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Additional Topics

The following are additional topic areas related to Apologetics, Scholarship, and Scholarly Resources. If there is a bracket number after the topic, that number indicates how many actual articles there are related to that subject. If the link for the topic is not live, it simply means the topic is a 'planned area' for future growth.

• Scholarly Resources [4]

FAIR Resources

These links are either to Web pages hosted on the FAIR Website, or to FAIR Papers. FAIR Papers are short articles about specific topics or questions, written by members of FAIR. These articles can be downloaded and read in PDF format and are intended to be distributed by e-mail or print for the general use of our patrons. (To read FAIR Papers you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded free from the Adobe Web site.) Click on a title below to visit a FAIR Web page or to read the latest version of a FAIR Paper.

"17 Points of the True Church," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article responds to the following comments and questions: My question is about that fellow who wrote the "17 Points of the True Church" and the validity of his story. I stumbled into a web site that talked about a particular fireside this man gave where someone approached him on the truth of his story. Afterwards the man was told by a stake president that he must confess that he lied because he had been essentially "found out," and that many details of his story were fabricated. My testimony is in no way based on the "17 Points," and I feel that it is overused and overemphasized within the Church, but regardless, I would like to know about the information claiming that his story his false.

"Apologetics," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article discusses the nature of LDS apologetics, if it is appropriate and safe, and why some people engage in apologetics.

"Cognitive dissonance," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article responds to the claim that all members as either naive, ill-informed dupes or cynical exploiters. Unfortunately for the critics, most fair-minded people realize that—just as in any religion—there are many intelligent, well-informed people who become or remain members of the Church. To get around this, critics appeal to the psychological concept of 'cognitive dissonance' to try to 'explain away' the witness of intelligent, articulate members.

"Dan Brown's next book and Mormonism," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article addresses the speculations regarding Dan Brown's (author of The Divinci Code) book-in-progress regarding Mormons and masonry.

Michael R. Ash, "Hard Questions and Keeping the Faith.," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2003) In this FAIR Paper, Michael Ash gives an excellent explanation for why responses to Church critics are needed, and when and how such responses should be made. In addition to providing the rationale for apologetics, Ash gives some excellent "how tos" and points to resources available to people needed to search out or create intelligent responses to our critics.

Michael R. Ash, "The Impact of Mormon Critics on LDS Scholarship," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 2002 FAIR Conference presentation.) Lehi said that there must be an "opposition to all things." Is there a silver lining to arguments made by critics?

Kevin L. Barney, "An Introduction to LDS Apologetics," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) A video recording of a fireside presented by Kevin Barney on the topic of apologetics.

Ross Baron, "Feeding the Multitudes: Being Fishers of Men," (2001 FAIR Conference presentation.) How to host a leadership-approved fireside to answer LDS-related questions from non-members.

Gary Bowler, "What Is FAIR, and Why Are You Apologizing?," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2002) A handy one-page FAIR Brochure that looks at apologetics in general and FAIR in particular.

Scott Gordon, "Dealing with Difficult Issues," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 23 October 2003) When faced with new information that we don't understand, we can feel that our faith is challenged and our testimony shaken. How can we deal with such 'earth shaking' moments in our lives?

Scott Gordon, "Education, Scholarhip, and Mormonism," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, November 2005) 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.

Scott Gordon, "Survey Says! A Survey of Clergy Opinion on Mormonism," (2000 FAIR Conference)

Roger R. Keller, "The Grace of Apologetics," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2005) In his 2003 FAIR Conference presentation, Roger Keller, Presbyterian minister before being rebaptized into the Church, pointed out the need for spiritual, contention-free dialog with those who are not of our faith, even those who are openly hostile to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Keller said that "any forum in which the Spirit can't be present isn't a place worth being." With this preface, Keller pointed out that apologetics can often be contentious and fruitless, whereas dialog, teachine, and missionary work can be attended by the Spirit and result in understanding. Keller shared a number of experiences he has had with anti-Mormon hostility and prejudice, and explained that our goal should always be to focus on sharing what we believe and to help ourselves and others move closer to Christ.

