The FAIR Journal

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THE FAIR JOURNAL                                            April 2002
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        The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research
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   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, Fourth
   Edition, 2000.)


INSIDE THE JOURNAL
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   * THE FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR APOLOGETIC CONFERENCE. The latest info on
     our upcoming annual conference.

   * SPEAKERS AT THE FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR APOLOGETIC CONFERENCE. Catch
     a glimpse of the top-notch speakers lined up for our conference.

   * FEATURE: KING BENJAMIN OR MOSIAH--A LOOK AT MOSIAH 21:28.
     A review of Ara Norwood's FAIR Conference Presentation on one of
     the most commonly attacked changes in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah
     21:28.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "DOES THE BIBLE CLAIM TO BE INERRANT?" An
     examination of the Bible to find the truth about the claim of
     inerrancy.  

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "TO ADD TO OR TO TAKE FROM." Does the Bible
     teach that no new scripture should be added unto it? Is this the
     "silver bullet" that shoots down Mormonism?

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "DOESN'T MATTHEW 22:23-30 CONTRADICT THE LDS
     DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL MARRIAGE?"

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "REAL ANSWERS FOR THE BIBLE ANSWER MAN."
     Using FAIR's Apologetics Index, answers are provided to Hank
     Hanegraaf (President of Christian Research Institute and
     self-proclaimed "Bible Answer Man") and his radio-program guest
     Richard Abanes, anti-Mormon author.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "CAN WE TRUST OUR FEELINGS?" Some say we
     should not pray about truth, but only rely on those things that
     can be proven with evidence. Is this the Lord's standard? Is it
     a Biblical standard?

   * FAIR APOLOGETICS INDEX. The Index continues to grow.

   * MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, SCOTT GORDON.

   * BOOKSTORE SHIPPING SALE. Shipping is still free at the FAIR
     bookstore.

   * ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS. Interested in writing for FAIR? Learn how
     you can have your apologetics work published.

   * PUBLISHING NOTES. Learn how you can become more involved in FAIR
     and how you can reuse the material we publish.


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THE FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR APOLOGETIC CONFERENCE
TURNING STUMBLING BLOCKS INTO STEPPING STONES--Responding to
Challenging Issues in Mormonism.

"Critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are quick
to point out what they perceive as thorny issues that 'prove' the
Church is not true. For some, these issues present stumbling blocks
to learning and progression. Whether these issues are historical,
cultural, or doctrinal, they can be turned into stepping stones
leading to greater awareness and growth. This conference will explore
the evidence surrounding potential stumbling blocks and discuss them
in the context of the truthfulness of the Gospel." (Scott Gordon, FAIR
President)

This year's conference will be held at Utah Valley State College
(UVSC) located at 800 West University Parkway in Orem Utah on August
9th and 10th. This location is just off of the freeway and should be
easily accessible. Last year's conference was a big success among the
participants, so we are following the same format.  

The conference will be from 10-4 on Friday August 9th and from 9-3 on
Saturday August 10th. Lunch will be included each day. This provides
an opportunity to renew friendships and to eat lunch with the
speakers. After you factor in the price of lunch and the accessibility
of the conference speakers, you will agree that the FAIR conference is
one of the best bargains out there.

The price of the conference is as follows (including 2 lunches)

   Purchase in Advance:
     $45 per person
     $75 per couple

   Pay at the door:
     $65 per person
     $95 per couple

This year we will sell a single day ticket

   Single Day
     $27.50 ($37.50 at the door)

We will also offer discounted Student tickets, but you must show a
student id at the door. The Student tickets will be:

   Two day student
     Purchase in advance
       $35 per person
       $55 per couple

     Pay at the door student tickets
       $55 per person
       $75 per couple

   Single day student
     $22.50 ($32.50 at the door)


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SPEAKERS AT THE FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR APOLOGETIC CONFERENCE

The FAIR Conference includes top-notch speakers that promise great
sessions. This year's line-up includes the following speakers and
presenters, in alphabetical order:

   * Russell Anderson (FAIR), speaking on Joseph Smith and the trial
     of 1826.
   * Mike Ash (FAIR), speaking on anti-Mormon influence on LDS
     research.
   * Kathryn Daynes (BYU), speaking on plural marriage.
   * Brant Gardner, speaking on The Book of Mormon and the Gadianton
     Band.
   * Tim Heaton (BYU), speaking on how to deal with demographics.
   * Renee Olsen (FAIR), speaking on dispelling the Black myth.
   * Dan Peterson (ISPART/FARMS)
   * Royal Skousan (BYU and FARMS), speaking on changes in The Book
     of Mormon.
   * John Tvedtnes (ISPART/FARMS)
   * Nate Womble, speaking on Blacks in The Church of Jesus Christ.

