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.

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THE FAIR JOURNAL February 2006
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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 discusses the recent
revival of the DNA arguments against the Book of Mormon.

* FAIR CONFERENCE NEWS. The FAIR Conference is scheduled for
August 3 and 4.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE. "Evolution and Latter-day Saint Theology:
The Tree of Life and DNA." Trent D. Stephens addressed issues
relating to evolution, Adam and Eve, and the Garden of Eden in
his 2003 FAIR Conference presentation.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE. "Autobiographical Notes on My Testimony."
In his 2004 FAIR Conference presentation, Daniel C. Peterson
discusses how he came to be involved in apologetics and why the
Gospel is so important.

* 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.

* FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE. With the changes in the on-line bookstore,
browsing and ordering is faster and easier than ever. Check
out this month's four special offers!

* 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. All of the FAIR Journal issues since
October 2001 are on the FAIR web site.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Did you feel the earthquake?

Bedrock of a Faith Is Jolted. DNA tests contradict Mormon scripture.
So read the headlines of the Los Angeles Times on February 16. You may
have felt the "earthquake" as the story was picked up by worldwide
press, Internet blogs and message boards, and even a civil rights
organization. Some message boards predicted it was the final nail in
the coffin for the Mormon Church.

One anti-Mormon ministry referenced it in their newsletter writing,
"These are exciting times in our ministry. Recently, DNA evidence
proved once and for all that the American and Meso-American Indians
are not the descendants of Jewish settlers but that they have entirely
different DNA patterns." The newsletter message then went to say
disparaging things about Islam. I suppose they considered the
Mormonism issue finally put to rest so they could focus on other
things.

But the real story is that this article is even a story at all. FAIR,
FARMS, and others have been writing on this issue for several years
and we have all published articles that have explored this area in
depth. We have over 20 links to articles on the FAIR Web site at

http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai195.html

While all of them are good, you might want to take some extra time and
read this article written by Dr. David Stewart at

http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/DNA_and_the_Book_of_Mormon_2.html

On the FARMs Web site, they have their list of DNA articles at

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s212

You will certainly want to read the first article by Dr. David Butler
at

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s211

Before you read it, make certain you read the part about who Dr.
Butler is and what his credentials are.

And to put this all into context, you will certainly want to read the
two articles that discuss the Book of Mormon peoples. The article
titled "Before DNA" can be found here:

http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s210

The article titled "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and
Pre-Columbian Populations." can be found here:

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Nephis_Neighbors.html

I hope that all of us, critic and believer alike, will take the time
to review and read these articles. Please re-read them if you have
read them before. It is time that people become educated enough to
finally put this topic behind us.

--Scott Gordon
President, FAIR

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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://store.fairlds.org/bi071.html

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FAIR Conference News

The 8th annual FAIR Conference will be held in Sandy, Utah, on August
3-4. Mark your calendars and be ready to take advantage of the early
bird discount on conference tickets! Details on the speakers and
ticket prices will be announced in an upcoming FAIR Journal.

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Evolution and Latter-day Saint Theology: The Tree of Life and DNA
by Trent D. Stephens

Trent Stephens is well-known for his publications with FARMS and his
contributions to LDS apologetics. In his 2003 FAIR Conference
presentation Stephens, a biologist at Idaho State University, reviews
the scriptural stories of Eden and the Fall and looks at how they may
be interpreted in light of evolution, DNA, and other basic
understandings of modern biology. Stephens points out that much of our
understandings of the Garden of Eden story are merely interpretations
of the scriptural text rather than ideas that are explicitly stated.
Stephens concludes that there is no conflict between evolution and the
scriptural truth that God created man in His image.

Read the article: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2003_Evolution_and_Latter-day_Saint_Theology.html

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Autobiographical Notes on My Testimony
by Daniel C. Peterson

Daniel Peterson has been a prominent and effective defender of the
Church and the Book of Mormon for several decades. An Islamicist by
profession, Dr. Peterson has nevertheless been a prolific contributor
in the LDS apologetics arena. Not only has he been one of the
principals with FARMS, but Peterson has frequently engaged anti-Mormon
attacks in print, on the Internet, and on the radio.

In his 2004 FAIR Conference presentation, Peterson discusses the
background and basis of his testimony of the Restored Gospel and
explains how and why he has been involved in LDS apologetics. His
detractors often accuse Peterson of having mercenary interests in
FARMS and in his other apologetic activities, but Peterson's testimony
and love of the Gospel are the true motivations. Peterson's keen sense
of humor, his rapier wit, and an excusable fondness for exposing
pseudo-scholarship have made him a perennial favorite at the annual
FAIR conferences. In this presentation Peterson looks at both how he
arrived to where he is, but why he is excited about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.

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

The following are the Topical Guide updates for the month.

* John M. Butler
"Addressing Questions Surrounding The Book of Mormon and DNA"

Research Dr. John Butler is a DNA specialist and director of a
project developing new DNA technologies for forensic and human
identity applications. Dr. Butler examines the supposed DNA
problem and how it affects Book of Mormon historicity.