L. Ara Norwood, "Nehors in the Land: A Latter-day Variation of an Ancient Theme," (2000 FAIR Conference presentation.) Many modern critics of the Church are like Nehor in the Book of Mormon.

Daniel C. Peterson, "Autobiographical Notes on My Testimony," FAIR Conference 2004 (2004) At this 2004 FAIR Conference address, Dr. Peterson shares some of his thoughts and experiences regarding his testimony of the Restored Gospel.

Daniel C. Peterson, "Easier Than Research, More Inflammatory Than Truth," (2000 FAIR Conference presentation.) How critics twist the truth in an effort to make the Church look bad.

Daniel C. Peterson, "Random Reflections on the Passing Scene," (2003 FAIR Conference presentation.) Dr. Peterson explores many current areas of interest including atheism, DNA studies, and the need for LDS apologetics.

Juliann Reynolds, "Critics in Wonderland: Through the Liberal Looking Glass," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) An examination of the ironic way the term "liberal" has been co-opted by LDS dissidents.

Lance Starr, "Why Apologetics?," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 22 July 2001) Some people question why anyone would engage in apologetics, or even if such an endeavor is proper. This FAIR Paper addresses the basis for apologetics.

John A. Tvedtnes, "Scholarship in Mormonism and Mormonism in Scholarship," (2001 FAIR Conference presentation.) Some critics claim that LDS scholars are not "true" scholars. Tvedtnes examines this claim.

Allen L. Wyatt, "Families, Friends, & Apologists," Ask the Apologist (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, June 2005) Apologists deal with a lot of anti-Mormon material, and surely must receive questions from their families as to why they do what they do. Has anyone at FAIR had to deal with these types of issues in their families? What is the best way to deal with your interest in apologetics when it comes to your spouse or other close family member?

Allen L. Wyatt, "Response to the "Shotgun Approach" of Anti-Mormon Argumentation," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Recently a person wrote to FAIR asking for help in dealing with some anti-Mormon handouts being distributed by a local church. The person wasn't sure even where to start in order to respond. One of the respondents from FAIR was Allen Wyatt, who laid out a methodology for dealing with this common form of anti-Mormon writing that consists of vast amounts of negative material on a wide range of topics. Wyatt suggests that rather than attempt to respond in toto to the "shotgun tactics" of this type of literature, the person should identify specific topics that are of greatest interest to the inquirer and then to deal with each individually and thoroughly. Wyatt points out some general principles to follow when attempting to discuss anti-Mormon issues, and he points to some specific resources available to answer the challenges frequently raised.

Ensign Articles

These articles cited below provide information on the topic of this page. The Ensign is one of the official publications of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When you click on one of the article links below, you are whisked to the article found in the archives of the Church's Web site.

Marvin J. Ashton, "No Time for Contention," Ensign, May 1978, 7. Advice on how to conduct ourselves when faced with criticism toward the Church.

Richard Bushman, "How did the Prophet Joseph Smith respond to skepticism in his time? And what can we learn from him about how to respond to modern-day skeptics?," Ensign, February 1990, 61.

LaRae Clarke, "I am confused about the Lord's counsel to 'turn the other cheek.' If a person is abused, taunted, or persecuted, must he or she simply endure it without complaint? When and how should we defend ourselves?," Ensign, February 1989.

Steve F. Gilliland, "What is an appropriate way to respond to unfriendly questions about the Church?," Ensign, September 1986, 58.

Gilbert W. Scharffs, "Some people say it is best to leave alone materials that claim to 'expose' the Church and its teachings. What counsel has been given on this? How do we respond when a friend comes to us with questions found in such materials?," Ensign, January 1995.

John W. Welch, "Hugh Nibley and the Book of Mormon," Ensign, April 1985, 50. An article about one of the great Book of Mormon scholars.

Other Resources

The resources listed below are related items available on the Web that should be of interest. These links are to information not located on the FAIR Web site.

"Cumulative Table of Contents," Journal of Mormon History (2002) A cumulative table of contents for the first 28 volumes of the Journal of Mormon History.

"Jewish Roots of Eastern Christian Mysticism," (July 2002) A huge list of scholarly articles online dealing with early Jewish and early Christian studies. It includes many papers by Margaret Barker, Hurtado, and others.

