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FAIR HOT SPOTS
FAIR Blog
Thoughts and commentary from the apologetic frontlines.
Polygamy Resources
Questions about polygamy and the Mormons? Find your answers here.
Bible vs. the Book of Mormon
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.
DNA and the Book of Mormon
Does DNA evidence disprove the Book of Mormon?
Mormons and Masonry
How did Freemasonry figure into the early development of the Church.

 

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                                         November 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. This month Scott Gordon focuses on
       the lack of honesty, accuracy, and completeness that are so
       prevalent in anti-Mormon publications and websites.

     * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Polygamy, Prophets, and Prevarication:
       Frequently and Rarely Asked Questions about the Initiation,
       Practice, and Cessation of Plural Marriage in The Church of
       Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Gregory Smith takes a
       thorough look at many of the issues relating to polygamy that
       are used by anti-Mormon critics.

     * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "Education, Scholarship, and Mormonism."
       Scott Gordon examines various statistics relating to how
       educational level relates to Church activity and belief.

     * NEW ON THE WEBSITE: "The Children of Lehi: DNA and the Book of
       Mormon." D. Jeffrey Meldrum addresses many of the issues
       relating to the recent DNA controversy about the Book of Mormon
       in this presentation at the 2003 FAIR Conference.

     * 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.

     * 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

During this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is always a 
good time to remember our blessings. We now live in the age where we 
are blessed by the Internet. Information is at our fingertips. But as 
we look at the information, we need to be aware of accuracy.

First, things that are written can be false. They can be purposefully 
written to deceive, or they could simply be the product of the passage 
of time and a faulty memory. But in either case, it is still false.

Second, the information written may be correct, but incomplete. 
Sometimes what is really important is what isn't said. An example of 
this is the description Martin Harris, one of the Book of Mormon 
witnesses, gives of seeing the plates with his "spiritual eyes." Much 
has been made of this in newly published anti-Mormon books and on Web 
sites. The claim is that Harris and the other witnesses never saw the 
plates. What this claim does is leave out the other statements that 
Harris and others made on the subject, thereby leading readers to
certain false conclusions. Martin Harris was asked specifically about
this quote and responded by saying:

      "Gentlemen, do you see that hand? Are you sure you see it? Are
      your eyes playing a trick or something? No. Well, as sure as you
      see my hand so sure did I see the angel and the plates."
      (Anderson [1981], 116.)

Harris also claimed that prior to his witnessing the plates he held 
them "on his knee for an hour and a half" (Millennial Star September 
15, 1853) and that they weighed approximately fifty pounds (Tiffany's 
Monthly 5, no. 2 [New York: Published by Joel Tiffany, 1859], 166). 
The other witnesses also made similar statements confirming the 
physical nature of the plates. Leaving these statements out shows 
either a lack of research, or an attempt of deception.

This then brings up the questions, if the anti-Mormon argument is so 
strong, why do they need to deceive? Why is evidence to the contrary 
simply left out as if it doesn't exist?

There are those who argue that the Church also leaves things out. 
While this may be true for Sunday School classes, it certainly isn't 
true for the many books, CDs, and DVDs that are published on the 
topics and that can be purchased at most LDS bookstores. I know that 
much of what I do in researching anti-Mormonism is simply going back 
to the source material and see if it is in context, if it was written 
at the time it occurred, if it was written by someone who was actually 
there, and finally seeing if there are more occasions where the story 
is discussed. Where do I get the source material? Usually from either 
Deseret Book or from my local independent LDS bookstore. So much for 
"hiding the truth."

So, while you are looking at things on the Internet, be cautious of 
accuracy. Don't just look for things that are wrong, but look also for 
information that may be left out.

--Scott Gordon
  President, FAIR


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

Now is the time to make donations to FAIR so you can include it in 
this tax year. FAIR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so if you 
are in the United States, your donation is tax deductible. Without 
your donations, FAIR would cease to exist. Thank you for your support.

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


------------------------------
Polygamy, Prophets, and Prevarication: Frequently and Rarely Asked 
Questions about the Initiation, Practice, and Cessation of Plural 
Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
by Gregory L. Smith

In his extensive article about polygamy, Smith identifies and 
discusses six areas where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints is attacked by its critics over the issue of polygamy. The 
issues identified by Smith are:

  1) Irreligious - polygamy is inconsistent with Christianity
  2) Illegal - the Church and the Saints acted contrary to law
  3) Lying - the Church and its leaders lied about the practice
  4) Lascivious - polygamy stemmed from base motives of LDS leaders
  5) Implementation - polygamy as practiced was harmful
  6) Hiding history - the Church has tried to hide or rewrite history

Smith goes into great detail in each of these areas. The length of the 
paper is 65 pages, which includes a table of contents, three pages of 
additional reading resources, and 362 endnotes. Smith's faithful, 
deep, and honest look into this complex subject led him to say, "I 
have come to see polygamy as a vital, even indispensable, part of the 
Restoration, practiced at the behest of the Lord and ultimately 
discontinued through proper priesthood authorization."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Polygamy_Prophets_and_Prevarication.html
Read the article (PDF): http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Polygamy_Prophets_and_Prevarication.pdf


------------------------------
Education, Scholarship, and Mormonism
by Scott Gordon

Critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often 
portray LDS belief as ridiculous and patently false. Such critics 
question how a truly educated and intelligent person could remain a 
believer in Mormonism, and they often imply that Mormons are either 
too stupid or too ignorant to see the obvious problems with their 
faith.

