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.

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

THE FAIR JOURNAL                                            March 2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------
        The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research
----------------------------------------------------------------------

   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
----------------------------------------------------------------------

   * MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. Mike Ash expresses his gratitude 
     for the service offered by those at FAIR.

   * 2005 ANNUAL FAIR CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED. FAIR has announced its 
     7th annual apologetics conference. Register in April and get a 
     $15 "early-bird discount" off the regular registration fee.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Response to 'Leaving the Saints.'" Boyd
     Jay Peterson, brother-in-law to Martha Nibley Beck, reviews her 
     controversial new book from the perspective of a member of the 
     Nibley family.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "The Place of Mormon Women: Perceptions,
     Prozac, Polygamy, Priesthood, Patriarchy, and Peace." In her 2004
     FAIR Conference presentation, Andrea G. Radke discusses common
     stereotypes of LDS women and how these misconceptions are not
     supported in actual studies.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Jesus: Lord of the Old Testament." David 
     Ferguson shows the extensive scriptural support for the LDS 
     belief that Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament.

   * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "The Case for Historicity: Discerning the
     Book of Mormon's Production Culture." Brant A. Gardner looks into 
     the historicity of the Book of Mormon by separating the
     production culture into its original and translation layers.

   * RESOURCES ON THE WEB: KUER's Doug Fabrizio interviews Alex Nibley
     and Christina Nibley Mincek, siblings of Martha Nibley Beck,
     about Beck's book "Leaving the Saints."

   * RESOURCES ON THE WEB: "Review of 'Leaving the Saints.'" Jeff
     Needle offers a non-LDS view of Martha Beck's "Leaving the
     Saints."
     
   * ASK THE APOLOGIST. Got a question you are dying to ask? Here's
     how.

   * FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE. Several brand new or popular items have been
     especially discounted for this month's Journal. Check out what 
     the FAIR Bookstore has to help improve your life and build your 
     library.

   * 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.


------------------------------
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

With FAIR President Scott Gordon temporarily away, I have been given 
the opportunity to write this month's "Message from the President."

As I reflect on the many years of my association with FAIR I am
reminded of a conference talk Elder Oaks gave in 1984 entitled, "Why
Do We Serve?" Of his many memorable talks, this particular one has
stuck with me through the years. Elder Oaks points out that "service
is an imperative for those who worship Jesus Christ," and that the
Lord has commanded that we "succor the weak, lift the hands that hang
down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5).

There is more, however, than serving with our hands, notes Oaks. The
Lord knows our thoughts and our hearts. "In order to purify our
service with the Church and to our fellowmen, it is necessary to
consider not only HOW we serve, by WHY we serve."

Elder Oaks explains that since we are imperfect beings, we all serve
for various reasons -- reasons that vary from type of service to the
time of service. In ascending order (from the worst reasons to the
best reasons), Elder Oaks lists six common reasons why people serve.

1) Some serve for earthly reward, be it riches, honor, or power.

2) Some serve for good companionship -- they enjoy the company of
those with whom they serve. Elder Oaks says that these first two
reasons earn no gospel reward, are selfish and self-centered, and are
unworthy of true Saints.

3) Some serve out of fear of punishment or out of guilt. Such service,
notes Oaks, is a "lesser motive at best."

4) Some serve out of a sense of duty or loyalty to friends, family, or
Church. These are the "good soldiers, who instinctively do what they
are asked." Such service, when done joyously, is praiseworthy and
fitting for blessings. There are better reasons, however, to serve.

5) Some serve for hope of an eternal reward. This powerful motivator
involves "faith in God and the fulfillment of his prophecies."

6) The best reason to serve, however, is out of charity, or a "pure
love of Christ" (Moro. 7:47). "If our service is to be most
efficacious," notes Elder Oaks, "it must be accomplished for the love
of God and the love of his children."

While those of us involved with FAIR and LDS apologetics are far from
perfect, and while instances of lesser motives can be found among all
individuals during weak moments, it has been my privilege to witness
that many of those associated with FAIR, either as members or
contributors, are frequently motivated by the pure love of Christ in
their quest to help our brothers and sisters whose testimonies have
stumbled due to challenging questions or accusations.

There are numerous people behind the scenes of the FAIR organization
who contribute countless hours, talents, and financial resources to
helping our gospel family members. These volunteers answer emailed
queries, donate of their financial resources, operate the bookstore
and website, write or review the Journal and FAIR articles, schedule
conferences, and much, much more. I've witnessed such volunteers, who
remain virtually invisible to most of those who visit the FAIR web
site, give of the things they have in the service of those whose
testimony is wavering. There are others, not directly associated with
FAIR, who provide this same service in their wards, stakes, missions,
or neighborhoods.

