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The FAIR JournalThe 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 May 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 looks at why it it
important to look at anti-Mormon accounts of LDS history with a
critical eye, and why LDS Church history doesn't have to be a
stumbling block to Latter-day Saints or investigators of the
Restored Gospel.
* PRESIDENT'S APPEAL FOR SPECIAL FUNDING. FAIR is continuing to
work on some high-profile projects that need to be funded
outside of FAIR's operating budget.
* FAIR CONFERENCE NEWS. Our annual FAIR Conference is only two
months away. Be sure to check out the speaker list and to order
your tickets soon.
* NEW ON THE WEBSITE. "Polygamy." Kathryn Daynes deals with some
myths and realities of the 19th century LDS practice of plural
marriage in her 2002 FAIR Conference presentation.
* NEW ON THE WEBSITE. "Changes in the Book of Mormon." In his
2002 FAIR Conference presentation, Royal Skousen relates some
fascinating discoveries coming out of the Book of Mormon
critical text project.
* 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. Build your library by taking advantage of
this month's specials at the FAIR 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. All of the FAIR Journal issues since
October 2001 are on the FAIR web site.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
We receive many emails here at FAIR from people commenting on our
work. The vast majority are complimentary, often saying how FAIR's
information has helped answer questions and influenced the writer or
the writer's family in regaining and strengthening a personal
testimony of the Restored Gospel.
Occasionally, however, we hear from someone who shares an experience
where a friend or family member decided to leave the Church. I
understand the frustration that a person can feel when he or she has
no place to turn to talk about concerns relating to the Church, such
as events in Church history.
One of the unique things about The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is its use of narrative and history to teach gospel
principles. This emphasis on history (pioneer stories and such) leaves
some people with the mistaken impression that they are knowledgeable
on the subject. Most people realize, however, that it takes much more
research and reading to be truly knowledgeable about Church history
than a simple familiarity with a collection of faith-promoting
stories, however true and inspiring those stories may be.
A significant factor in the development of an understanding of Church
history is the choice of sources and a willingness to dig beneath what
is presented. Two people can read the same sources and yet come away
with a very different impression of what is important and what is not.
In every historical analysis, one has to pick and choose which
"witnesses" should be emphasized and which ones should not. It is
through the writings of those witnesses we interpret what we believe
happened.
Unfortunately there are some Web sites and books which uncritically
accept as fact writings from forty years after the fact, while
rejecting writings from the period when the event occurred. Other
times the sources only accept statements and writings from individuals
who are critical of the Church and reject writings of those who are
favorable to the Church. One must be willing to take the time to
acquire, analyze, and balance all of the evidence.
People sometimes ask how a faithful Latter-day Saint can maintain a
testimony in light of the things written against the Church. The main
thing I have done is to follow the footnotes. This means if someone
was quoted, I actually go back and read the source of the quote. They
usually are very easy to find on the Internet or on one of the many
CDs available at a Church bookstore. In many cases, I find the quote
is pulled from its context.
The second thing I do is remember the cultural context of the quote.
We had a group of new converts who brought much of their cultural
baggage into the Church and had no lesson manuals to go by. I believe
it was a miracle that the doctrine preached was as accurate as it was.
The Lord gives us line upon line and he gives us what we are ready to
receive.
The third thing is that I remember that history involves people. All
people say and do things they shouldn't. All people have faulty
memories. And all people interpret the words that are said in
different ways, based on their own backgrounds and perceptions.
I believe it is a mistake to leave the Church, especially over an
account of some action or comment by a past Church leader. I find much
evidence to support the truthfulness of the Church and little real
evidence to support claims that it is not. But one of the things we
value highly in our faith and in our country is the freedom to believe
as we choose. I wish the best to all those whose journey has taken
them outside of the Church and I hope they ultimately find what they
are looking for.
--Scott Gordon
President, FAIR
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PRESIDENT'S APPEAL FOR SPECIAL FUNDING
Many heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to our special film
project. We had several people write checks for $250 to help defray
the costs of the film. But we still need more. Please write your
donation checks (of any size) to:
FAIR
P.O. Box 491677
Redding, CA 96049
For those of you who missed last month's announcement:
As videos become more popular, we are finding they are being used
more by counter-cult ministries to try to influence people to
either leave the Church or stay away from investigating the
Church. One of these counter-cult ministries even has the funding
to pass out thousands of these anti-Mormon DVDs free of charge and
has flooded some markets. With this in mind, FAIR has partnered
with an LDS filmmaker and is currently creating a video response.
