Section. We have many older books
and some new books with slightly damaged covers that offer great
deals to buyers.
How To Understand the Book of Mormon
Duane S. Crowther, Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers, 6×9″
softbound, 192 pages. ISBN: 0-88290-045-5
This book is a valuable guide to enjoying and comprehending the
ancient American scriptures. It is a simplified reading program, a
useful summary, a doctrinal analysis and an in-depth topical guide
to the Book of Mormon.
Carefully designed to increase reader understanding, the book is
especially helpful for investigators, new members, young students,
and those reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. Teachers
of courses on the Book of Mormon Will easily recognize its value
also.
In Part I, The Reading Guide, the Book of Mormon is divided into
twelve portions of from 40 to 50 pages. Each portion contains a
simple story outline which indicates the major historical events
which transpire. Then, chapters of special interest are listed, and
passages of doctrinal importance are summarized into concise units.
These summaries help the reader to follow the major messages on a
verse-by-verse basis. Difficult passages such as the chapters quoted
from the writings of Isaiah, are examined and given special
explanations in their historical context.
Part II is a useful Doctrinal Guide to the hundreds of important
teachings found in the Book of Mormon. Passages are listed under
related headings with the Table of Contents serving as a simple
index. This doctrinal analysis is the most comprehensive list of
Book of Mormon themes in print and should prove invaluable to every
Book of Mormon student.
Part III contains Charts and Special Helps which will aid in
understanding the Book of Mormon. They tell in simple form of the
various groups that migrated to the Americas, of the plates upon
which the records were kept and of how God protected the writings to
come forth in the last days. The basic elements of Book of Mormon
geography are discussed, and the authors and keepers of the sacred
records are listed.
Special FAIR Price: $5.99 (60% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=710
To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson
Heidi S. Swinton. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Company, 2010.
Hardbound, 6×9″ 608 pages.
To the Rescue is the much-anticipated official biography of
President Thomas S. Monson. Beginning with President Monson’s family
heritage and his early years in Salt Lake City, it includes his
vocational preparation and his career in the world of journalism.
More importantly, this inspiring book recounts his lifetime of
Church service. Called as a bishop at the age of twenty-two, as a
mission president at thirty-one, and as a member of the Quorum of
the Twelve at age thirty-six, he has traveled the globe to minister
to the Saints for more than fifty years. This book shares many of
his personal experiences, from his visits behind the Iron Curtain to
his contributions on the Scriptures Publication Committee and in the
missionary and welfare areas; it also provides up-to-the-minute
information about his work as Church President.
Filled with wonderful photographs and little-known accounts, this
biography is a portrait of a leader who ministers both to the one
and to the many, and who is completely dedicated to doing whatever
the Lord prompts him to do.
Special FAIR Price: $27.99 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1146
FARMS Review: Volume 22 Number 1, 2010
Daniel C. Peterson (Editor), Provo, Utah: The Foundation for Ancient
Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), 2010, 6×9″ softbound, 295 pgs.
Editor’s Introduction: A Tidy Garden by: Louis Midgley, xi-xxvii
Basic New Perspectives on the Sermon on the Mount by: George L.
Mitton, 1-4
A review of “The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the Temple” by:
John W. Welch
From the Preface to The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the
Temple by: John W. Welch, 5-10
A Unique Approach to the Sermon on the Mount by: Gaye Strathearn,
11-16
A review of “The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the Temple” by:
John W. Welch
Often in Error, Seldom in Doubt: Rod Meldrum and Book of Mormon DNA
by: Gregory L. Smith, 17-161
A review of “Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA”
by: Rod L. Meldrum
Understanding the Book of Mormon? He “Doth Protest Too Much,
Methinks” by: Ben McGuire, 163-180
A review of “Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian
Guide to the Mormon Holy Book” by: Ross Anderson
On Not Understanding the Book of Mormon by: Robert Boylan, 181-189
A review of “Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian
Guide to the Mormon Holy Book” by: Ross Anderson
The Book of Mormon and the Origin of Native Americans from a
Maternally Inherited DNA Standpoint by: Ugo A. Perego, 191-227
Prospering in the Land of Promise by: Steven L. Olsen, 229-245
The Grace of Christ by: John Gee, 247-259
Was Joseph Smith Guilty of Plagiarism? by: John A. Tvedtnes, 261-275
Special FAIR Price: $14.00 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1134
Joseph Smith Papers Television Documentary Series, Season 2
Hosted by Glenn Rawson. Salt Lake City, Utah: Larry H. Miller
Communications Corporation, 2010. 6 Discs.
In Season 2, scholars continue the story of Joseph Smith by using
the documents that survive to illustrate his life, many of them the
very texts that compose the published volumes of The Joseph Smith
Papers. Whether on location or through in-depth interviews, early
Church history comes alive in this landmark documentary series.
