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The FAIR JournalThe FAIR Journal is published monthly. It contains information about new apologetic information at the FAIR Web site. 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.
THE FAIR JOURNAL August 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 A HUGE HIT! A brief
report on the FAIR conference held earlier this month in Orem,
Utah.
* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: THE LOST BOOK OF ABRAHAM: INVESTIGATING A
REMARKABLE ANTI-MORMON CLAIM. This FAIR Paper presents a review
of a new anti-Mormon film entitled The Lost Book of Abraham:
Investigating a Remarkable Mormon Claim.
* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: THE ATONEMENT. A fascinating treatment of
this subject: the center of the LDS faith. From the Mormonism
201 project (a response to anti-Mormon book, Mormonism 101), the
true doctrine of the Atonement shines through brightly.
* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: MORMONS, CAN THEY BE CONSIDERED CHRISTIANS?
An example of how critics (Christian Research Institute in this
case) of the LDS use faulty standards to exclude the Church of
Jesus Christ from Christianity.
* ASK THE APOLOGIST. The question this month addresses the Holy
Ghost.
* FROM THE FAIR FILES: THE BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF MORMON. When
examining quotations in the Book of Mormon of Old Testament
authors, we notice similarities and differences with the King
James Version. Why is that, and what does it demonstrate? An
impressive comparison--A MUST READ!
* MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, SCOTT GORDON.
* NEW FEATURE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Do you have any opinions on
the content of the FAIR Journal? Your comments are welcomed.
* AFTER CONFERENCE BOOK SPECIAL! Get your own copy of Katherine
Daynes' great new book about polygamy.
* BOOK SALE: THEY LIE IN WAIT TO DECIEVE (4 volume set) by Robert
and Rosemary Brown. Now is the time to get your hands on this
remarkable set.
* JOIN THE FAIR APOLOGETICS LIST. The FAIR Journal isn't the only
communication forum available to FAIR members.
* 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.
------------------------------
THE FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR APOLOGETIC CONFERENCE A HUGE HIT!
by Cooper Johnson
From scholars, professors, and intellectuals to Sunday School
teachers, Bishops and Ward Mission leaders, an international crowd of
people from all walks of life gathered for two days in Orem, Utah, to
learn more about gospel scholarship and how to answer some of those
pesky questions from the critics of the Church of Jesus Christ. The
fourth annual FAIR (Foundation of Apologetic Information and Research)
LDS Apologetic Conference, according to attendees and presenters, was
an outstanding success.
The goal? To turn perceived stumbling blocks (the tough questions
about the LDS faith, it's doctrines, history, and leaders) into
stepping stones of knowledge, wisdom and truth. From plural marriage
to racism, from Book of Mormon studies to the doctrine of deification,
attendees of the FAIR Conference walked away well equipped to address
the issues used to attack the LDS faith by it's critics.
"Where else can you go to really learn about these things?" says Sam
Katich. "I mean, let's face it, the enemies of the Church are all over
the place, poisoning the internet, spreading their wings. Never
before, has there been such an event that enables members of the
Church to come and learn of the answers."
Mike Ash admits, regarding the conference, "When tackling difficult
issues, positions are clarified, new insights are gleaned, and new
perspectives are identified. Such issues are really stepping stones to
greater understanding and catalysts to better gospel scholarship."
CAUSING COMMOTION
One of the true highlights of the conference was the presentation of
Dr. Royal Skousen. Dr. Skousen has been the editor of the Book of
Mormon Critical Text project for the last 13 years. He knows more
about the manuscripts and linguistics in the Book of Mormon than
probably anyone in the world.
Dr. Skousen presented some of his findings (as many as could be
presented in an hour) and commented that the most significant were his
discoveries that the process of translation was so systematic and
consistent. He has concluded that everything he has learned only adds
to the fact that the Book of Mormon was the result of a divine
translation process.
The biggest splash made at the conference was the presentation by
Renee Olson. Renee is a black female and former anti-Mormon. She was
certified by the Southern Baptist Convention in "Mormonism," at one
time. She is now a faithful member of the Church and spoke on the
issue of blacks and the priesthood, in addition to racism in the
Church, in general.
