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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 December 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 reminds us that the
birth, atonement, and resurrection of Christ is what is most
important.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Rejection of Priesthood Leaders as a Cause
of the Great Apostasy." John A. Tvedtnes argues that the primary
cause of the Great Apostasy was not the Hellenization of doctrine
or the introduction of corrupt practices, but rather the
rejection of authorized Church leaders.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Is God Only a Spirit?" John A. Tvedtnes
looks at the scriptural and extra-canonical evidences that
support the LDS interpretation of John 4:24.

* RESOURCES ON THE WEB: "Grant Palmer: An 'Insider's' Obscured
View." FAIR's Justin Hart gives some insight into the recent
events surrounding Grant Palmer.

* RESOURCES ON THE WEB: "Excommunication in Judaism and
Christianity." Daniel C. Peterson and William J. Hamblin explain
the long-standing tradition of excommunication in Jewish and
Christian religious life.

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

* FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE. With Christmas right around the
corner, there is still time to get an online gift. It is also
time to prepare for your next year's Gospel studies.

* 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

At this time of the year, we at FAIR want to wish everyone a merry
Christmas.

One of my students questioned why we should celebrate Christmas, as it
is clear Jesus wasn't really born on December 25. I told my student that
he was right, Jesus probably wasn't born on December 25. And though it
was an interesting question, it ultimately didn't really matter because
what is most important is to remember what Christmas is all about. I'm
happy to spend time with my family, and I am happy to celebrate the
birth of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Whatever the scholarly research says
about the actual date of the birth of Christ, the important point is
that Jesus came to earth, atoned for our sins, died for us, and was
resurrected.

The question about the actual date of the birth of Christ is an example
of the type of question addressed in apologetics. When historical events
are discussed, evidence is often open to interpretation or even
contradictory, and sometimes there are heated debates over issues. For
most historical events we can at best point out various possibilities
and suggest what is most likely to have happened. In our study and
discussions, we need to always remember the underlying Gospel truths
that really matter.

During this time of giving and receiving, I hope we can spend some time
and think about giving joy to others and about receiving the atonement
of Jesus Christ in our lives.

- Scott Gordon
President, FAIR

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FAIR relies on your kind donations to remain in business. Now is the
time to make a donation. FAIR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so
if you are in the United States, your donation is tax deductible. Get
it in before the end of the year!

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s147

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Rejection of Priesthood Leaders as a Cause of the Great Apostasy
by John A. Tvedtnes

One of the key messages delivered through the prophet Joseph Smith was
that the ancient Church of Jesus Christ had fallen away and needed to
be restored. Since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was
restored, Latter-day Saints have studied the scriptures and secular
sources to better understand the early church and the causes of what
has come to be called the "Great Apostasy."

Tvedtnes points out that LDS commentary about the Great Apostasy has
generally taken two approaches: studying early (presumably
pre-apostasy) Christian doctrine and finding evidences of apostasy in
the post-apostasy churches. In his paper, Tvedtnes claims that these
evidences for the Great Apostasy do not describe its root cause.
Tvedtnes argues that it was the loss of inspired and authorized
leaders that caused the doctrinal corruption and the introduction of
wicked practices.

By examining scriptural and extra-canonical writings, Tvedtnes shows
how early Christians recognized the increasing influence of corrupt
teachers and leaders. The seeds of the Great Apostasy had begun to
germinate during the earliest days of the New Testament churches, and
many apostles, bishops, and other priesthood leaders expressed
growing concern about the corrupt practices and doctrines that were
being adopted by the churches.

Tvedtnes concludes that "the general apostasy in the early Church was
the result of individual apostasy by dissident Christians who not only
rejected the Lord's chosen servants, but sometimes set themselves up
in their place."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/Apostasy/Rejection_of_Priesthood_Leaders.html

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Is God Only a Spirit?
by John A. Tvedtnes

A frequent argument used against the LDS belief in the corporeal
nature of God is the statement in John 4:24 that reads "God is a
Spirit." The line of reasoning that appears in virtually every
anti-Mormon publication is that since God is "a Spirit" He cannot have
a physical body. Latter-day Saint commentators frequently point out
that 1) since Greek has no indefinite article the passage would be
better read as "God is Spirit", and 2) God's having or being a Spirit
doesn't preclude Him from also having a corporeal nature as well.