This documentary series is produced by KJZZ Television and the Larry
H. Miller Communications Corp., in cooperation with the Church
History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and The Joseph Smith Papers Project. Focusing on the
documentary record primarily found in the LDS Church History
Library, more than fifty esteemed scholars of early Mormon history
appear on the program in interviews and in lectures.
* The series aired weekly on KJZZ TV, and season 2 will also
begin airing weekly on BYU TV in late summer 2010.
* This 6-DVD boxed set includes all season 2 episodes
* A comprehensive summary of all episodes
* A complete topical index
Special FAIR Price: $39.99 (20% Discount)
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1143
Thank you for using the FAIR bookstore!
LOOKING BACK
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This section of the FAIR Journal is designed to focus attention on
the wealth of information available in past FAIR Conference
presentations, which began to be given in 1999.
The views expressed at the Conference represent those of the speaker
and not necessarily those of FAIR. You may even find occasional
differences of opinion between speakers. But, they are all good
talks for investigating and thinking about a topic.
This month, we are highlighting just one speaker, Brant Gardner.
Brant Gardner’s academic background includes work towards a Ph.D. in
Mesoamerican Ethnohistory at the State University of New York,
Albany. His published works on Mesoamerica include an analysis of
classical Nahuatl kinship terminology, an ethnohistoric
investigation into the identification of the use of Coxoh to
designate a people and language in Southern Mexico, and an
examination of the Aztec Legend of the Suns. He has written
articles that have appeared in the FARMS Review, and his widely
acclaimed six-volume commentary on the Book of Mormon, Second
Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon,
is published by Kofford Books.
Brant Gardner “A Real People, Time, and Place: Contextualizing the
Book of Mormon”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2000_Contextualizing_the_Book_of_Mormon.html
Brant Gardner, ” A Social History of the Early Nephites
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2001_Social_History_of_the_Early_Nephites.html
Brant Gardner, “The Gadianton Robbers in Mormon’s Theological
History: Their Structural Role and Plausible Identification”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Gadianton_Robbers_in_Mormons_Theological_History.html
Brant Gardner, “Monotheism, Messiah, and Mormon’s Book”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Monotheism_Messiah_and_Mormons_Book.html
Brant A. Gardner, “The Case for Historicity: Discerning the Book of
Mormon’s Production Culture”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2004_Case_for_Historicity.html
Brant A. Gardner, “Mormon’s Editorial Method and Meta-Message”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_Mormons_Editorial_Method_and_Meta-Message.html
Brant Gardner, “Joseph the Seer–or Why Did He Translate With a Rock
in His Hat?”
http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Joseph_the_Seer.html
APOLOGETICS ON THE INTERNET
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The newest issue of the FARMS Review has been published. For anyone
interested in current academic thought on books that are being
published, this publication is a must. Anyone who wants to claim to
know apologetics should know this publication.
The new issue of the FARMS Review is out and available for purchase
here:
http://bookstore.fairlds.org/product.php?id_product=1134
Of particular note there are some articles in the Review from FAIR
Volunteers that you can read on the Internet.
Often in Error, Seldom in Doubt: Rod Meldrum and Book of Mormon DNA
by: Gregory L. Smith
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=793
Understanding the Book of Mormon? He “Doth Protest Too Much,
Methinks” by: Ben McGuire
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=794
On Not Understanding the Book of Mormon by: Robert Boylan
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=1&id=795
FAIR’S ‘FRONT PAGE’
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FAIR’s ‘Front Page’ is a free news clipping service and the
recipient can unsubscribe at any time. It is not sent in any
official Church or other capacity. It is for those who are
interested in keeping abreast with what is being said around the
world about the LDS Church and its members. Sometimes media
portrayal of the LDS Church, its members and of other religions is
not positive or accurate. The responsibility for the interpretation
and use of this information lies with the reader. As all information
comes from other news sources and has not been independently
verified, FAIR cannot guarantee or be responsible for the security
of links in the clipping service. FAIR will attempt to exclude news
articles containing strongly offensive language but cannot guarantee
that some will not slip through. Some links may also lead to
offensive images. To receive this service click on the link below,
enter your email address in the white box, and push the “Sign-Up”
button.
http://www.fairlds.org/
ASK THE APOLOGIST
———————————–
The public is invited to submit questions related to LDS
*apologetic* issues to “Ask the Apologist.” This feature can be
accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php
Mark the box labeled “Questions (for the FAIR apologists).” Then
fill in accurate information in the five white boxes and push the
“Send Comments” button. All inquiries will be shared with members of
the FAIR List and the questioner may receive multiple responses from
FAIR volunteers. All responses reflect the opinions of the
respondents only and not the official position of FAIR or The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.