November 2008
LATIN – apologeticus GREEK – apologetikos 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, 4th edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2009).
JOURNAL CONTENTS
- MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. Scott Gordon discusses the impact of California’s Proposition 8 on members of the Church and introduces a series of FAIR Web pages on the topic.
- FAIR FUNDRAISING. If you would like to help FAIR in its work to provide “well-documented answers to criticisms of LDS (Mormon) doctrine, belief and practice,” we encourage you to contribute through the FAIR web site.
- NEW FAIR INITIATIVE. FAIR has announced the creation of Y-FAIR, a new organization for youth and by youth to help them meet challenges to their faith and testimonies.
- NEW ON THE WEBSITE. FAIR has added responses to additional sections of the “DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography” DVD.
- NEW ON THE WEBSITE. John Tvedtnes has written a brief article “Is There a ‘Priesthood of All Believers’?” that discusses the necessity of priesthood ordination as opposed to authority derived from baptism or profession of belief.
- 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 WIKI. The FAIR Wiki is an excellent resource for someone looking for a summary of an issue and for pointers to more detailed information. Links to many new and changed articles are included in this issue.
- FAIR YOUTUBE VIDEOS. FAIR has had a presence on youtube.com for several months and new video clips are added frequently.
- FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE. Check out the FAIR Bookstore’s monthly specials.
- 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.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church regarding a variety of issues including the separation of church and state, the Church’s position relative to people who experience same-sex attraction, accusations of bigotry by members, and the rights of a non-profit organization to participate in the democratic process on matters not associated with elections of candidates. The proposition added a single line to the California state constitution defining marriage as being between “a man and a woman.” This has lead to a number of claims that civil rights are being taken away. What many dont realize is that in California, those who have a civil union have exactly the same rights as traditional married couples. Any differences are on the Federal level and not the State level. There has been no change in any rights other than the use of the word.
In the aftermath of the election, people have been blacklisted, harassed, and have lost their jobs. Business have been boycotted. Chapels have been vandalized, and white powder has been delivered to various locations. In California, some members are very nervous about their employment and maintaining good relationships with those around them.
A number of myths have cropped up about the proposition and the Churchs role. To combat these myths, FAIR has created three Web pages related to Proposition 8 and its aftermath. You can find these pages by going to the lead article at www.fairmormon.org and following the links, or you can go to each of the pages directly here.
Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8— The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church regarding a variety of issues including the separation of church and state. FAIR examines this event and how it relates to Latter-day Saints.
We are concerned about the level of vitriol toward members of the Church in California without a word from our elected officials decrying it. It seems that hate crimes are still fashionable toward certain out-of-favor groups.
These Web pages document the events leading up to and resulting from the effort to pass California Proposition 8 as they relate to Latter-day Saints. We recognize that there was a broad coalition of supporters, of which Latter-day Saints were only a small part. However, given the disproportionate negative reaction to the Church after the passage of the proposition, it is prudent to clarify misperceptions and answer commonly asked question about Church members’ involvement in this issue. We hope you find the pages to be helpful in understanding the issues and the aftermath.
–Scott Gordon President
FAIR FUNDRAISING
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.
You can also contact FAIR via the U.S. Postal Service using the following address.
FAIR P.O. Box 491677 Redding, CA 96049-1677
Y-FAIR for Youth Planned
FAIR is sponsoring a newly developing organization for youth that will help address the challenges and opportunities they face as they build their testimonies and live gospel standards. Sponsored by FAIR but driven by youth volunteers, Y-FAIR will help address topics that are common to young people in the Church. Unlike adults who often have testimonies that are being targetted by anti-Mormon efforts, our youth are working to establish their testimonies in morally challenging environments and often without the seasoned experience many adults enjoy. They face ridicule and pressures at formative times in their lives, and they need the support, knowledge, and strength of others in similar situations to help them weather the storms and develop the spiritual maturity to endure and grow.
Y-FAIR will help youths deal with challenges to their forming testimonies and help them develop skills and knowledge that will serve them as they interact with friends and family inside and outside the church. Using blogs, social networking sites, wiki software, videos, and audio, Y-FAIR will serve as a resource and support to youth in the Church. Contributors such as John Bytheway and Vicky Pahnke Taylor will share their wit and wisdom with articles and information, and youth will provide their own real-life experiences, insights, and knowledge. Of course FAIR volunteers will provide guidance, and the full resources of FAIR will be made available to Y-FAIR as they seek to fulfill their focused mission.