Book of Mormon > DNA and the Book of Mormon
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai195.html

* Early LDS Members Data Base
A resource for finding genealogical information for early
members of the Church.

Apologetics, Scholarship, & Scholarly Resources > Scholarly
Resources
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai309.html

* Utah Digital Newspapers
This web site has digitized all 19th century issues of the Salt
Lake Tribune and is working on the Deseret News.

Apologetics, Scholarship, & Scholarly Resources > Scholarly
Resources
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai309.html

* Andrew C. Skinner
"The Dead Sea Scrolls and Latter-day Truth"

Andrew Skinner explores the world of the Dead Sea Scrolls and
how they are similar, as well as different, to those things
taught by the Latter-day Saints.

Scriptures and Influential Writings > Non-LDS Texts > Dead
Sea Scrolls
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai175.html

* Latter-day Saint Perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls
This free electronic version of the FARMS book is now available
on-line. It includes several articles by LDS scholars who
discuss the details and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Scriptures and Influential Writings > Non-LDS Texts > Dead
Sea Scrolls
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai175.html

* Mormon Studies Portal
This web portal is full of links to a variety of sites dealing
with Mormon studies. Topics include: Academic Programs in Mormon
Studies, Arts and Letters, Biography, BYU Publications & Sites,
History, LDS Church Publications & Sites, Migration &
International, Mormon Document Repositories, Mormons in 19th
Century Publications, Pictures, and Science, Social Science, &
Philosophy. This portal is definitely worth mining for anyone
doing LDS research.

Apologetics, Scholarship, & Scholarly Resources > Scholarly
Resources
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai309.html

* Brant Gardner
"Behind the Mask, Behind the Curtain: Uncovering the Illusion"

Mesoamerican specialist, Brant Gardner, tackles the latest
anti-Mormon video entitled, "The Bible vs. the Book of Mormon."
This video attempts to show that, unlike the Bible, the Book of
Mormon story is contrary to the archaeological evidence. Gardner
shows that this video is based on misconceptions and sleight of
hand and that the Book of Mormon is not so easily brushed aside.

Book of Mormon > Archaeology and the Book of Mormon
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai024.html

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FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE

You can find all those hard-to-locate books you need to round out your
library at the FAIR LDS Bookstore. In addition, shopping at the
bookstore helps to support FAIR. We have some great books featured
this month in our "specials" section:

--> "Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant," edited by John Gee and Brian
M. Hauglid, FARMS, 2005 (hardbound) ISBN 0-93489376-4

The third title in the "Studies in the Book of Abraham" series, this
book brings together fascinating articles from fifteen scholars
addressing topics related to the biblical patriarch Abraham. Subjects
address Abraham as an astronomer, the background of the Joseph Smith
Papyri, and the nature of the Abrahamic covenant.

You can purchase this book for $29.95, 25% off its retail price. (It
is regularly $39.95.)

http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p34400170.html

--> "All God's Children: Racial and Ethnic Voices in the LDS Church,"
by Cardell Jacobson, Cedar Fort, 2003 (softbound)
ISBN 1-55517-735-2

An insightful collection of accounts from members of the LDS Church
who are in culturally diverse situations. This book, compiled and
edited by a BYU professor of sociology, provides a powerful look at
how the LDS Church is growing in outlying areas of the world,
including successes and occasional struggles.

You can purchase this book for $10.45, 30% of its retail price. (It is
regularly $14.95)

http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p1555177352.html

--> "Book of Revelation from A to Z: A Helpful Guide to the Themes,
Topics, Terms, Symbols, Words...," by Clay Westover, Cedar Fort,
2004 (softbound) ISBN 1-55517-738-7

A handy guide to the words, terms and symbols used in the Book of
Revelation. Written from an LDS perspective, it is a wonderful,
practical tool for students of the scriptures. The book contains a
unique alphabetical listing of words, terms, symbols and phrases along
with references, definitions and interpretations to help the reader
better understand the Book of Revelation's important message. This
compilation has short, concise definitions in order to make this work
both portable and practical for use during scripture study. Makes a
perfect gift at a great price!

This book can be yours for only $7.65, 30% of the retail price. (It is
regularly $10.95)

http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p1555177387.html

--> "The Book of Mormon: A Reader's Edition" edited by Grant Hardy,
University of Illinois Press, 2005 (Softbound)
ISBN 0-252-07341-X

This great reader-friendly version of our familiar scripture 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 book has charts, maps, and a glossary of names. If you've
never seen this book before, it will provide you with new insights
into the Book of Mormon.

You can purchase this book for $17.47, 30% off its retail price. (It
is regularly $24.95.)

http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p025207341X.html

To see all of our specials in one place, visit this special page:

http://store.fairlds.org/specials.html

Thanks for your continued support of the FAIR Bookstore.

- 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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