There was an interesting article in the Marketplace section of the Wall Street Journal today, entitled, "Mormon Elders Give a Reprieve To a Skeptic." It illustrates the kind of attitude that Mormons have toward free inquiry that we have been discussing here lately.
A Mormon scholar by the name of Thomas Murphy published an essay entitled, "Lamanite Genesis, Genealogy, and Genetics," which can be found at http://mormonscripturestudies.com/bomor/twm/lamgen.asp This article references genetic science to prove that American Indians did not come from ancient Israel. Murphy faced excommunication hearings that were scheduled for yesterday, but they were postponed indefinitely because of the public attention that the case was receiving. Murphy has a master's degree in anthropology and is chairman of the Anthropology department at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington. The article also mentions an Egyptologist in California who faces excommunication proceedings for posting an essay online a few weeks ago for saying that Joseph Smith incorrectly interpreted a certain character to stand for Abraham when really it was just the equivalent of the letter "w." The article didn't identify who this was, but an article at the following url basically makes the same conclusion about Smith's translation mistake and references sources that have made this same conclusion: http://mormonscripturestudies.com/boabr/eha/abrhor.asp Thomas Murphy is said not to be worried about the fallout from an excommunication. He said that he plans to remain a Mormon in his own mind. He also said, "I think this is a tragedy for Mormon scholars because we can't speak freely." After reading this article today, I can better understand why DaveH and Blaine refuse to read this book by Larson. It is dangerous for Mormons to study the origin of the Book of Abraham and to consider anything contrary to the party line of their church. Apparently Mormonism offers them something such that even those who know it is all a fraud still want to be Mormons, even if it is only in their own minds, after they have been excommunicated. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida USA ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