This newly planned organization is in need of energetic, dedicated youth who have the motivation and desire to help others in their spiritual quest. If you know of a youth age 14 or older interested in helping us drive and launch this exciting new organization, please have them email us at [email protected]. All they need is a growing testimony and a desire to help and share.
Reviews of DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography
FAIR has been reviewing the DVD called “DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography.” FAIR itself has no position on where the Book of Mormon events took place, and members of FAIR hold a variety of views on the subject, ranging from hemispheric models to local models. FAIR’s review of this DVD was not in response to its proposed setting, which FAIR will readily support as a candidate for the Book of Mormon that needs to be evaluated on its merits in light of the known facts just as all other models should be. Rather the FAIR response stems from significant problems with the methodology, tone, and evidence associated with the claims of the DVD that will ultimately impede the progress of the Book of Mormon rather than further its claim of historicity.
The main page for the responses to the DVD can be found at:
- Misguided Zeal and Defense of the Church (Executive Summary) (HTML) (PDF)
- Misguided Zeal and Defense of the Church (HTML) (PDF)
The five new or updated sections are as follows.
- DVD Section 6: Tents, Temples and Teepees
- DVD Section 10: Nephite Defenses
- DVD Section 12: The Mound Builders
- DVD Section 13: Nephite Culture
- DVD Section 14: Nephite Implements
All reviews can be viewed in either HTML or PDF formats. In addition to the full response, each section also has an executive summary that gives a shorter, high-level view of the full analysis.
Is There a “Priesthood of All Believers”? by John A. Tvedtnes
A principal claim of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that it is the only church in which can be found apostolic authority. This priesthood authority, which Latter-day Saints believe was lost shortly after the New Testament era, had to be restored by direct intervention by God and could not be revived through any living individual or merely through through professions of faith or acquisition of theological knowledge. Most Christians acknowledge some form of divine ecclesiastical authority, but many Protestant faiths rest claims of authority on the belief that divine authority is given to any person who is a true believer in Jesus Christ.
In his brief article, Tvedtnes examines the proof texts used by the Reformers who first proclaimed the novel doctrine of the “Priesthood of All Believers” as well as other New Testament passages that indicate that authority was neither attributed to all New Testament believers nor predicated on either baptism or professions of faith.
Read the article:
Is There a “Priesthood of All Believers”? by John Tvedtnes
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, you may submit it through the FAIR web site.
Questions sent to FAIR 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
FAIR WIKI
The FAIR wiki project was started in 2006 to provide a more flexible and searchable resource for Latter-day Saints and allow others to get answers to Gospel questions. The wiki is, by design, always a “work in progress,” with many editors at FAIR contributing to articles on a daily basis. You can access the FAIR wiki at:
This month the FAIR wiki focuses attention on wiki articles that have been created or updated. Each month hundreds of changes are made in the wiki as new information is incorporated, errors are found and corrected, and new topics are added. The following are only a few of the many wiki entries that have been modified this month.
Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8
This new wiki article gives an overview of the Church and Church members’ involvement in the California Proposition 8 controversy. It also deals with issues surrounding the money raised by Latter-day Saints and the LDS contributions in time and organizational skills. Also included here is a collection of many of the responses to the passage of Proposition 8, such as vandalism, threats, blacklists, and other attacks against the Church and individual Church members.
Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8— The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church regarding a variety of issues including the separation of church and state. FAIR examines this event and how it relates to Latter-day Saints.
Joseph Smith and polygamy/”Love letters”
Did Joseph write secret “love letters” to any of his polygamous wives?—Critics claim that on 18 August 1842 Joseph Smith wrote a “love letter” to Sarah Ann Whitney requesting a secret rendezvous or “tryst.” Joseph had been sealed to Sarah Ann three weeks prior to this time. What does this letter actually say? (Link)
This new page responds to the criticism that Joseph wrote a secret love letter to one of his plural wives and notes that the letter was to the parents of his wife.
The “curse of Cain” and “curse of Ham”
This new wiki article discusses the history of the “Curse of Cain” and the “Curse of Ham,” how it was used to justify slavery, and how it was sometimes invoked to explain the priesthood ban.