Many interviews have already been filmed as a direct response to
one of the anti-Mormon films.
This does create a problem for us. FAIR is a non-profit
organization that relies on small donors to survive. Most
donations we receive are under $100. But for us to make a film, we
need a lot more than that. We really need about $25,000 to even
complete production of the film. We may need more for
distribution.
As always, thank you for your support.
------------------------------
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
------------------------------
FAIR Conference News
Once again, we have a FAIR conference line up that you don't want to
miss. We have speakers discussing many interesting topics. If you
come, you can:
* Meet the man who helped uncover the Hofmann forgeries and hear
what he has to say about it.
* Learn about DNA evidence and the Book of Mormon.
* Find out if there is any linguistic trace of the Nephites.
* Discover how many times Joseph Smith was sued and how he dealt
with it.
* Learn the truth about the first vision stories.
* Finally, become knowledgeable about the Book of Abraham
controversy.
* Learn more about the race issue in Mormonism.
* Hear a faithful side of the story on one controversial plural
marriage.
* Explore dealing with anti Mormonism.
* And more.
You really won't want to miss this opportunity. Find out more here
(scroll to the bottom to order the tickets.):
http://www.fairlds.org/conf06a.html
You can order the two day ticket directly here:
http://store.fairlds.org/prod/pConR2.html
And students can attend at a reduced price here:
http://store.fairlds.org/prod/pConS2.html
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Changes in the Book of Mormon
by Royal Skousen
People are often surprised to hear that about one quarter of the
original Book of Mormon manuscript, those pages written by the various
scribes while Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon, still exists
and can be studied. In addition, nearly the entire printer's
manuscript is available, which as a copy made from the original
manuscript and given to the printer to use to create the first printed
and bound editions of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon Critical Text Project is attempting to capture in
complete detail all of the extant texts of the Book of Mormon and to
compare and contrast them. This word-by-word and phrase-by-phrase
analysis has resulted in a better understanding of what was likely
translated by Joseph Smith than what can be found in any single text
alone. In his 2002 FAIR Conference presentation, Skousen looks at a
number of the findings that have come out of the project to date, some
of which may appear in future editions of the Book of Mormon and all
of which help us appreciate the tremendous effort that went into
translating and publishing the sacred volume of scripture.
Read the article:
http://www.fairlds.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?s215
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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 questions@fairlds.org. 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.
* Louis C. Midgley
"The Brodie Connection: Thomas Jefferson and Joseph Smith"
Those outside the Church often think they have the objective
explanation for Joseph Smith in Fawn McKay Brodie's "No Man Knows
My History." Mormons' complaints about her treatment of the
Joseph Smith story are either unknown or brushed aside as biased
special pleading. But recently something has happened that has
called into question Ms. Brodie's previously towering reputation
as a scholar: she has written another book which has turned into
an academic scandal.
Book of Mormon > Environmental Influences
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai275.html
* Margaret C. Robertson
"The Campaign and the Kingdom: The Activities of the Electioneers
in Joseph Smith's Presidential Campaign"
Despite all that has been written on the Prophet's candidacy, the
electioneers themselves have been almost completely ignored. Some
historians have seen the sheer number of electioneers as prima
facie evidence that Joseph seriously believed he could become
president. In this essay, Robertson does not attempted to prove
whether the electioneers deemed their prophet's campaign viable,
rather, to examine the available journals and autobiographies of
the campaigners in an attempt to illuminate some of the possible
reasons for and effects of the campaign. While many of the
electioneers gave political addresses and distributed copies of
Joseph Smith's platform, in the main, their activities did more
to strengthen the Church than to present the Prophet to the
nation as a presidential candidate.
Smith, Joseph
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai057.html
* Richard Lloyd Anderson
"Joseph Smith and the Millennarian Time Table"
"Of that day and hour knoweth no man" (Matt. 24:36), though
claims to date the millennial coming are no historical rarity. In
the past year newspapers carried stories of more than one group
which separated itself to await the appointed day. Failures
become miscalculation or misdefinition to persistent
believers--and illusion to others. Joseph Smith joins the ranks
of discredited visionaries in current publications reaching
various intellectual levels. But the image is not a true one.
Corrective historical analysis is not only in order, but also a
word to those accustomed to dismiss him under the rubric of
millennialism.