Tvedtnes responds to the "God is only a spirit" argument by pointing
to both New Testament theology and early Christian writers to show
that not only is the physical nature of God consistent with scripture,
but a belief in a corporeal deity was common among early Christians.
As Tvedtnes says, "It is clear that there is no valid reason to
conclude that God does not have a physical body anymore than we must
conclude that those born of God no longer have a body."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/Bible/Is_God_Only_a_Spirit.html

Other FAIR resources that deal with this issue include:

"Does God Have a Body in Human Form"
Barry R. Bickmore

http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/GodHaveBody.pdf

"God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph Smith: Defending the Faith"
David L. Paulsen
(This is a 2004 FAIR Conference presentation available from the FAIR
Bookstore)

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s145

"The Doctrine of God and the Nature of Man"
Barry Robert Bickmore

http://www.fairlds.org/Restoring_the_Ancient_Church/chap03.html

"Breaking Down Barriers With Wrecking Balls of Fallacy"
Kevin C.Hill

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2000_Breaking_Down_Barriers_with_Wrecking_Balls_of_Fallacy.html

Mormonism in the Early Jewish Christian Milieu
Barry R. Bickmore

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/1999_Mormonism_in_the_Early_Jewish_Christian_Milieu.html

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Grant Palmer: An "Insider's" Obscured View
by Justin Hart

In December we experienced a flurry of media attention focused on
Grant Palmer, author and former CES employee. Palmer's "An Insider's
View of Mormon Origins" claims to present LDS history as it really
happened, without the myths and omissions that characterize "official"
Church accounts. Palmer's book, published by Signature Books, has been
frequently used by anti-Mormon critics.

In his Meridian review, Hart summarizes the objections to Palmer's
approach and conclusions. The review also points to online reviews of
Palmer's book for those who wish to look at a more in-depth analysis
of the book.

Read the article: http://www.ldsmag.com/articles/041209palmer.html

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Excommunication in Judaism and Christianity
by Daniel C. Peterson and William J. Hamblin

Anti-Mormon critics frequently attempt to excite negative feelings
about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by pointing to
Church disciplinary councils as evidence of oppressive and unchristian
control exerted by Church leaders. This charge is particularly raised
when a member is disciplined for apostasy. If the member so
disciplined is a "scholar" or vocal opponent of LDS belief or
practice, anti-Mormons will attempt to get the media to pick up the
story and present it in as negative a light as possible for the Church
of Jesus Christ.

What is often conveniently forgotten, however, is that excommunication
by a religious group is a not only an ancient practice, but is wholly
reasonable for any organization that requires some standard of belief
or practice as a prerequisite for membership. For instance, what
possible meaning could membership in professional organizations have
if membership was open to any and could never be revoked? Are we
surprised or dismayed to find that the American Bar Association or the
American Medical Association has revoked someone's membership for
failing to meet the association's criteria for membership?

Any organization has the right to determine the criteria for
membership and to deny membership to, or remove membership from, those
failing to meet the criteria. When anti-Mormons attack the Church for
exercising its right to define its own membership criteria, they
unwittingly attack the fundamental right of people to freely
associate. Though the term "excommunication" may have negative
connotations for some people, "it is an ancient practice, deeply
rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and in the disciplinary
rules of the earliest Christian disciples, that attempts to maintain
at least minimal purity among the saints."

Read the article: http://ldsmag.com/ideas/041213Excommunication.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 Questions address.

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FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE

Have you been so caught up in your apologetics studies that you've put
off finishing your Christmas shopping? Can't decide what to get for
someone? Get them a gift certificate redeemable at the FAIR Bookstore!

You can buy certificates for $10, $25, $50, or $100 -- and you can buy
more than one. And since purchases are tax-free, you get even more
value than with other gift certificates.

When you purchase a gift certificate, you will receive an email with
the gift certificate code and helpful information on how to redeem it
at the FAIR Bookstore. Simply forward the email to the person you want
to give it to, or print it out and wrap it!

Gift certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase. To buy
your gift certificate, go to

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s146

***** 2005 Doctrine and Covenants Study

The 2005 course of study will be on the Doctrine and Covenants. The
FAIR Bookstore has an entire collection of books that are available to
help you study this important part of the standard works.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s148

***** David O. McKay: Beloved Prophet (Book and CD)

This year's Priesthood and Relief Society lessons will be taken from
the writings and sermons of President David O. McKay. President McKay
served as a general authority for 63 years, longer than any other
person in this dispensation. Learn more about this beloved prophet who
had such a profound effect on the post WWII Church.

You can now get "David O. McKay: Beloved Prophet" by Mary Jane Woodger
for only $13.55, a 20% savings.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s149

This item is also available in audio as a 5 CD set for $17.55, a 20%
savings.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s150

The FAIR Bookstore has other items that will help you appreciate the
life and teachings of President McKay. The CD "A Dramatized History of
David O. McKay" is now available for $9.55, a 20% savings.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s151

We wish all of you a merry Christmas and look forward to helping you
with your Gospel studies in 2005!

- The FAIR Bookstore Staff

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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).

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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.

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Last Updated June 12, 2006
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