The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2014

[_SteelHead]

Forget the October surprise.... We want the annual December melt down.

[_Zadok]

No doubt future generations will read these lists with equal parts amusement and confusion. They will wonder how the Church ever allowed these embarrassing Mopologists to exist.

And I'm hoping that happens much sooner rather than later!

[_Doctor Scratch]

[MODERATOR NOTE: Those who enjoyed reading this list may also enjoy reading the lists from previous years:]

• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2013
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2012
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2011
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2010
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2009
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2008
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2007
• The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2006

Will we have to wait 2 more years for the "first ten years of mopology" reviewed? I hope not Scratch...it may not last two more years.

What is the #1 for the first 8 years?

Actually, Mark: 2015 would be the 10th year, were I to do such a list. Time will tell, I suppose. As to your speculation that Mopologetics will be kaput in two years.... Hmmm, it's interesting to think about it that way. If Mormon Interpreter were to take a heavy financial hit, then I suppose this could happen. Or, if the Brethren decided at last that "enough is enough," and they formally discipline these guys for their multi-decade career of attack, humiliating, and marginalizing other Latter-day Saints, then it would definitely dissolve. If that were to happen, it would be the most monumental thing ever to happen in the world of Mopologetics. It would dwarf the events of June 2012.

But there is the other side of the coin. I assume you read Everybody Wang Chung's recent OP, where he noted that DCP is claiming that the Brethren are "unhappy" about the way that the Maxwell Institute is operating? And perhaps you've seen the posted called "Tom" suggesting that Hamblin is preparing to retire, thus (presumably) freeing him up to rejoin Mormon Interpreter? And what if they finally catch that "whale"--i.e., a huge donor who decides to give them 50K or so (or even more)? If the apologists have their way, we could see something of a resurgence in the coming months.

For my money, I'm not particularly sanguine about the latter events coming to pass--I think the former scenario, frankly, is more likely--either that or something in between ("business as usual," as it were). The bit about the Brethren has to be treated for what it is: the usual unsubstantiated gossip-mongering--totally inappropriate and reeking of insubordination, but typical nonetheless. And what of the possibility of Hamblin rejoining? I kind of have to shrug my shoulders at this. My sense is that, rather like Midgley, he's pooped out and doesn't have the energy to do anything of note. The particularly sadistic fans of Mopologetics will get a rise out of it, but nothing more than that. So that leaves the possibility of the "whale." We already know how this would go down, though. If the apologists managed to snag someone with a large enough pocketbook, the Brethren would step in and intervene. The exact same thing happened to FARMS. Pres. Hinckley didn't come knocking because of FARMS's top-notch "scholarship," or because they really liked the way that they called B. Metcalfe a "butthead." He came a'knockin' because FARMS had finally maneuvered itself into a position where they could legitimate ask for donations as part of a $7 million campaign to construct a new headquarters for themselves.

Whatever the case may be, it will, as always, be interesting to watch.

[_Kishkumen]

Doctor, pardon my ignorance here, but just what has Hamblin done that has been noteworthy? Other than the Metcalfe is Butthead boner, that is.

[_Doctor Scratch]

Doctor, pardon my ignorance here, but just what has Hamblin done that has been noteworthy? Other than the Metcalfe is Butthead boner, that is.

Hmm. You'll have to pardon me, Rev.--it may be that "noteworthy" wasn't the best choice of words. Still, I think it is at least fair to say that Hamblin was, in his "prime," an extremely energetic Mopologist, pumping out novella-length micro-critiques of things like Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. Once upon a time, he was capable of sinking as much time into that sort of thing as Greg Smith. But I sort of suspect that those days are behind him. I doubt he's got the stamina for it anymore.

[_Markk]

Actually, Mark: 2015 would be the 10th year, were I to do such a list. Time will tell, I suppose. As to your speculation that Mopologetics will be kaput in two years.... Hmmm, it's interesting to think about it that way. If Mormon Interpreter were to take a heavy financial hit, then I suppose this could happen. Or, if the Brethren decided at last that "enough is enough," and they formally discipline these guys for their multi-decade career of attack, humiliating, and marginalizing other Latter-day Saints, then it would definitely dissolve. If that were to happen, it would be the most monumental thing ever to happen in the world of Mopologetics. It would dwarf the events of June 2012.

But there is the other side of the coin. I assume you read Everybody Wang Chung's recent OP, where he noted that DCP is claiming that the Brethren are "unhappy" about the way that the Maxwell Institute is operating? And perhaps you've seen the posted called "Tom" suggesting that Hamblin is preparing to retire, thus (presumably) freeing him up to rejoin Mormon Interpreter? And what if they finally catch that "whale"--i.e., a huge donor who decides to give them 50K or so (or even more)? If the apologists have their way, we could see something of a resurgence in the coming months.

