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Questions about polygamy and the Mormons? Find your answers here.

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A common-sense review of the anti-Mormon video from Living Hope Ministries.

The Truth About "The God Makers"
Classic, line-by-line examination of this anti-Mormon film and book.

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The FAIR Journal

The 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.

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THE FAIR JOURNAL October 2004
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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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* MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. Scott Gordon illustrates the
difficulties involved in defending the character and comments of
those that are not alive to respond for themselves, and he
encourages those involved in apologetics to be "faith builders"
rather than "faith busters."

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: Old Themes and Stereotypes Never Die: The
Unchanging Ways of Anti-Mormons. Craig Foster's 2003 FAIR
Conference presentation discusses how lurid, anti-Mormon
literature follows the historical patterns for other similar
street literature, and modern anti-Mormon writers have continued
in the same vein.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: Anti-Mormon protesters at the October 2004
LDS General Conference. Once again, Allen Wyatt has put together
a collection of pictures taken at General Conference, with
responses to the issues raised by the protesters.

* ASK THE APOLOGIST. Got a question you are dying to ask? Here's
how.

* FAIR ONLINE BOOKSTORE. This month's FAIR Bookstore specials
include works dealing with the controversial Priesthood ban, the
last days in the life of the Savior, death and resurrection,
Sheri Dew's latest, and a "self-help" for victims of pornography.

* 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.

* FAIR JOURNAL ARCHIVES.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

With apologies to our international audience, I'd like to use this
month's President's Message to talk about the upcoming election in
United States. I'm certainly not going to endorse either candidate or
party. I know good Latter-day Saints who are Democrats, Republicans,
Conservatives, Liberals, and Socialists, and I'm sure there's even a
communist or two. What I would like to do is point out some things I
have noticed during this political season that relate to religious
apologetics.

Each side of the debate is passionate about its position and each side
has claimed it is in some way more enlightened or smarter than the
other. Arguing hasn't resolved the differences. Being a better debater
doesn't make one right, having a better public relations campaign
doesn't make one right, and having the more established position
doesn't make one right.

On the college campus where I teach, I was asked to serve on a panel
to discuss some of the political issues facing the United States. When
I asked why they asked me to participate, I was told that they needed
a moderate; someone who could articulate the position without
acrimony. As the other panelists spoke, I could see they were not
chosen for those same character traits.

From one panelist, I heard that George Bush was a war criminal who
willingly participated in the conspiracy to bring 9/11 to our shores.
Terrorism was just a myth that was used to prop up George Bush's
failing presidency and to line the pockets of his corporate friends.

From another panelist, I learned that John Kerry was a traitor to his
country who lied about his wartime accomplishments and who is
currently aiding and abetting the enemy insurgents in Iraq just as he
did with Vietnam.

As I listened to the panelists speak, it dawned on me how difficult it
is for the audience to discern the truth about, or the character of,
those candidates, even though they are alive and are able to answer
the charges against them. How much more difficult is it for someone to
discern the truth about a person who has died and cannot explain his
motives, defend his actions, or clarify his beliefs. This is
particularly true for someone whose life and teachings have been
controversial, such as Joseph Smith and other early Church leaders.

There are two routes one can take in apologetics. One can be a faith
builder or a faith buster. As I type the word "apologetics" into
Google, I find a number of organizations who have articles which try
to tear down the faith of members of various denominations including
Mormonism. By contrast, there are other organizations which seek to
defend themselves against false charges, and seek to build up the
faith of their members.

Our goal at FAIR is to be faith builders. We try to present articles
that will build faith in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and try
to avoid articles that tear down the religious beliefs of others. That
does not mean, however, that we will fail to point out inconsistencies
in methodology or motives of those who seek to destroy our faith.

I hope we all can recognize the good in others, avoid contention, and
seek the Spirit as we participate in Mormon apologetics.

- Scott Gordon
President, FAIR

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Old Themes and Stereotypes Never Die: The Unchanging Ways of
Anti-Mormons
by Craig L. Foster

Sensational and lurid exposes of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints have been circulating since the earliest days of the
Restoration. Despite the almost total absence of any supporting
evidence, and regardless of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary,
these stories and accusations continue to be brought forward with each
generation of anti-Mormon writers.

In this transcription of his 2003 FAIR Conference presentation, Foster
places these literary productions into their historical context--
showing how this form of street literature was common in the era when
The Church of Jesus Christ was established. In addition, the attacks
against Mormonism closely follow the patterns used in attacks against
many religious movements and organizations. Anti-Mormon authors, from
Eber D. Howe in 1834 to Jon Krakauer in 2003, use identical tactics
and methods in attacking the leaders and adherents of Mormonism.

Foster concludes by pointing out that lurid, unsubstantiated tales of
secret immorality and demonic practices are nothing more than classic
themes that have reappeared with nearly every out-of-favor religion,
including first and second century attacks against Christianity
itself.

