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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 2005
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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. This month Scott Gordon focuses on
how often LDS doctrine is misrepresented and how this came to
light in letters to Newsweek following its recent story on the
Church.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Anti-Mormon protesters at the October 2005
LDS General Conference." See the most recent photo essay of
anti-Mormon protesters at General Conference.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Archaeological Evidence and the Book of
Mormon." Michael Ash examines the anti-Mormon criticism about
the availability of archaeological evidence supporting the Book
of Mormon.

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

* FAIR TOPICAL GUIDE. The Topical Guide on the FAIR Web site is
one of the most popular resources offered. Learn what is
available and help us expand our references. Listed below are
some new links in FAIR's Topical Guide.

* FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE. The FAIR Bookstore is one of the best
on-line resources for expanding your Gospel library. Check our
specials for this month.

* 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

In the book "Innocents Abroad," Mark Twain wrote "In Paris they simply
stared when I spoke to them in French; I never did succeed in making
those idiots understand their language."

In discussing Mormonism with some Church critics, I frequently have
run across this same attitude. I am often left with the statement that
I need to study my religion more, or I am not knowledgeable. In more
than one instance, I was told I was not "high enough up" to know our
doctrines. This struck me as strange in three ways.

One, I have served as bishop and I have also held stake callings. I
believe that is "high enough up" to know the doctrines of the Church.

Two, why is it that only Church critics know our doctrine? (And how
could the critics know our doctrines if only those "high enough up"
can truly know them?)

Three, if members don't know the Church doctrine, and the Church
doesn't teach it to them because it is secret, at what point does that
unknown doctrine stop being Church doctrine?

With this type of conversation, I cannot help the feeling that I am
being called an idiot because I allegedly don't know my own doctrine.
Reality, however, is a harsh schoolmaster, and whereas the critic may
have read a couple of books on Mormonism (most often written by fellow
critics), I've attended church for forty-six years, seminary for four,
BYU religion classes for four, and have lost count of the books--both
pro and con--that I have read on subjects related to Mormonism.

During the Nauvoo Temple open house a few years ago, I made a visit to
the Nauvoo Christian Visitor's Center that is located in town. During
my conversation with one of the young Christian missionaries that was
serving there on a three week mission, I was asked if I lived the
"celestial law." When I inquired as to what that meant, I was read one
sentence from Gospel Principles and told that if I didn't keep each
and every commandment for my entire life I would not go to the
Celestial Kingdom. According to my questioner, the Atonement of the
Savior had nothing to do with it; in the eyes of the Mormons I must be
perfect on my own. When I disagreed with this characterization, I was
told I didn't know my own doctrine. I have often wondered what it
would have taken to convince the young missionary that he didn't know
mine.

In the book "The Facts on the Mormon Church" by John Ankerberg and
John Weldon, I read that I believe the Bible is "unreliable" (page
16), that God is "morally questionable" (page 16), and that Jesus is
"common (one of many gods) and of minor importance in the larger
Mormon cosmology" (page 24). I also learn that "salvation by grace is
thoroughly rejected" (page 28). My reply to Mr. Ankerberg and Weldon
is that they clearly know nothing about LDS beliefs.

There are some items where our critics insist we must have a certain
belief, and yet we have none. For example, in some of the recent
videos, books, and articles that discuss DNA and the Book of Mormon
(from the likes of Tom Murphy, Simon Southerton, and Living Hope
Ministries) I learn that Mormons believe that Panama is the narrow
neck of land, North America is the land northward and South America is
the land southward. This point of view is sometimes called the
hemispheric model. I am told by the critics that this model is Church
doctrine because it is believed and taught "by the prophets." They
typically include several quotes that indeed support this point of
view. But they carefully leave out the quotes from prophets and
apostles that don't support their narrow point of view and often
contradict it. Additionally, there is usually a comment that "Mormon
apologists don't believe this doctrine," suggesting that apologists
are clearly out of step. Again, there is no Church doctrine stating
where the Book of Mormon took place.

But, even if I rely on popular LDS thought the critics seem to be
missing the point, I am currently reading the most recent LDS novel in
the popular Tennis Shoes among the Nephites series, written by Chris
Heimerdinger. It clearly places the Nephites in Central America. I
don't mention the novel here as a definitive source of Mormon
doctrine, but only to provide an indicator that it isn't only the
apologists who believe in such a setting for the Book of Mormon, but
also those in common Church culture. We certainly don't find LDS
travel agents selling "Book of Mormon Lands" tours to upstate New
York.

Newsweek Magazine recently did an excellent article on the Church.
This week (October 31 issue) there were several letters criticizing
the Newsweek journalist, who happens to be LDS. For example, Carrie
from Fairbanks, Alaska wrote, "I have heard Mormons tell me on
countless occasions that Jesus was not the son of God," that "Jesus
was an ordinary man who worked his way to the right hand of God
through good works," and that "praying in the name of Jesus was
sacrilegious because he was not the son of God." In another Newsweek
letter, Ted and Bebe in Seattle, wrote "shunning" is still being
practiced against those who leave the teachings and that LDS believe
in the "low status" of women. I would count all of these comments as
false characterizations of my beliefs and against what I have been
taught in the LDS church.

Mormons are sometimes told they are not just ignorant, but they are
lying about their beliefs and in their scholarship. With the claims of
lying, I am left to wonder how much the critics are projecting their
own behaviors onto the LDS. I know I have always been taught to study
everything. I have always been taught to be honest. I have found LDS
scholars to usually be honest and meticulous. They may get things
wrong from time to time, but that is true with all scholars.

I hope the critics can stop telling the LDS what they believe and
start asking the LDS what they believe. I hope that we can all listen
to each other and dialogue. Maybe both sides can eventually learn
something good.