Journal of Discourses. The complete Journal of Discourses on-line.

Leonard J. Arrington, "The Intellectual Tradition of Latter-day Saints," Dialogue (Spring 1969), 13-26 Leonard Arrington examines the intellectual achievements of Latter-day Saints.

Kevin L. Barney, "Apologetics Fireside," (April 2003) Video of a fireside given by FAIR member Kevin Barney.

M. Gerald Bradford, "The Study of Mormonism: A Growing Interest in Academia," FARMS Review (City Unknown: FARMS), 119-174 Bradford looks at the growing body of academic literature that attempts to understand Mormonism.

William J. Hamblin, "The Latest Strawman," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 82-92 The failure of those who reject the historicity of the Book of Mormon to respond cogently to the increasing body of evidence and argument supporting historicity is becoming painfully apparent. Stephen E. Thompson's recent review of Review of Books on the Book of Mormon 6/1 (1994) is one of the most recent examples of this "straw man" approach.

Justin Hart, "It's Not Too Late to Become an Apologist!," (City Unknown: MeridianMagazine.com)

Justin Hart, "Winning the Battle and Not Knowing It: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of 2003," (City Unknown: MeridianMagazine.com) It’s not exactly the battle for Helm’s Deep, but the clash between Mormon and anti-Mormon forces goes on.

David B. Honey and Daniel C. Peterson, "Advocacy and Inquiry in the Writing of Latter-day Saint History," BYU Studies, Vol. 31:2 (1991), 1-41 Our epigraphs suggest that knowledge and spirituality are not mutually exclusive, but rather are essential concomitants in understanding the significance of life and living it fully. Recent debate in Latter-day Saint circles, however, seems most often to stress the incompatibility of spiritual faith and historical knowledge, whether the emphasis be on the supposed lack of faith in Latter-day Saint historiography or on the purported lack of history in Latter-day Saint apologetics. However, the debaters often seem to rely on different underlying assumptions, to utilize different historical forms, to address different audiences, and to argue along intellectual lines which lie in different dimensions. In short, each faction seems to defend a different definition of history and of its function. The situation is manifestly unproductive, and more than a few onlookers have expressed impatience with it. Thomas G. Alexander, a leading practitioner of the so-called New Mormon History and one of the central figures in the ongoing debate between professional historians and apologists, has recently declared it to be “imperative that we begin building bridges” between spiritual faith and historical knowledge. The present article attempts to assist in the work of construction.

Richard LaJeunesse, "How To Respond to Enemies of the Church," MeridianMagazine.com A recent edition of Meridian Magazine included an interesting article dealing with apologetics. It is a letter written by LaJeunesse to his son, who was on a mission. In this lengthy letter, LaJeunesse gives his son a number of pointers in dealing with people who attack LDS beliefs. LaJeunesse's advice focuses on how to properly reason with people who are trying to prove something about The Church of Jesus Christ rather than how to deal with attacks on specific Mormon beliefs. He shares four specific guidelines that are important when responding to someone who is attempting to prove a point. 1) Set standards of proof. Understand what can and cannot be proved and agree on how truth can be found and understood. 2) Start with the nature and character of God. This is "where every intelligent discussion of religion should begin in any event." 3) Always examine the premise of any argument. Often those who attack the Church do so with assumptions about how a prophet should always act, what the Book of Mormon claims about New World civilizations, or inerrancy in prophetic writings. 4) Hold anti-Mormons to the same standards to which they hold the Church. Arguments that a critic finds absolutely convincing may seem less impressive when shown that similar reasoning and assumptions can be used to disprove his own beliefs.

Jeff Lindsay, Do Apologists Frame the Book of Mormon So It Can Not Be Falsified?.