Not only do most of these volunteers serve without compensation and
without earthly reward, but they generally go un-thanked, and even
un-noticed. Since I currently have the "mic," so to speak, I'd like to
thank all the self-sacrificing volunteers who make this work go
forward. I've seen great strides and accomplishments with this
volunteer organization, and I believe it is the pure love of Christ --
the concern for the welfare of faltering souls -- that has been the
driving force in this endeavor. I am grateful for the efforts of our
FAIR President, Scott Gordon, whom I have personally witnessed
devoting his time and energy to the love of his fellow Saints and
rarely receiving the deserved earthly thanks for his efforts.

Those who oppose the Church, while often not united on theological or
other issues, are often united in their desire to see the demise of
the Church, the apostasy of individual Saints, or at the very least, a
reduction in Church growth. With the San Antonio Temple scheduled to
open soon, one counter-cult organization is already organizing, with
plans to distribute over 130,000 papers, cards, door-hangers, and
newspaper inserts (at a cost of over $10,000), denouncing the LDS
Church as a non-Christian cult. Undoubtedly there will be a few
investigators or members that will separate themselves from the Gospel
over the claims of this counter-cult ministry. Sadly, many of those
who leave over challenging issues are often unaware of FAIR or the
apologetic responses to anti-LDS accusations.

As we ponder the recently celebrated Resurrection of the Lord, and as
we anticipate another General Conference and the opportunity to hear
the words of the Lord's anointed, we are reminded of the invitation to
"come unto Christ." As we reflect on this call, we should incorporate,
in part, our service to others by assisting them to "come unto
Christ." Among those we must assist are they who have "feeble knees,"  
perhaps weakened by answerable accusations. In doing so, our endeavors
should always be focused on our love for the Savior and His love for
us.

     "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying 
     repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto
     me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my
     Father!"  (D&C 18:15)

- Michael R. Ash
  Acting President, FAIR


------------------------------
2005 Annual FAIR Conference Announced

FAIR will be hosting its 7th annual FAIR Conference on August 4th and 
5th at the South Town Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah. This year's 
apologetics conference will again bring together some of the best 
authors, scholars, and speakers to address issues on LDS apologetics.

This year we are repeating our "early-bird discount" for those who 
are already planning to attend. The two-day registration fee, which 
includes lunch on both days, will be $59.95. For those registering 
before May 1, however, the cost will be only $44.95, a $15 savings!

In addition, if you register for more than one person from your 
family, you will receive a $10 gift certificate which can be used at 
the conference bookstore!

You can register now by going to

     http://bookstore.fairlds.org

As we finalize our speaker lineup, we will be updating the website 
with the presentation topics and speaker bios.

Don't put off registering for the conference and miss out on the 
special discount.


------------------------------

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.

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


------------------------------
Response to "Leaving the Saints"
by Boyd Jay Peterson

Peterson, Hugh Nibley's son-in-law and biographer, has written a
response to Martha Nibley Becks's "Leaving the Saints." Peterson
points out many of the inconsistencies in Beck's story as well as
factual errors in her narration.

Peterson notes that despite Beck's claim to "being committed to solid
scholarship and persuaded only by evidence" she repeatedly jumps to
conclusions and "blurs fact and fantasy." "To retell her past in such
a distorted way may be nothing more than a heart-breaking attempt to
justify [Beck's] leaving the Saints."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Reviews/Rvw200504.html

Other reviews of "Leaving the Saints" appeared in last month's FAIR
Journal.

Tom Kimball's review can be read at:
     http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Reviews/Rvw200501.html

Allen Wyatt's review can be read at:
     http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Reviews/Rvw200502.html

Scott Gordon's review can be read at:
     http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Reviews/Rvw200503.html


------------------------------
The Place of Mormon Women: Perceptions, Prozac, Polygamy, Priesthood, 
Patriarchy, and Peace
by Andrea G. Radke

In her 2004 FAIR Conference talk, Radke considered a number of issues
that affect how LDS women have been perceived by non-LDS critics. In
her look at "the pervasive misconceptions and misunderstandings
leveled at Mormon women throughout the history of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints" Radke discusses such diverse topics as
polygamy, mental health and drug usage, women's role in a
priesthood-focused culture, and other issues.

Radke shows that these misconceptions are not supported by actual
studies done on LDS women, that the stereotypes of LDS women are
inaccurate, and that "the gospel of Jesus Christ can be the most
liberating tool for gender inclusion."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2004_Place_of_Mormon_Women.html


------------------------------
Jesus: Lord of the Old Testament
by David Ferguson

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ was a divine personage and
member of the Godhead prior to His incarnation 2000 years ago.
Ferguson looks at scriptures that support the LDS notion that Jesus 
Christ is the God of the Old Testament.

Ferguson looks at titles common to both Jesus and the God of the Old 
Testament. He also considers roles, allusions, and prophecies that 
would indicate that the LDS doctrine is the most straightforward 
interpretation of the Bible. Additionally, Ferguson considers 
scriptural passages that some might use to argue against the LDS 
notion and shows how those can be interpreted consistently with the 
belief that "when one examines verses of the King James Bible, one can 
certainly understand that there is valid, sufficient scriptural 
support for the interpretation that Jesus Christ is Jehovah of the Old 
Testament."