--Scott Gordon
President, FAIR

Note: the Newsweek article can be read at

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9630255/site/newsweek

The letters in response to the Newsweek article can be read at

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9785292/site/newsweek

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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.

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

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Anti-Mormon Protesters at the October 2005 LDS General Conference
by Allen L. Wyatt

At each General Conference, LDS visitors and worshipers are greeted
by flocks of anti-Mormon protesters. Some merely hold up signs, others
shout or jeer or mock. The October 2005 Conference brought out the
typical collection of anti-Mormon critics.

In this collection of photographs, you will see a few of the
anti-Mormon protesters and their messages to the Latter-day Saints.
Underneath each picture is a link to an article that answers the
anti-Mormon charge.

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

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Archaeological Evidence and the Book of Mormon
by Michael R. Ash

A frequent attack against the Book of Mormon is the charge that the
lack of confirming archaeological evidence is itself evidence against
the Book of Mormon's historicity. The argument usually is given by
comparing Book of Mormon support with archaeological support for
biblical people, places, or events.

In his article, Ash explores the issues associated with Book of Mormon
archaeology. Compared to Old World archaeology, New World archaeology
is still in its infancy. Additionally, climate and cultural
discontinuity are key factors that negatively impact the ability of
New World archaeologist to uncover and reconstruct lost civilizations
and cultures. Ash concludes that it is shortsighted to dismiss the
Book of Mormon on archaeological grounds given that new discoveries
are increasingly consistent with the Book of Mormon text.

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/Archaeological_Evidence_and_the_Book_of_Mormon.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 Web site as a FAIR paper or brochure. If you have a
question, simply mail it to our Questions address. Email sent to this
address will be shared with members of FAIR, so it is not uncommon to
receive several responses that approach the issue from different
angles.

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FAIR TOPICAL GUIDE

The Topical Guide is one of the most important LDS apologetic
resources available. If you aren't familiar with this part of FAIR's
Web site, check it out at

http://www.fairlds.org/apol

A number of new links have been added to the Topical Guide this month.
Shown below are the authors and titles of new articles that have been
linked into the Topical Guide. For each item, the Topical Guide menu
selections are shown, along with the link to the Topical Guide section
where these have been added. The link will show you the new addition
in the context of other resources on the same topic.

Here are the Topical Guide updates for this month.

Leonard J. Arrington
"An Economic Interpretation of the Word of Wisdom"
Doctrinal Issues > Word of Wisdom
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai139.html

David J. Whittaker
"Substituted Names in the Published Revelations of Joseph Smith"
Scripture & Influential Writing > Doctrine & Covenants
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai121.html

John Welch & Claire Foley
"Gammadia on Early Jewish and Christian Garments"
Temples & Temple Work > Garments & Clothing
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai235.html

Wilfred C. Griggs
"Rediscovering Ancient Christianity"
Ancient Christianity & Judaism
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai017.html

Hugh W. Nibley
"The Early Christian Prayer Circle"
Temples & Temple Work
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai127.html

Keith Norman
"Ex Nihilo: The Doctrines of God and Creation in Early
Christianity"
Apostasy & Restoration
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai014.html

Blake Ostler
"Clothed Upon: A Unique Aspect of Christian Antiquity"
Temples & Temple Work > Garments & Clothing
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai235.html

John W. Welch
"The Narrative of Zosimus and the Book of Mormon"
Book of Mormon > Old World Context
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai280.html

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FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE

Our FAIR LDS Bookstore contains many great deals for those interested
in apologetic topics, such as LDS history, doctrinal reference, and
religious scholarship. It isn't too early to be thinking about a
Christmas present for the Gospel scholar in your life, and you may
want to give a gentle hint to someone who may be struggling to think
of a perfect gift for you.

--> Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling

While many "experts" continue to view Joseph Smith as a
controversial figure, renowned scholar (and Latter-day Saint)
Richard L. Bushman locates Joseph in his historical and cultural
context, fleshing out the many nuances of nineteenth-century
American life that produced such a fertile ground for emerging
religions. You can purchase this book for $27.95, 20% off its
retail price.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s197

--> Receiving the Gifts of the Spirit

Interesting and illuminating, this book by Matthew B. Brown offers
historical and scriptural information on spiritual gifts, identifies
and explains the different gifts available to us, provides inspiring,
real-life examples, and encourages readers to begin claiming their own
divinely appointed gifts that our Heavenly Father has lovingly
provided to make our earthly and spiritual lives more complete. This
month this item has been discounted 20% to $15.95.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s198

--> The Book of Mormon (3 DVD Videos)

For the first time on convenient DVD, you can listen to the
word-for-word narration of the Book of Mormon while you follow along
with the highlighted text on your television screen. This item has
been discounted 25% this month to $18.70.

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s199

If you are looking to complete your collection of timeless LDS films,
or if you simply want to share these classics with your friends and
family, this is your chance to get DVD versions at a substantial
discount. This month, each of the following four "LDS Classics" is
being offered at $12.95, a 35% discount!

--> Fourth Witness, Eliza and I, and Woman: The Pioneer (DVD)

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s200

--> The Touch, The Good Samaritan, Akedah, Elijah & the Widow of
Zaraphath, and The Sisters of Bethany (DVD)

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s201

--> Johnny Lingo, The Mailbox, Uncle Ben, and Christmas Snows,
Christmas Winds (DVD)

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s202

--> The Cipher in the Snow, The Gift, The Emmett Smith Story, John
Baker's Last Race, and The Phone Call (DVD)

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s203

- 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, clearly
identify that your source was FAIR, and add a link to the FAIR Web
site (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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