"It was, by far, the best thing on the race issue I've ever
experienced," according to Kevin Barney. "Renee has a certain
credibility that none of us could ever muster."
Dr. Kathryn Daynes, a BYU Professor of History, and author of the
recently released book, More Wives Than One, shared the results of her
lengthy study on plural marriage from the arrival of the saints in
Utah to the 1890 manifesto. Her findings were absolutely outstanding.
"Dr. Daynes shared much light on the issues of who, what, when and
why, regarding plural marriage," Gale Tenney said.
Of course, the scholars from the FARMS/ISPART group are always
favorites and played the role of bookends. John Tvedtnes kicked off
the conference on the topic of biblical inerrancy and the changing
position of Evangelical scholars, in addition to other very recent
movements and findings at the scholarly level.
Dr. Daniel Peterson took his familiar position as keynote speaker to
end the conference and presented an absolutely delightful view of the
failure of the critics to find a sound, naturalistic explanation for
the origins of the Book of Mormon. From the days of the early church,
170 years ago, to today, Dr. Peterson demonstrated the absolute
failure, time and time again, of anyone to present an alternative
explanation to the divine origins of the Book of Mormon and the
prophetic call of Joseph Smith. There is nothing left, but the divine,
to explain it.
Other outstanding speakers were Mike Ash, who spoke on the effects of
anti-Mormon research on LDS scholarship, Russell Anderson, who spoke
on the 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith, Roger Cook, who spoke on the
Judeo-Christian roots of the doctrine of Theosis (e.g. deification),
Dr. Tim Heaton, who presented the results of his gathering demographic
statistics on LDS members, and Brant Gardner, who presented an
incredibly unique perspective on the Gaddianton Robbers of the Book of
Mormon.
EVERYONE HAPPY
Not a soul left the conference disappointed. "The FAIR 2002 Conference
was a great success. I enjoyed it from so many perspectives," shared
Craig Ray.
"I thought this was the best apologetics conference yet," concluded
John Tvedtnes, one of the speakers from FARMS/ISPART. "Even the couple
of speakers who didn't deal with apologetics issues gave us some very
good information. I learned a lot of new things and in my book, that
makes the conference a success."
This year's FAIR Conference will be difficult to top. But, I know,
from inside sources within FAIR, that the management team is already
putting together some surprises, that will definitely raise the bar.
Stay tuned to the FAIR website (www.fairlds.org) or subscribe to the
FAIR Monthly Journal, at their home page, to get the latest news on
the next conference.
------------------------------
THE LOST BOOK OF ABRAHAM: INVESTIGATING A REMARKABLE ANTI-MORMON CLAIM
by Ben McGuire
The Institute of Religious Research (IRR), an anti-Mormon
organization, is currently promoting and showing a film entitled The
Lost Book of Abraham: Investigating a Remarkable Mormon Claim. While
touted as a documentary and passed off as a scholarly production, the
sole purpose of this production is to attack The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints and the beliefs of it's members. Much of
the film is quite accurate, but much is also misleading. For those who
understand the latest in scholarship about the Book of Abraham, this
movie brings to mind the old saying that Satan will tell you a
thousand truths to get you to believe a single lie.
Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/LBOA.pdf
------------------------------
THE ATONEMENT
by Ted Jones
A review of one chapter in the anti-Mormon book, Mormonism 101. This
is part of FAIR's Mormonism 201 project.
Quoting from the introduction, Jones states, "Well, I guess that is
what this review is really all about: to determine if the LDS position
is as consistent with, or perhaps more consistent with, the Bible
teachings, as those of mainstream Christianity today. McKeever and
Johnson seek to emphasize 'alleged' differences between the early LDS
Church leaders and those of more current venue. This amounts to a bias
on their part, because they assume, and want their readers to assume,
that such a difference actually exists, and that the difference is
significant, that it indicates an 'apostasy' of the LDS Church from
its beginning to the present day. The only way they can make this
position valid however is to ignore statements from both time periods,
statements which, when made, indicate that there is no such division.