For my money, I'm not particularly sanguine about the latter events coming to pass--I think the former scenario, frankly, is more likely--either that or something in between ("business as usual," as it were). The bit about the Brethren has to be treated for what it is: the usual unsubstantiated gossip-mongering--totally inappropriate and reeking of insubordination, but typical nonetheless. And what of the possibility of Hamblin rejoining? I kind of have to shrug my shoulders at this. My sense is that, rather like Midgley, he's pooped out and doesn't have the energy to do anything of note. The particularly sadistic fans of Mopologetics will get a rise out of it, but nothing more than that. So that leaves the possibility of the "whale." We already know how this would go down, though. If the apologists managed to snag someone with a large enough pocketbook, the Brethren would step in and intervene. The exact same thing happened to FARMS. Pres. Hinckley didn't come knocking because of FARMS's top-notch "scholarship," or because they really liked the way that they called B. Metcalfe a "butthead." He came a'knockin' because FARMS had finally maneuvered itself into a position where they could legitimate ask for donations as part of a $7 million campaign to construct a new headquarters for themselves.

Whatever the case may be, it will, as always, be interesting to watch.

hey doc,

I believe the only thing that could actually save or restore Mopology, would be a actual "I told you so find." Just think about all their work...what is the single most significant proof, insight, or critical study with a hair of chance, that has come from their notebooks? NHM? Then what?

In all reality, Mopology is already dead to all but themselves...they have had every opportunity to come up with a legitimate proof for Joseph Smiths story...they have been given a platform to reach millions...yet they haven't been able to come up with anything that can prove the Mormon story.

They have made arguments for "adieu", or other trivial "anti" accusations, but again these do not prove anything in regards to Mormonism being anything more than a story. But these alone will be the successful legacy of Mopology, but only to lazy ( but sincere) Mormons that want Mormonism to work...beyond that if proves nothing.

DCP and the boys had better be careful...as the adage "be careful what you pray for" goes...if they were to get a new platform what the heck would they come up with? In fact they are probably relieved and contrived to sit in the bull pen and throw insults and the new starting pitchers of the same losing team..."gee, if the coach would only let me in, we would show them."

Like you said it will be interesting?

[_Kishkumen]

Hmm. You'll have to pardon me, Rev.--it may be that "noteworthy" wasn't the best choice of words. Still, I think it is at least fair to say that Hamblin was, in his "prime," an extremely energetic Mopologist, pumping out novella-length micro-critiques of things like Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. Once upon a time, he was capable of sinking as much time into that sort of thing as Greg Smith. But I sort of suspect that those days are behind him. I doubt he's got the stamina for it anymore.

Ah, I see, Doctor. Well, I stand corrected. He has a noteworthy volume of Mopologetic output, for sure.

[_Mayan Elephant]

here you can watch ostler, ostler, bokovoy, peterson and others discuss this.

https://www.Facebook.com/daniel.peterso ... hare_reply


highlights include:

-peterson saying, again, how he was ousted in a coup and he did nothing ever not even once to deserve that.
-ostler calling bokovoy the lowest of lows, and then inviting him for a meal.
-a bunch of people imagining a world where the old MI actually did crap that stood on its own and mattered.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

here you can watch ostler, ostler, bokovoy, peterson and others discuss this.

https://www.Facebook.com/daniel.peterso ... hare_reply


highlights include:

-peterson saying, again, how he was ousted in a coup and he did nothing ever not even once to deserve that.
-ostler calling bokovoy the lowest of lows, and then inviting him for a meal.
-a bunch of people imagining a world where the old MI actually did s*** that stood on its own and mattered.

It must be difficult for someone like Mr. Peterson to have his life's work hobby so thoroughly dismissed by the very people who paid him allowed him to volunteer during his work days personal time in defense of Mormonism's core doctrines his pet theories, and using his platform as a BYU professor as a lay defender of the faith feel abandoned shunned by those he disdains loves and admires.

V/R
Doc

[_ludwigm]

It must be difficult for someone like Mr. Peterson to have his life's work hobby so thoroughly dismissed by the very people who paid him allowed him to volunteer during his work days personal time in defense of Mormonism's core doctrines his pet theories, and using his platform as a BYU professor as a lay defender of the faith feel abandoned shunned by those he disdains loves and admires.

V/R
Doc

Sometimes, strikethroughs produce better result than smilies.

Facebook should produce an application (by the way these things were called program a little before...) using "hate" like "like"...