The “curse of Cain” and “curse of Ham”—We often hear that Latter-day Saints believe and teach that blacks are descendents of Cain, and that they are cursed. In fact, on some occasions prior to 1978, blacks were denied access to temple open houses because they carried the “mark of Cain.” What critics never point out, however, is that the “curse of Cain” is a Protestant invention that was created in order to justify slavery in the 1800’s. One would get the impression listening to critics that the Latter-day Saints originated the idea of the curse, and they point to the priesthood ban as evidence of such, while ignoring that fact of segregated congregations in Protestant churches of that era. (Link)
Creation of Spirits
This new wiki article explains the LDS view of the creation of spirits and responds to the criticism that Joseph Smith’s teachings contradicts the scriptures.
Creation of spirits—Joseph Smith taught that spirits were not created, and that spirits did not have a beginning because they will not have an end. In scripture, however, there are many verses which stated that God created spirits. Did what Joseph taught contradict the scriptures? (Link)
FAIR YOUTUBE VIDEOS
FAIR has created a site on YouTube that will provide videos on scholarly material, rebuttals to criticisms, evidences of the Church, past FAIR conferences, and much more.
New videos on FAIRs Youtube site:
Early Christian Prayer Circle
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by Aaron Snyder that discusses evidences of prayer circles in early Christian worship. It includes information about the ritual, clothing, and symbols associated with this practice. This presentation comprises three videos.
Ante-Nicene Mysteries and New Testament Sources
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by Andrew Miller that discusses evidences for secret, non-public teachings of the early Christian church. This presentation comprises two videos.
What is the Chariot in Ezekiel 1
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by William Hamblin that discusses how the “chariot” spoken of in Ezekiel 1 may be referring to a temple or tabernacle and the symbols in Ezekiel may be related to temple worship. This presentation comprises three videos.
The Tabernacle as Cosmos in Josephus’s Antiquities
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by David Seely that discusses how Josephus wrote about the tabernacle in terms of both a symbol and a model of the cosmos. This presentation comprises three videos.
Expanded View of the Israelite Scapegoat
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by James Carroll that discusses the scapegoat in the Mosaic tradition and how its pattern is reflected in other gospel rituals and events. This presentation comprises three videos.
The Two High Priesthoods? Evidence for Changes in the Priesthood From the First to the Second Temple
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by David Larsen that discusses evidences of a second priesthood authority (after the order of Melchizedek) found in the Hebrew scriptures and other ancient Hebrew traditions.
This presentation comprises three videos.
Motifs of an Early Christian Chrism
These videos are of a presentation at SANE (Students of the Ancient Near East) by Daniel Becerras that discusses the symbolism and ritual associated with the annointing with oil as practiced in ancient Israel and in early Christian communities. This presentation comprises two videos.
FAIR LDS BOOKSTORE
Come to the FAIR Bookstore to find the Internet’s best selection of materials for LDS apologetics. Whether you are looking for books, study aids, videos, or audio products, the FAIR Bookstore has what you need. You can begin your browsing by going to our main site.
We have some great ideas for Christmas! Order them from our Monthly Specials page:
FAIR Bookstore – Monthly Specials
In addition, we offer GIFT WRAPPING for any items you want wrapped. Just make sure you select the “Gift Wrapping” as an item with your order. (You select it just like you do any other item–gift wrapping adds only $4.95 for each item you want wrapped.) This is a great time-saving offer!
“Shaken Faith Syndrome” by Mike Ash
Misconceptions that can make us vulnerable to shaken faith are dispelled, and some of the most frequent anti-LDS claims are refuted.
You can read a review of “Shaken Faith Syndrome” at
Review of Shaken Faith Syndrome
The FAIR Bookstore price is $19.95.
“Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting Joseph Smith” Michael Ash. Springville, Utah: Cedar Fort, 2008. Softbound, 208 pages, 6″ x 9″. ISBN: 9781599552316
New to the Bookstore! Expected Availability date: December 10, 2008
In the early 1800s, many people criticized the Prophet Joseph Smith for his prophecies and revelations; today, several evidences prove that Joseph was right. Michael Ash, a well-known LDS apologist, explains why it is useful, and perhaps even necessary, to combine reason with faith in our testimony of Joseph Smith. He reminds us that although secular evidences can’t replace a spiritual witness, they can support a testimony and provide an atmosphere where a spiritual witness can flourish. Using scholarly journal articles and ancient Jewish and Christian writings, Ash provides evidences that show how the Book of Mormon is a true account of an ancient people, how LDS scriptures are consistent with the traditions and culture of ancient Israel, and how the doctrines of the Church accurately reflect the teachings of Christ. Ash writes clearly and simply, providing numerous resources to foster further study.