You can find full biographical information on the speakers at the
following Web page: http://www.fairlds.org/conf02b.html

Last year's conference was a lot of fun. This year's conference will
be outstanding and we look forward to seeing you there. Once you've
been to one conference, you won't want to miss another.

Sign up for the conference at http://www.fairlds.org/conf02.html

If you have a business and are interested in sponsoring a booth at
the conference, contact us at the Webmaster.


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KING BENJAMIN OR MOSIAH--A LOOK AT MOSIAH 21:28
by J. Cooper Johnson

Something I’ve noticed in my encounters with literature critical of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a common theme of
agendas and purpose. While anti-Mormon authors fly the "learn-the-
truth-about-the-Mormons" banner high atop their ministry headquarters,
I have been unable to find those who truly seek just that...the truth.
In my experience, the "search" of the critics is more for items that
are consistent with their agenda: condemn and rip apart the LDS faith
and the Book of Mormon. This is their search and most times, it is in
spite of the truth.

Now, I must say that we all have our own agendas on different matters,
but when our agenda hinders finding the truth there is a real problem.
This problematic aspect of agendas is exactly what I see in the world
of anti-Mormonism as they attempt to attack the Book of Mormon.

As one surveys the critical arguments aimed at the Book of Mormon,
some of the most common are those having to do with all the changes
that took place from the original manuscript. And while the large
majority of the changes have to do with grammar and spelling and other
insignificant changes, there are indeed a few that have more
significance.

At the Third Annual Mormon Apologetics Conference, held by FAIR last
year, one of the best examples of succinct and effective examination
of changes in the Book of Mormon was the presentation prepared and
delivered by Ara Norwood. Not that Brother Norwood dealt with this
issue in it’s entirety, rather he took one of the most attacked
changes in the Book of Mormon and demonstrated how one should go
about examining it to find the truth about why it was changed. Then,
and only then, as Brother Norwood shows us, are we properly able to
make an evaluation of the underlying purpose and validity of the
change itself.

Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/King_Benjamin_or_Mosiah.html
(Includes information on how to purchase Brother Norwood's complete
presentation on audio CD.)


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DOES THE BIBLE CLAIM TO BE INERRANT?
by Barry Bickmore 

One of the major disagreements Latter-day Saints have with our
fundamentalist Protestant neighbors is our attitude toward the
authority of the Bible. For the fundementalist, the Bible is the final
religious authority, whereas the LDS look to our prophets for
continuing revelation. This is a vital issue, for their belief in the
authority of the Bible allows Protestants to claim knowledge of the
way to salvation and authority to preach the Gospel, without being
able to trace a line of priesthood ordinations back to Christ, or any
other particular prophetic insight.

Read the full article:  http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/Inerrant.pdf


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TO ADD TO OR TO TAKE FROM
by Scott Gordon

For many people the whole concept of Mormonism can be summarily
dismissed with a single scripture. It says in Revelation 22:18–19:
	
   For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy
   of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add
   unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man
   shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
   shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the
   holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 

For some, this scripture is the "silver bullet" that shoots down
Mormonism. The Mormons have the Book of Mormon. This counts as
additional scripture. That means they add to the Bible which violates
what is written in Revelation 22:18–19. This concept is clearly stated
by noted anti-Mormon Walter Martin, author of many books including the
best-selling Kingdom of the Cults and Through the Maze of Mormonism.
In speaking of Joseph Smith he states:
	
   Smith apparently was either oblivious to the expressed warning
   against adding to or subtracting from the Word of God, or willfully
   disobedient to it (see Rev. 22:18, 19). At any rate he clearly
   transgressed God’s revealed will and all loyal Mormons who follow
   his example continue in his transgression. 

So why do Mormons continue in this "transgression?" Is Walter Martin
right? Does this one scripture prove Mormonism to be a false gospel?

Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/AddOrTake.pdf


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DOESN'T MATTHEW 22:23-30 CONTRADICT THE LDS DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL
MARRIAGE?
by Marc Schindler

In response to the LDS doctrine of eternal marriage, you may hear
Matthew 22:23-30 (or it's scriptural counterparts: Mark 12:18-25 and
Luke 20:27-36) brought up as proof that there won't be marriage in
heaven. The Sadducees, who didn't even believe in the afterlife,
deliberately tried to trip up Jesus by asking which of seven husbands
a woman, who outlived them all, would belong to. The wording is almost
identical in all three versions. Jesus answers:

   Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. For in
   the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but
   are as the angels of God in Heaven. (Matthew 22:39-30)

There are three things you need to appreciate in order to answer this
claim:

   1. The restored gospel is not "biblicist" in nature, meaning we
      believe the word of God is not subject to individual
      interpretation, but is that which proceeds from the mouth of a
      living prophet.
   2. The Sadducees tried to set Jesus up with a hypothetical,
      self-contradicting question.
   3. The original Greek, in which the Gospels were written, does not
      support our critics' claim that there will be no marriage in
      heaven.

Read the full article:
      http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Brochures/EternalMarriage.pdf


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REAL ANSWERS FOR THE BIBLE ANSWER MAN
Compiled by J. Cooper Johnson

One of the most well-known and widely broadcasted religious radio talk
shows in the country is The Bible Answer Man, hosted by Hank
Hanegraaf. Hank never misses an opportunity to assault The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An anti-Mormon author, Richard
Abanes, was Hanks guest a few weeks ago and for three consecutive
broadcasts (total of three hours), these two men did their best to
damage the LDS faith.

While it was a sad attempt, trumping up old and tired rehashed anti-
Mormon arguments which have been answered time and time again, we at
FAIR felt like, due to the national audience this radio show enjoys,
the true answers needed to be provided. But, rather than have
apologists write answers to each point addressed on the show--rather
than re-inventing the wheel--it was decided to provide links to
answers already available through the FAIR Apologetic Index.  

Using FAIR's Apologetics Index, answers are provided to Mr. Hanegraaf
and Mr. Abanes. Not only will you find that more-than-adequate answers
exist to their arguments, this process will also demonstrate the power
of the Apologetic Index.

View the answers to the Bible Answer Man:
     http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/Answering_the_Bible_Answer_Man.html


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CAN WE TRUST OUR FEELINGS?
by J. Cooper Johnson

Many critics of the LDS faith attack the foundation of one's faith and
testimony of truth by saying things like the following:

   * "Truth is never measured by subjective feelings, but only by the
     Word of God, the Bible." 
   * "You can't trust your feelings. It could be something you ate."
     (I've seen this one. Seriously.) 
   * "God works through evidence to demonstrate his word and truth."
   * "Our faith should be founded upon objective evidence, not our
     feelings." 

When thusly attacked, I always as a few questions.

How does the Holy Ghost bear witness of truth?

How do you know what is the Word of God? The Bible certainly doesn't
define itself. In other words, nowhere in the Bible does it say what
books should be included as the word of God. And which Word of God do
you use? Which Bible?

How do you know what interpretation of the Bible to use?

How do you know that the Bible is true?

How do you know that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, the Savior
of the world? How do you know that? What do you base your testimony
on? Written words? And that begs the previous question: How do you
know that the Bible is the word of God? Because it says so?

Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Can_We_Trust_Our_Feelings.html


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FAIR APOLOGETICS INDEX CONTINUES TO GROW AND GAIN POPULARITY

We continue to add content to the Apologetics Index. Now we not only
have many Ensign articles on the various topics indexed, but we also
have many LDS Web sites on the Internet indexed. You will also find
articles and papers from the FAIR site, many articles from the
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, free information from the FARMS site, and
several electronic books.  

Next time you have a gospel question, you no longer have to try to
remember which Web site the answer might be on. You can go to
www.fairlds.org, click on the Apologetics Index link, click on that
one topic and find a list of great responses from all over the
Internet. You can also use our handy keyword search feature.

The use of the Apologetics Index continues to rise. We have Sunday
School teachers and Seminary teachers using it now to help prepare for
their lessons. We hope this will be a great resource for you.