Neal A. Maxwell, "Discipleship and Scholarship," BYU Studies (1992) I have come to thank and to offer a few words of encouragement and guidance to scholars, whose work collectively has been used, is being used, and hopefully always will be used to protect and to build up the Kingdom. Do not underestimate the importance of what you do as articulators. Certain standards and requirements are laid upon all disciples. The member who is an automobile mechanic does not likely have all the skills of a scholar, and not likely you his. But both of you are under the same spiritual obligations to keep the same commandments and the same covenants. Furthermore, the mechanic is under the same obligation to develop the attributes of patience and meekness as are you. Frankly, the world holds to no such democratic view. If one is a superb scholar in a narrow discipline, such is considered enough. One so gifted can then be as bohemian in behavior as one likes. But it is not so in the Kingdom, is it? Of course, we all enjoy certain of the fruits of the labors of secular geniuses who may be visibly or significantly flawed in some respects. Nor would we desire to detract from their important contributions. A just God will surely credit them. However, God will excuse neither them nor us from keeping his commandments, including the requirement given to us by him and his Son to become more like them.

Joseph Fielding McConkie, The Church and Responding to Critics.

Louis C. Midgley, "Hugh Nibley: A Short Bibliographical Note," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (1967) A short note on Hugh Nibley and some of his non-LDS scholarly articles.

Robert Millet, How to Handle Tough Anti-Mormon Questions. This is a 43 minute video of a presentation Dr. Millet gave to a missionary prep-club on how to deal with anti-Mormon questions.

Robert L. Millet, "Joseph Smith and Modern Mormonism: Orthodoxy, Neoorthodoxy, Tension. and Tradition," BYU Studies, Vol. 29:3 (1989) Much has been said in recent years about the development and “evolution” of thought and practice in Mormonism. Of particular interest to some is what is perceived to be a “reconstruction of Mormon doctrine,” a movement on the part of the Church away from a traditional view of God, man, and salvation, toward a radical “progressive theology." O. Kendall White has described what he calls a type of “Mormon neoorthodoxy.” From White’s perspective, Mormonism emerged in the midst of Restorationism, with a theology not terribly unlike other Protestant faiths of the day. White believes, however, that in time Joseph Smith and the Mormons reached beyond their primitivist roots and developed into a progressive and expansive faith characterized by such beliefs as a finite God, the innate goodness of man, and exaltation by works. But with the expansion of the Church in the modern world, White proposes that a “crisis” in faith has taken place in the lives of many modern Mormons, particularly as they have engaged a growing secularization, more liberal ethical systems, accelerated efforts of anti-Mormons, or revisionist explanations for foundational events of Mormonism. He suggests that a form of “Mormon neoorthodoxy” has begun to develop—an attempt to return to a tighter “redemptive” theological system, based primarily upon a belief in the sovereignty of God, the moral depravity of man, and salvation by grace. Because Joseph Smith’s progressive brand of Mormonism ingeniously linked the other-worldly with the here and now—because it pointed man in a positive and lifting direction, away from the pessimistic worldview of traditional Protestantism—White fears that “few things portend a more ominous future” for the Church than the growing trend toward a redemptive theology.

Robert L. Millet, "What We Believe," BYU Speeches (3 February 1998) Robert Millet examines some of the uniquely LDS beliefs that seem to cause concern among other Christians. (PDF files; also available in MP3 from the "Multimedia" section of the Topical Guide.)

Carl Mosser and Paul Owen, "Mormon Scholarship, Apologetics, and Evangelical Neglect: Losing the Battle and Not Knowing It," Trinity Journal (Fall 1998), 179-205 Online text of a "cry to arms" by evangelical apologists. This copy is on a site that is not terribly friendly to the LDS.

Hugh W. Nibley, "Faith of an Observer," (Provo, UT: FARMS) MP3 recording of an interview with the late Dr. Hugh Nibley and his reflections on faith, scripture, and ancient studies.

Hugh W. Nibley, "How to Write an Anti-Mormon Book," BYU Speeches (17 February 1962) Dr. Nibley humrously looks at some of the similarities in techniques and claims of anti-Mormon critics. (MP3)

Robert Paul, "Joseph Smitn and the Manchester (New York) Library," BYU Studies, Vol. 22:3 (1982) In a recent work on Mormon origins, it was again suggested that Joseph Smith may have derived some of his religious and theological ideas from the old Manchester Rental Library, a circulating library located within five miles of the Smith family farm. This claim has received wide circulation, but it has never really received the serious critical consideration it merits. This paper attempts to assess the Manchester Library—its origin, content, current disposition, and possible usefulness to Joseph Smith and others prior to the organization of the Church in 1830.