It is the observation of this reviewer that what most evangelical
writers wish to see is a Mormon Systematic Theology, a volume that
will give answers to all their gospel questions, and explain Mormon
doctrine in a very neat and concise manner. What they fail to
recognize (or choose to ignore, since they have studied the subject
for so long!) is that letters written to a son-in-law do not hold the
same authority within the Church as a talk given at a General
Conference, which in turn does not hold the same authority as the
words of canonized scripture.
"This review of their chapter on the Atonement will seek to present
the LDS position, not in a 'favorable' light, but in an accurate one.
And that is what is needed most here: accuracy and honesty. Those who
would bear false witness against another person or Church are
seriously condemned by the Savior, and if Messers McKeever and
Johnson have studied The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
as thoroughly as they claim they have, then they are certainly guilty
of bearing false witness. They claim that their book "is the result of
our concern for those who belong to the LDS faith as well as for those
Christians who want to better understand the beliefs of their Mormon
friends, relatives, and neighbors."5 As this review will indicate,
those friends, neighbors and relatives of the LDS Church will not have
gained any real insights into the LDS faith by reading this book.
Indeed, they will have been seriously misled regarding what the
Latter-day Saints truly believe."
Read the full review: http://www.fairlds.org/Mormonism_201/m20110.html
See all reviews of Mormonism 201: http://www.fairlds.org/Mormonism_201
------------------------------
MORMONS; CAN THEY BE CONSIDERED CHRISTIANS?
by Cooper Johnson
How many times have you heard "Mormons can't be considered
Christians," only to be followed by standards that aren't Biblical?
Some of the largest and most well-respected "Christian" organizations
are producing more and more information on the "Mormon Church," and
providing all the reasons why Mormons aren't Christians. Is it
warranted? Are their reasons Biblical?
On July 26, 2002, a friend of mine brought to my attention an article
posted on the home page of the Christian Research Institute (CRI)
about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since CRI is
considered to be "the largest, most effective apologetics ministry in
the world," one might expect an article posted on the home page of
this organization to be a well-written, scholarly piece of work.
With a mission statement that identifies the objective of providing
"Christians worldwide with carefully researched information and
well-reasoned answers," one's expectations of CRI's work might be
understandably high. With its leader, Hank Hanegraaff, President and
Chairman of the Board of CRI and host of The Bible Answer Man radio
program, and author of several books on Christianity, one might
consider the probability of excellent scholarship to be reasonably
high. Let's take a look.
Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/Can_Mormons_Be_Considered_Christians.html
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ASK THE APOLOGIST - FAIR Journal feature.
Welcome to Ask the Apologist. Here we post questions that we receive
from FAIR Journal subscribers, from the Web site, or from the FAIR
Apologetics list. FAIR apologists will answer the questions, and the
results reported here and on the Web site.
Q. (from a Professor not of the LDS faith) To quote one of my
students, "What's up with the Holy Ghost?" If it is one of the
principles of LDS faith that embodiment is a necessary phase in
exaltation to godhood, how is it that the Holy Ghost has
apparently bypassed this phase?
Read the answer: http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/What_about_the_Holy_Ghost.html
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THE BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF MORMON
by Alma Allred
For over 100 years, Mormon archaeologists have searched in vain for
indisputable proof of Book of Mormon civilizations. As men focus their
attention in other areas of research, bits of cultural and linguistic
evidence come to the forefront as additional testimonies of the Book
of Mormon. Within the pages of the Book of Mormon are many quotations
of the Old Testament that closely follow the language of the King
James Bible. There are however, many passages that differ from the
King James Version. By comparing the differences with other versions
of the Old Testament, we can see evidence that the Book of Mormon is
an authentic record that adds to a correct understanding of all
scripture.
Read the full article: http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/Bible_and_the_Book_of_Mormon.html
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
by Scott Gordon, President
Thanks to all who helped make the FAIR conference a big success. I
think everyone had a great time and learned many new things. I also
had fun putting names from the e-mail list together with their faces.
One thing that sets FAIR apart from other groups is that our
conference presentations are always given in the context of the
truthfulness of the gospel. Every time I go to a FAIR conference, I
am not only intellectually stimulated, but my faith in the gospel is
reaffirmed.