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Unchanging_Ways_of_Anti-Mormons.html
Purchase the audio: http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s136

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Anti-Mormon protesters at the October 2004 LDS General Conference
by Allen L. Wyatt

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has attracted critics
from its earliest days. Wyatt has created a photo essay of pictures
that provide a small glimpse at the efforts of some critics of the
Church. Under each picture you will find some comments by the
photographer, as well as some links that provide additional
information that explain the sensationalistic claims of the
protesters.

The photo essay of anti-Mormons at General Conference can be seen at

http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/2004_October_General_Conference.html

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ASK THE APOLOGIST

FAIR invites the public to submit questions relating to LDS beliefs,
practices, and history. Some questions are asked sincerely by members
and investigators, others are clearly hostile questions challenging
the veracity of the Church and its teachings. Many of these responses
may end up on the website as a FAIR paper or brochure. If you have a
question, simply mail it to our Contact address.

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FAIR ONLINE BOOKSTORE

Multiple offerings from our own FAIR Bookstore this month include a
book dealing with the controversial Priesthood ban, a highly
recommended scholarly collection addressing the Savior's last days,
works dealing with death and resurrection, Sheri Dew's latest, and a
"self-help" for victims of pornography.

**** Black and Mormon

The articles of the collection "Black and Mormon" explore the social
mechanisms and implications of the pre-1978 ban on black members
holding the Priesthood and the impact these had on the Church and its
members, an impact that is still felt today. A serious and at time
troubling examination, this book will challenge you to examine your
own understanding and assumptions of racism, discrimination, and The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Edited by Newell G.
Bringhurst, a professor of history and political science, and Darron
T. Smith, a graduated student who has lectured at UVSC and BYU, it can
be purchased for $29.70, a savings of %15. For more details and
reviews, see

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s138

**** Celia's Boy

Celia's Boy is the intimate, personal story of a man's struggles
during the last century, when both America and The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints experienced significant and remarkable
growth. Allen Johnson Sr., who was born in 1915 and died in 1999, was
the first African-American to receive the Priesthood in Texas. His
experiences that led him to the Church in 1961 as well as those of the
Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and life in the military
from the segregated units of WWII to the Vietnam War are portrayed
with faith and compassion. A man active not only in his faith, but
also in his community, Brother Johnson's story is an inspiration to
all who wish to face adversity with honour and devotion to God. This
special is vailable for $21.20 (%15 off retail) at

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s137

**** Walking in the Sand

"Walking in the sand" is a Ghanaian expression that means "alive and
well," an appropriate title for a history of the LDS Church in Ghana.
The book covers the time from the foundation of its unofficial, but
faithful congregations, to the official opening of the country to LDS
missionaries, through the growth and persecution that followed.
Written by Elder Emmanuel Abu Kissi, a respected doctor and Area
Authority Seventy in Ghana, "Walking in the Sand: A History of the
Church of Jesus Christ in Ghana" is available this month from FAIR
Bookstore for $18.65 at

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s139

**** No One Can Take Your Place (3 CDs)

As Christmas approaches (how many of us are seeing snow already?) it's
time to start looking for gifts for friends and family. For a change
of pace from the usual book, try Sheri Dew's latest offering on CD:
"No One Can Take Your Place." Centering on issues of self-fulfillment
and happiness not only for ourselves but others, this collection of
Sister Dew's insights will bring you a greater understanding of who
you are and what you need to do to reach true joy. To get this great
buy at $11.85 (30% off retail) see

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s141

**** Heal My Broken Heart: An LDS Guide for those Bound by the Deadly
Sin of Pornography

Pornography has become pervasive in our society and it has reached
deeply even into some families of the Church. For those who are
dealing with the shattering effects of this sin and addiction, Ruth
Davidson and Tamara Davies provide a guide that includes not only
true, personal stories, but scriptural, spiritual, and practical
advice from Church leaders. "Heal My Broken Heart," from Deseret Book
is being offered for $11.95 (%20 off retail) and is available at

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s140

**** From the Last Supper through the Resurrection: The Savior's Final
Hours

"From the Last Supper Through the Resurrection: The Savior's Final
Hours" by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and Thomas A. Wayment (editors) is
a collection of 13 outstanding essays from 14 gospel scholars. It
includes more than 538 pages covering the last days of our Savior's
mortal ministry. With thought-provoking detail on a range of topics
such as legalities, crucifixion methods, Jewish burial customs, the
Last Supper, Gethesame and of course the Resurrection, you are certain
to find greater understanding and perspective on this essential and
fundamental event of the Gospel. The list price is $24.95, but FAIR
has it for this month at $19.95. To purchase this or to see a table of
contents and list of authors see

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s142

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ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

We welcome article submissions for the FAIR Journal and website. 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, Paul McNabb
(FAIR contact page). 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 figures, 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 website (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 "Join &
Support FAIR" link.

If you are interested in apologetics and would like to participate
actively in FAIR you should consider joining our apologetics e-mail
list. Visit www.fairlds.org and click on the "Join & Support FAIR"
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 at
webmaster. We have a fairly liberal policy of using our
material as 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).

--------------------------------
FAIR JOURNAL ARCHIVES

For past issues of the FAIR Journal, go to

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.

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.

Last Updated June 12, 2006
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