Daniel C. Peterson, "Scholarship and the Gospel," BYU Speeches (3 August 1999) Dr. Peterson discusses some of the latest developments in LDS scholarship.

Gerald Smith, No Such Thing As Proof.

John W. Welch, "Toward Becoming a Gospel Scholar," This People (Summer 1998), 42-56 An overview of what people need to start learning about the gospel from a scholarly perspective.

Recommended Reading

If you are interested in more information about the topic of 'Apologetics, Scholarship, and Scholarly Resources,' you may want to refer to the books listed below. These books are available in the FAIR Bookstore; click on a link to find more information.

Michael T. Griffith, A Ready Reply: Answering Challenging Questions About the Gospel (Horizon Publishers, 1994, 123 pages). This book provides clear and complete answers to numerous challenges made against the LDS Church.

Michael W. Hickenbotham, Answering Challenging Mormon Questions (Horizon Publishers, 1995, 268 pages). Clear, detailed and documented responses to questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Duane S. Crowther, Doctrinal Dimensions: Major Missionary Messages of the Restored Gospel (Horizon Publishers, 1993, 336 pages). Biblical proofs of the restored church and Book of Mormon; Joseph Smith and prophets today; LDS view of Christ and the Trinity; Salvation and Mormon Christianity; anti-Mormon literature.

Willard Morgan, From Critic to Convert: A Critic Challenges His Way to Mormonism (Horizon Publishers, 1995). A former agonistic critic gives non-argumentative answers to anti-Mormon questions using scripture, history, and common sense.

Alan Denison and D. L. Barksdale, Guess Who Wants To Have You for Lunch? (FAIR, 2002, 165 pages). The five main reasons why anti-Mormons do what they do and how they go about doing it; their logical fallacies used to deceive and why their writings are not even acceptd by their own scholars.

Richard I. Winwood, In Defense of Truth (Video) (Keystone Foundation). A candid video with responses to anti-Mormon criticism complemented by testimonies of scholars.

Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks, Offenders For A Word (FARMS, 1998, 255 pages). A look at tactics anti-Mormons employ in attacking the church are reviewed in clear, straightforward terms including how to see through the word games critics use to attack the true beliefs of the church.

Stephen W. Gibson, One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Horizon Publishers, 1995, 208 pages). Criticisms of the LDS Church are frequently based on intentional misinterpretations of Mormon doctrine. This book provides useful clarifications and rebuttals for many doctrinal and historical areas church critics use.

Daniel C. Peterson, P. T. Barnum Redivivus: A Review of Decker's Complete Handbook on Mormonism (FARMS, 1995, 71 pages). Review of Ed Decker's _Complete Handbook on Mormonism._

Daniel C. Peterson, Shall They Not Both Fall into the Ditch? (FARMS, 1998, 87 pages). This is an extensive reivew of "The Mormon Puzzle: Understanding and Witnessing to Latter-day Saints," which is a series of manuals, pamphlets and a video from antagonistic critics. Inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and the lack of solid reasoning by the distributors is pointed out.

Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive (Vol. 1-4) (Brownsworth Publishing, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1995). Four highly recommended volumes dealing with anti-Mormon literature and critics, including that of Dee-Jay Nelson, Walter R. Martin, the Tanners, Ed Decker, and Dick Baer.

Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 1 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1981, 290 pages). A look at Dee-Jay Nelson who presented anti-Mormon lectures at the invitation of churches where false and misleading statements about Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham were made.

Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 2 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1984, 464 pages). Observations about professional anti-Mormon Walter R. Martin and his claims.

Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 3 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1986, 320 pages). A report on the claimed qualifications of the man Walter R. Martin found in print, on radio, and in lectures.

Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 4 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1995, 358 pages). The deceit of John Edward or Ed Decker, Richard or Dick Baer, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Walter Martin, John L. Smith, and the film, "The Godmakers."

Hugh W. Nibley, Tinkling Cymbals and Sounding Brass, Edited by David J. Whittaker (Deseret Book and FARMS, 1993, 741 pages). Exposing the faulty reasoning and flawed arguments of nineteenth-century critics arguments against Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

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