On sale for $11.95 Retail is $14.99
“An Unlikely Mormon, The Conversion Story of Glenn Beck” Glenn Beck. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2008. 1 DVD, 65 mins. ISBN: 1590389433
New to the Bookstore! Expected Availability date: December 10, 2008
In this hour-long presentation, Glenn Beck talks intimately about his decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. His story is both stirring and sobering. Glenn talks about his addiction to alcohol, the miracle of the Atonement, and the reality that God does answer prayers. In particular, he acknowledges Gods hand in how he met his wife, Tania, and in their familys spiritual quest for faith and religion. The Glenn Beck Program is the third-highest-rated program in America. It attracts a staggering five million listeners a day and is syndicated on more than 280 radio stations nationwide. Beck also hosts Glenn Beck on CNN Headline News.
On sale for $15.95 Retail is $19.95
“Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants: A Guided Tour Through Modern Revelations” Steven C. Harper. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2008. Hardbound, 9×6, 624 pgs. ISBN: 1590389212
New to the Bookstore!
Have you struggled with understanding the Doctrine and Covenants? As a collection of separate and diverse texts, it can be rather daunting to study. After all, it is the only one of the standard works that does not tell its own story. Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants addresses this challenge in a unique way. Rather than giving a verse-by-verse commentary, author Steven C. Harper takes readers on a guided tour through the revelations. Drawing on the earliest manuscripts of those revelations, he provides historically grounded insights into why each revelation was given, what it means, and why it matters. Chapters on every section of the Doctrine and Covenants begin by delving into the historical record to recreate the question or problem each revelation was given to resolve and end by showing readers the outcomes for individuals and the Church.
On sale for $28.95 Retail is $35.95
“Second Witness Series” by Brant Gardner
An Amazing 6 Volume exploration of the Book of Mormon. The Whole Series for only $189.95 Retail is $249.70 Volumes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 On
On sale for $31.95 Retail is $39.95
Volume 4 On sale for $39.95 Retail is $49.95
“Massacre at Mountain Meadows” by Ronald Walker, Richard Turley Jr., and Glen Leonard
Massacre at Mountain Meadows offers the most thoroughly researched account of the massacre ever written.
On sale for $23.95 Retail is $29.95
“Journey of Faith” (Vol. 1) DVD Produced by BYU and FARMS
Follow Lehi and his family in their Journey to the New World.
On sale for $15.95 Retail is $19.95
“Journey of Faith: The New World” (Vol. 2) DVD produced by BYU and FARMS
Discover what Lehi’s family found in the New World
On sale for $15.95 Retail is $19.95
“Journey of Faith” (2 Volume Set)
On sale for $25.95 Retail is $39.90 ($19.95 each)
“Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament” by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Eric D. Huntsman, Thomas A. Wayment
At this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, this book is a beautiful resource to more fully understand the time in which He lived. Lots of pictures and illustrations.
On sale for $31.95 Retail is $39.95
Order all of these products from our Monthly Specials page:
FAIR Bookstore – Monthly Specials
Thank you for using the FAIR bookstore!
–FAIR Bookstore Staff
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
We welcome article submissions for the FAIR Web site. If you would like to submit an article, please review the editing guidelines at:
Submit your article to the FAIR Journal Editor. 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 figure, 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 Web site (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 FAIR Publications link.
If you are very interested in apologetics and would like to actively participate in FAIR you should consider joining our apologetics e-mail list. Visit www.fairlds.org and click on the Join FAIR link to join this list.
If you manage your own e-mail list, and wish to include some of these thoughts or articles on your list, contact us through our Web site, at this page: www.fairlds.org/contact.psp. We have a fairly liberal policy of using our material so long as you contact us first to gain permission and clearly identify that your source was FAIR and by adding a link to the FAIR Web site (www.fairlds.org).
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.