In his article, Gordon looks at studies done on the educational levels 
attained by LDS and members of other religious denominations, as well 
as examining how educational level correlates to church attendance and 
religious belief. Not only do LDS show higher levels of academic 
achievement overall, but surprisingly, higher levels of education 
among LDS correlate positively with higher rates of church activity 
and affirmation of faith.

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Education_Scholarship_and_Mormonism.html


------------------------------
The Children of Lehi: DNA and the Book of Mormon
by D. Jeffrey Meldrum

Over the last several years there has been a flurry of articles and 
reports about how DNA studies have refuted the claimed historicity of 
the Book of Mormon. In his 2003 FAIR Conference presentation, Meldrum 
addressed a number of the arguments being raised by anti-Mormon 
critics related to DNA and the Book of Mormon.

Meldrum points out that the internal claims of the Book of Mormon text 
cannot be refuted using current DNA studies, despite the desire of 
critics to press such studies into service. The Book of Mormon text 
deals with the ideas of a covenant people being a blessing to 
genetically unrelated peoples and cultures, and allows for a genetic 
impact by the immigrant Israelites that would not be detectable today. 
Meldrum concludes by asserting, "Ultimately we are impressed by the 
realization that the fundamental question of the veracity of the 
claims of the Book of Mormon lies beyond the ken of modern DNA 
research."

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Children_of_Lehi_DNA_and_the_Book_of_Mormon.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 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.


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

Neal A. Maxwell
      "Discipleship and Scholarship"
           Apologetics & Scholarship
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai003.html

Boyd K. Packer
      "The Mantle is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect"
           Prophets > Infallibility
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai082.html

Kevin L. Barney
      "Examining Six Key Concepts in Joseph Smith's Understanding of
      Genesis 1:1"
           Scriptures & Influential Writings > King Follett Discourse
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai308.html

           Scriptures & Influential Writings > Bible
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai098.html

Van Hale
      "The Doctrinal Impact of King Follett Discourse"
           Scriptures & Influential Writings > King Follett Discourse
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai308.html

James R. Harris
      "Eternal Progression and the Foreknowledge of God"
           Doctrinal Issues > Deity > God, the Father
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai036.html

Richard A. Heiner
      "The Necessity of a Sinless Messiah"
           Doctrinal Issues > Deity > Jesus Christ
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai037.html

Kent P. Jackson
      "'Never Have I Showed Myself unto Man': A Suggestion for
      Understanding Ether 3:15a"
           Doctrinal Issues > Deity > Jesus Christ
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai037.html

           Doctrinal Issues > Plan of Salvation > Pre-Mortal Life
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai005.html

           Scriptures & Influential Writings > Book of Mormon >
           Book of Mormon and Doctrinal Issues
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai274.html

Stan Larson
      "The King Follett Discourse: A Newly Amalgamated Text"
           Scriptures & Influential Writings > King Follett Discourse
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai308.html

W. Reid Litchfield
      "The Search for the Physical Cause of Jesus Christ's Death"
           Doctrinal Issues > Deity > Jesus Christ
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai037.html

           Doctrinal Issues > Deity > Jesus Christ > Historical
           Information About Jesus
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai145.html

Truman G. Madsen
      "Are Christians Mormon?"
           Doctrinal Issues > Are LDS Christian?
           http://fairlds.org/apol/ai052.html

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

This month the FAIR LDS Bookstore is offering a number of study aids 
and references that will make a great addition to any library. If you 
are looking for a Christmas gift that will be appreciated and valued, 
check out these sale items and other offerings in the FAIR Bookstore.

--> The Book of Mormon: A Reader's Edition (Softbound)

This new reader-friendly version reformats the complete, unchanged 
1920 text in the manner of modern translations of the Bible, with 
paragraphs, quotations marks, poetic forms, topical headings, 
multichapter headings, indention of quoted documents, italicized 
reworkings of biblical prophecies, and minimized verse numbers. The 
sale price is $18.70, a 25% discount.

      http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s204

--> A Complete Joseph Smith Translation of the New Testament
    Side-By-Side Comparison with the King James Version

In the late 1990s, a team of BYU scholars worked with the Community of 
Christ (formally RLDS) Church to gain access to the complete Joseph 
Smith Translation manuscripts. This book utilizes that research to 
provide a concise, at-a-glance reference book that teachers and 
students of the scriptures can use to quickly find any and every 
change the Prophet made to the New Testament- compared side-by-side 
with the corresponding verse of the King James Version. This is being 
offered for $16.10, a 15% discount.

      http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s205

--> Helping and Healing Our Families:Principles and Practices Inspired
    by "The Family: A Proclamation to the World

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the release of "The 
Family: A Proclamation to the World" by The Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints, more than 125 authors have combined efforts to 
create a resource providing hope, principles and eternal perspectives 
to address many of the daunting challenges facing families today. This 
book is on sale for $1.95, a 20% discount.

      http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s206

--> Pearl of Great Price: A Verse by Verse Commentary

Three authors who are experts in ancient cultures bring you this 
verse-by-verse, even word-by-word commentary, the most thorough and 
reader-friendly treatment available. This book has is on sale for 
$22.35, a 20% discount.

      http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s207

--> Why I Believe

This collection of over 50 short essays by individuals about "Why I 
Believe" shows how faith and testimony are wholly compatible with 
education, achievement, and intelligence. This book is on sale for 
$11.95, a 40% discount.

      http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s208

- 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, 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

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

 

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