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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
by Scott Gordon, President

The Fourth Annual FAIR Conference is right around the corner and the
buzz is everywhere! We are very excited with the speakers that have
been chosen for this year’s conference. No one will walk away
disappointed as the caliber and diversity of speakers along with the
topics to be addressed continue to place the FAIR conference in a
league of it's own. The number of interested speakers continue to
increase and with the overwhelming number we had this year, we had to
make some tough choices. Additional information on the speakers is
contained within this issue of the FAIR Journal and more will be
forthcoming. 

Speaking of FAIR conferences, Meridian Magazine, an online magazine
for LDS, just published an article by our FAIR Editor, Cooper Johnson,
about last year's successful FAIR conference. That article can be read
at the following site:

   www.meridianmagazine.com/missionaryjournal/020418christians.html

In other areas, we continue to post up new articles on the website and
have some exciting surprises planned for the near future. So continue
to check the website for updates and announcements.

We are working very hard in the area of book publication, but in that
endeavor our resources are quite limited. If you would like to make a
donation for that cause, go to http://www.fairlds.org/Join_FAIR/
scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the link to make a
one-time donation. Remember, FAIR is an all-volunteer organization.
Your donations go directly to move forward the work of FAIR, not to
salaries, etc.

One of our latest projects should be ready for Web-publication soon.
Mormonism 201, a review of Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson's latest
anti-Mormon book, Mormonism 101, should be out in the near future.
Stay posted to the FAIR Web site for it's release. A variety of FAIR
apologists have written, chapter-by-chapter, reviews and answers. It
is an outstanding piece of apologetic work.

We are happy with the wonderful response we are receiving from the
FAIR Journal and from the updates to the Web site. We like hearing
from you. We also appreciate all of the volunteers that help us with
writing and editing articles and doing those things that keep FAIR
growing.

As always, pass this email around to other people you know and we
thank you for your support and encouragement.

Scott Gordon
President FAIR


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ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

We welcome article submissions for the FAIR Web site. If you would
like to submit an article, please review the editing guidelines at:

     http://www.fairlds.org/EdStyle.pdf

Submit your article to the FAIR Journal Editor. An appropriate
article would be one that affirms the truthfulness of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While LDS apologetics (in the broadest sense) deals with refuting
critics of the Church, articles don't necessarily have to deal with
anti-Mormonism, but may deal with some new evidence of the Book of
Mormon, some interesting scripture interpretation, a viewpoint or
quote from the early Christian Fathers or other historical figure,
an interesting lesson idea, an inspiring missionary story, Church
history, or your view on a current event related to the Church or a
piece from a historical journal.

We may also accept articles from people who are not members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that may not necessarily
meet the guidelines of supporting the church if it is a topic of
general interest to people involved in apologetics.

A submission may range in length from several pages to a single
paragraph. 


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PUBLISHING NOTES

FAIR is not owned, controlled by or affiliated with the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All research and opinions provided
in the FAIR Journal and on the FAIR Web site (http://www.fairlds.org)
are the sole responsibility of FAIR, and should not be interpreted as
official statements of LDS doctrine, belief or practice.

If someone has forwarded this e-journal to you and you would like to
join you should go to www.fairlds.org and click on the Membership
link.

If you are very interested in apologetics and would like to actively
participate in FAIR you should consider joining our apologetics e-mail
list. Visit www.fairlds.org and click on the Membership link to join
this list as well.

If you manage your own e-mail list, and wish to include some of these
thoughts or articles on your list, contact us through our Web site, at
this page: www.fairlds.org/contact.psp. We have a fairly liberal policy of using our
material so long as you contact us first to gain permission and
clearly identify that your source was FAIR and by adding a link to the 
FAIR website (www.fairlds.org).

If you would like to sign up to receive the FAIR Journal automatically, click here.

To return to the index of past FAIR Journal issues, click here.

FAIR is not owned, controlled by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All research and opinions provided on this site are the sole responsibility of FAIR, and should not be interpreted as official statements of LDS doctrine, belief or practice.

If you like what FAIR does and you agree with our mission, we invite you to support FAIR in any way you are able. You can make a donation, or visit our Membership page for additional support ideas. FAIR only succeeds through the efforts of our gracious volunteers.

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