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


------------------------------
The Case for Historicity: Discerning the Book of Mormon's Production 
Culture
by Brant A. Gardner

In his 2004 FAIR Conference presentation, Gardner looked into the Book
of Mormon for evidence of the "production culture," that is, the 
culture in which it was produced. The Book of Mormon, however, claims 
two such sources: an ancient American text and a 19th century American 
translation. Without the original text available for analysis, it can 
be difficult to determine which aspects of the current text derive 
from the ancient Lehite culture and which from Joseph Smith's.

Gardner shows how the events described in the Book of Mormon can be
considered apart from the actual text found in the translated English 
version. When studied in the way, the Book of Mormon can be seen to 
reflect not just the translation environment of Joseph Smith's New 
England, but also an entirely different political and cultural 
environment that is better explained by and is indicative of an 
ancient setting.

Gardner concludes that "the Book of Mormon makes complete sense as a
historical document, but does so only when we place it in the correct
historical context" and "placed in the correct production culture...
the text authentically describes human motivations appropriate to that
historical time and place."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2004_Case_for_Historicity.html


------------------------------
Response to Martha Beck
by Alex Nibley and Christina Nibley Mincek

On March 30, 2005, KUER radio host Doug Fabrizio interviewed Alex 
Nibley and Christina Nibley Mincek, siblings of Martha Nibley Beck. 
Nibley and Mincek dispute the story that Beck presents in her book 
"Leaving the Saints." This 60 minute interview is available on-line at

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s170


------------------------------
Review of "Leaving the Saints"
by Jeffrey Needle

Needle, who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day
Saints, reviews Martha Nibley Beck's "Leaving the Saints." Needle is
convinced that Beck really believes that the events she describes
really happened but he "wasn't convinced by her presentation that the
events actually happened."

Needle closes by noting, "I cannot either recommend, or not recommend,
this book. I can only say that the reader will see in the book what he
or she chooses to see."

Read the article: http://www.libertypages.com/clark/10421.html


------------------------------
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.


------------------------------
FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE

--> The FARMS Review, Volume 16 Issue 2

Keep up on the latest in LDS apologetic controversies and academic
explorations with the most recent edition of "The FARMS Review, Volume
16 Issue 2." A favorite among FAIR denizens, this issue contains
article topics on the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, LDS
theology and even the counter-cult--something for everyone. Offered
at bookstores for the retail price of $10.95, our price this month is
only $8.75, a savings of 20%.

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s165

--> In Flight with Broken Wings: A Practical Guide to Being LDS and
    Divorced

Best buy for this month, "In Flight with Broken Wings: A Practical
Guide to Being LDS and Divorced" author Jennifer James offers both
spiritual and detailed practical suggestions for redefining one's life
in a positive manner for all those who are or have experienced the
difficult transition from married back to single life. Normally
$18.95, at a 40% discount this month, get it at FAIR for $11.35.

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s166

--> Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820-1844

Just Released! "Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine
Manifestations, 1820-1844," edited by John W. Welch. A single book
finally contains all known firsthand accounts of Latter-day Saint
foundational Restoration events, including events such as the First
Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the
priesthood, the opening of the heavens, the outpouring of keys at the
Kirtland Temple, and the mantle of Joseph Smith passing to Brigham
Young. For those interested in examining early Church history for
themselves, this book is now available at $26.35, a 20% savings off
the retail price of $32. For details on articles and authors see

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s167

--> Time Vindicates the Prophets: An Extraordinary Thirty-Part Lecture
    Series

First heard in 1954 as part of a Sunday evening radio lecture series
broadcast from Temple Square, "Time Vindicates the Prophets: An
Extraordinary Thirty-Part Lecture Series" (8 CDs) by Hugh W. Nibley is
now digitally mastered and available in a single set for $23.95
(retail $29.95). This recording is a must for Nibley fans.

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s168

--> Latter-day Commentary on the New Testament: The Four Gospels

Part of a continuing commentary series designed specifically for the
LDS family, "Latter-day Commentary on the New Testament: The Four
Gospels" with authors Ed J. Pinegar, K. Douglas Bassett, and Ted L.
Earl can be purchased at our bookstore this month for just $29.95,
compared to the retail price of $39.95, a welcome 25% savings. See
our offer at

     http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s169

- The FAIR Bookstore Staff


------------------------------
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.


------------------------------
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


--------------------------------
Copyright (c) 2005 by The Foundation for Apologetic Information and
Research (FAIR). All rights reserved.

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.

Welcome | Topical Guide | FAIR Publications | Join & Support FAIR | Message Boards
FAIR LDS Bookstore | News | FAIR Links | Contact FAIR | Home

Last Updated October 24, 2009
Copyright © 2010 by The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research. All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this site may be reproduced on any other Web site or in any other print publication
without the express written consent of FAIR. You may freely link to this information, however, or you
may print out copies to give to others, provided this copyright notice is included in your printout.

You can send comments/suggestions using our contact page.