Here we have a passage of FAIR's criticism of Meldrum on their FAIR blog. While condemning Meldrum for using personal revelation and support from an emeritus GA to promote his theory of Book of Mormon geography, FAIR has no problem parading its own credentials as an organization that has enjoyed GA fans and use of their work by LDS.org. They have also taken to counseling members as though this were their job:
Church members, when considering Mr. Meldrum’s DVD and presentation, would do well to remember the counsel of President Harold B. Lee:
“Now this is something that needs repeating to this great body of priesthood, because we have a rash of writings by certain persons who claim to be in good standing in the Church, going into considerable detail as they recite their past and present Church affiliations and activities in the forward and advertising. There are sensational predictions and observations, and to make their writings appear to have Church sanction, they use quotations and addresses from Church leaders, past and present, taken out of context in such a way as to make it appear as though these quotations were an endorsement of the book they wish to sell to Church members, who may thereby be induced to accept their writings as from unquestioned sources …. Furthermore, some designing individuals have solicited opportunities to speak at Church gatherings, firesides, priesthood quorums, sacrament meetings. Now, brethren, we feel it is of the utmost importance to lift a warning voice so that our people will be safeguarded against such tactics as an all too obvious self-seeking opportunity to spread their own propaganda for their own interests. We must urge that priesthood leaders use careful discretion in screening out those whose motives may be subject to serious questions.” (Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, April, 1973, 127-28).
Mr. Meldrum appears sincere in his beliefs about the Book of Mormon. FAIR is worried, however, by the means Mr. Meldrum uses to promote his beliefs and the damage that his presentation and promotion could ultimately do to the faith of Church members. We have therefore concluded that Mr. Meldrum’s theories should be publicly addressed. These overview papers are just the first treatment of the DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography DVD.
Arrogated authority by FAIR? What do you think?
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”
Nope, don't see a problem. An organization with no authority is rebutting someone else who has no authority. Let them fight it out.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
The Nehor wrote:Nope, don't see a problem. An organization with no authority is rebutting someone else who has no authority. Let them fight it out.
I think he is following me around today, and that is OK. Nehor isn't such a bad guy. Kind of annoying, but he can be a source of humor all the same.
Yes, Nehor is correct. Technically neither organization has authority in the LDS Church. Both sides, however, seem to imply authority from a higher source (GAs, LDS.org, revelation). I would argue that FAIR, in taking upon itself the responsibility to counsel members regarding Meldrum's work, is assuming it possesses a certain authority that it does not possess.
If you consider the tone and form of the introduction to the Lee quote, I think you can detect a close similarity with language used in edicts from Church Headquarters.
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”
The Nehor wrote:Nope, don't see a problem. An organization with no authority is rebutting someone else who has no authority. Let them fight it out.
Are you following Trevor around today?
Nope, I'm just very bored and he's posting a lot. If anyone else wants to post a lot this morning, I'll harass them too.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
The Nehor wrote:Nope, I'm just very bored and he's posting a lot. If anyone else wants to post a lot this morning, I'll harass them too.
Oh, now you have really offended me! ;-)
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”
I believe Nehor's statement is correct as well. FAIR makes untestable apologetic claims and then criticizes fringe apologists for making contrary untestable apologetic claims. The circle goes round. I really hope they review Cluff's Hollow Earth book. That would make for some fun times.
silentkid wrote:I believe Nehor's statement is correct as well. FAIR makes untestable apologetic claims and then criticizes fringe apologists for making contrary untestable apologetic claims. The circle goes round. I really hope they review Cluff's Hollow Earth book. That would make for some fun times.
Yeah, reminds me of my University days. People endlessly making claims about what this or that means and what the author meant and who influenced who and what not. I majored in Literature. :)
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
The difference is that they presume to identify defects in his behavior as a member of the LDS Church and then use that as a criticism of his theory. By taking this job upon themselves, they clearly have stepped over the line of academic review and have essentially arrogated to themselves the Church's role in counseling its members.
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”