I appreciate all of you who gave up your time or traveled great
distances to attend. I will work toward always making the FAIR
conferences worth that time and effort.
If you were at the conference this year and have comments or
suggestions, feel free to e-mail me at the FAIR Contact Page.
I look forward to seeing you next year!
-Scott Gordon
FAIR President
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - NEW FEATURE
Do you have any opinions on the content of the FAIR Journal? Your
comments are welcome.
Send all letters to the editor, Cooper Johnson, at this address:
FAIR Contact Page.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee your letter will be published.
However, all letters will be carefully considered.
-----------------------------------
AFTER CONFERENCE BOOK SPECIAL!
We had several requests after the FAIR conference for the book by
Kathryn Daynes, "More Wives Than One." For a very limited time we are
offing this book through our conference bookstore.
Kathryn Daynes has done geneological studies of who was married to
whom in the period of plural marriage. She has some unique insights
that will dispel many myths and enlighten both scholars and general
readers alike. This is a book that should be in everyone's library who
has had questions about the practice of polygamy.
To order this book, visit the FAIR Bookstore:
http://store.fairlds.org
Once at the store, click on the "After Conference Specials" link on
the left side of the screen.
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BOOK SALE!
Now is the time to get your hands on THEY LIE IN WAIT TO DECIEVE (4
volume set) by Robert and Rosemary Brown. Each book normally sells
for $12.50, which adds up to $50.00 for the entire set of four.
HERE IS THE SPECIAL OFFER!
Purchase any two books for $17.50. (30% OFF)
OR...
Purchase the set of four for $24.99 (50% OFF)
A more revealing look at how LDS critics work does not exist. The
Browns research is unmatched, in efforts to verify the claims of many
anti-Mormons. Thanks to the Browns, we now know all about the
deceptive practices of critics of the LDS faith. Note, these books are
not doctrinal defenses of the LDS faith, but do more to expose the
deceitful and dishonest practices of anti-Mormons. The Browns actually
researched documents, obtained affadavits, obtained transcripts,
verified facts from all kinds of institutions and the documents are
actually included in these books. It is truly an amazing set of works.
* Volume 1: A detailed look at the antics of "Dr." or "Prof." Dee
Jay Nelson and his crusade against the Book of Abraham, as well
as some enlightening information about the work of Jerald and
Sandra Tanner.
* Volume 2: Learn the truth behind well-known anti-Mormons such as
"Dr." Walter Martin, Wayne Cowdrey, Howard Davis, and Donald
Scales.
* Volume 3: This is the magnum opus on the works of the late "Dr."
Walter Martin, a radio personality who would often use his pulpit
to denegrate and deride the LDS faith.
* Volume 4: Focuses on the efforts of professional anti-Mormons
such as Ed Decker, Richard Baer, "Dr." Richard Fales, "Dr."
Charles Crane, and "Dr." John L. Smith. Also includes additional
information on Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
To order the books, click here: http://www.fairlds.org/Lie_in_Wait_to_Deceive/
-----------------------------------
JOIN THE FAIR APOLOGETICS LIST
FAIR sponsors two mailing lists. You already subscribe to one of
them--this one, which is used to publish the monthly FAIR Journal. It
is a great tool for those who want to keep on top of the latest in
apologetic efforts here at FAIR.
Our other mailing list, the FAIR Apologetics list, is a different type
of beast. It is an unmoderated list in which FAIR members share their
thoughts and outlooks on points of doctrine and discuss how to respond
to recent and oft-repeated criticisms of the LDS Church. It is a "safe
harbor," so to speak, where those dedicated to defending the restored
gospel of Jesus Christ can meet and discuss matters of common
interest.
It is also a very busy list, with more than 100 messages per day quite
common. Even so, the topics discussed and the viewpoints exchanged are
both fascinating and enlightening.
If you want to be part of the FAIR Apologetics list, we invite you to
apply. You can do so here:
http://www.fairlds.org/Join_FAIR/FAIR_Apologetics_List_Application.php
-----------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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 FAIR
Publications 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 Join FAIR link to join
this list.
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 Web site (www.fairlds.org).
Past issues of the FAIR Journal: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Journal/
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.
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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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