A recent article of widely influential protestant distribution
does essentially this: "Like leaders of other groups in the early
nineteenth century, Smith believed that Christ's coming was
imminent, 'even 56 years should wind up the scene.'" This
statement of Joseph Smith, made on the occasion of choosing the
Twelve on February 14, 1835, has been given more direct
treatment. Most elaborate is a curious expose`, Harrison's
Mormons Are Peculiar People, in which no less than fifty-seven
false prophecies of Joseph Smith are formally listed. With minor
exceptions this parade of instances is a redundant application of
three techniques: making ultimate promises immediate, precluding
human agency by affixing total responsibility on the author of
the revelation, and giving relative statements of time absolute
value.
The last method well matches the lack of sophistication claimed
by the author for Mormons. Promises that "the hour is nigh" and
"I come quickly" are now discredited in Harrison's perspective of
history, despite Joseph Smith's express words that Millennial
events "are now nigh at hand"--"speaking after the manner of the
Lord." Distortion is carried further; in spite of citation of
correct explanatory sources, "even fifty-six years should wind up
the scene" becomes number seven in the list of "false
prophecies": "According to Joseph Smith, Christ's second coming
should have taken place no later than February 14, 1891."
Smith, Joseph
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai057.html
Prophets > Failed Prophecies
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai065.html
Early LDS History > Millennialism
http://fairlds.org/apol/ai242.html
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FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE
As always, the FAIR LDS Bookstore has some great values, but for the
month of June we have some *exceptional* values. By supporting the
FAIR Bookstore you are also supporting FAIR. Come and see what great
books are here for you. We also have three marvelous books at a
wonderful price. (You can find these great buys this month when you
click "specials" in the FAIR Bookstore.)
This first book is a particularly GREAT deal, since it is FREE!
--> "The Covenant Concept," by Martin J. Palmer, Bill Shemen
Publications, 1998, 384 pages, ISBN 0-9665076-0-6.
This hardbound book poses the question, "What is a covenant?" Ask
anyone and the answer is sure to come quickly, almost automatically,
"A covenant is a two-way promise." Such an answer is certainly true as
far as it goes, but does not go very far. What is the nature of a
covenant? Are there different types of covenants? Who makes covenants,
and under what terms and conditions? What happens if it is broken? Can
a broken covenant be renewed and if so, under what conditions? Above
all are covenants relevant to us today, and in what way? These and
similar questions are considered in this volume.
THIS BOOK IS FREE (you only pay shipping) for all those who purchase
a full two-day FAIR Conference ticket between now and the end of June.
A conference ticket is $59.95, and you receive this $14.95 book at no
extra cost, except a nominal shipping fee.
http://store.fairlds.org/prod/pConR2spec.html
--> "The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri, Second Edition," ) by
Hugh Nibley, Deseret Book and Foundation for Ancient Research
and Mormon Studies, 2005, 609 pages, ISBN 1-59038-539-X.
What do the Joseph Smith Papyri actually say? Joseph Smith's
pronouncements on things Egyptian touched off a debate that for 170
years has flared up at intervals. It now promises to reach new
dimensions as the result of a pronounced shift of attitude among
eminent Egyptologists--not toward what the Prophet said about the
papyri (which they have ignored), but to closely related matters of
interpretation and reconstruction. In the second edition of this
milestone publication, Dr. Nibley places the Book of Breathings text
beside a number of other Egyptian ritual writings as well as beside
several early Christian and Jewish documents. On the basis of these,
the reader--particularly the concerned Latter-day Saint--may decide
for himself just how closely certain rites and ordinances of
initiation from the early Egyptians to the early Christians follow a
single pattern, and how close to these are present-day temple
ordinances.
You can purchase this book for $33.71, 25% off its retail price. (It
is regularly $44.95.)
http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p159038539X.html
--> "Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament," by Ellis T.
Rasmussen, Desert Book Company, 1993, 718 pages,
ISBN 1-57008-7881.
Encountering a certain Ethiopian who was reading from the scroll of
Isaiah, Philip asked, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" The man
replied, "How can I, except some man should guide me?" (Acts 8:30-31).
Who hasn't yearned for a reliable guide while exploring the
scriptures--especially when lost in the bewildering landscape of the
Old Testament, where there is much to wonder about? In this classic
commentary, now available in this paperback edition, Ellis T.
Rasmussen ably guides us through a reading of the Old Testament. His
explanations will be welcomed by those taking a tentative first step
into the ancient writings. But they will also be welcomed by more
seasoned travelers--those already familiar with the terrain--who seek
added meaning, deeper insights, and broader applications in their
study of the Old Testament.
You can purchase this book for $16.46, 25% off its retail price. (It
is regularly $21.95.)
http://store.fairlds.org/prod/p1570087881.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
------------------------------
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) 2006 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.
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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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