''The Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism''

[_Ray A]

Seminars have been scheduled around the world to share this information with all those interested. For the first time, church history and Book of Mormon evidences have been combined together into tours beginning in April 2009. DVD's and books are available to answer questions. You may also volunteer to help plan and promote seminars in your area. (Emphasis added)

FARMS is looking like Mother Theresa in comparison to this.

[_Ray A]

Mister Scratch should seriously get on to this:

Specials.

[_Ray A]

Don't forget to check out the "extended pricing":

Extended Pricing


Reserve online or call (888) 573-8687 for the most valued LDS Cruises and Tours.

Cash Discount Price per Person
Tour Tour Accommodations-Double 999.00
Tour Accommodations-Single 1299.00
Booking Fee 35.00

Airfare Roundtrip Lower 48 States Major Airports 350.00
Taxes/Fees 60.00
I will arrange my own airfare No Cost

Cash Discount Price per Person
Other CHECKS & CASH No Fee (Price & Space subject to change until funds arrive & clear) 0.00
CREDIT CARD Convienience fee (Immediate guaranteed confirmation of Space & Rate) 30.00
Optional Group Travel Insurance (premium due at time of deposit)
For more Travel Insurance information click on "Travel Insurance" under FAQ's below. 68.00

Deposit Deposit Required for Reservation $500

[_CaliforniaKid]

Seems to me that the "FIRM" acronym is clearly a dig at FARMS, FAIR, and SHIELDS. FARMS may have thrown the first punch, but Mr. Meldrum intends to throw the last.

[_Pokatator]

I have gotten 3 promo emails from Rod Meldrum/LDS Travel in the last two days. Now how did they get my email address? Has anyone else gotten these emails?

PS I have unsubscribed, if I want this stuff I know where to find it.

[_Henry Jacobs]

I mean, really, I hope FARMS can see that it will be rather pointless to declare war against FIRM. I honestly believe whether they want to admit it or not, FARMS has learned some hard lesons, and just might handle this without the hatchet.

Whether FARMS continues to play nice or not will be something to watch.

Here are the things I'll be watching.
If FIRM continues to gain market share, diminishing the influence of the FARMS, and by association the brethren, how long can either of them sit silently by?

If FARMS tries to destroy Meldrum, would the brethren continue to give their blessing to FARMS while it engages in Mormon on Mormon crime?

Will the whole issue of Book of Mormon historicity produce a schism within the membership that would require First Presidency action to repair?

And as a result of this division, how many members will realize that if the Book of Mormon were true, or had a shred of evidence for it, this level of controversy would never exist in the first place?

[_harmony]

So... this is for real? Not a joke?

I predict an excommunication at some point in the future. Poor Bro Meldrum is yanking the chain of a very big dog.

[_Dr. Shades]

Here are the things I'll be watching.
If FIRM continues to gain market share, diminishing the influence of the FARMS, and by association the brethren, how long can either of them sit silently by?

That's not such a cut-and-dry dilemma, I think. You see, the Brethren are associated with FARMS only by bureaucratic fiat, yet FIRM is teaching and preaching nothing other than what the prophets themselves have taught. How can the brethren put the stamp of disapproval on FIRM without shooting themselves in the foot?

If FARMS tries to destroy Meldrum, would the brethren continue to give their blessing to FARMS while it engages in Mormon on Mormon crime?

That's an excellent question, since FARMS is the brethren's baby, yet FIRM is the one actually taking their teachings seriously.

Will the whole issue of Book of Mormon historicity produce a schism within the membership that would require First Presidency action to repair?

I don't think it's "historicity" so much as it is "geography."

And as a result of this division, how many members will realize that if the Book of Mormon were true, or had a shred of evidence for it, this level of controversy would never exist in the first place?

I don't know about that one. I think they'll ascribe the controversy to the age-old question of science vs. prophets.

So... this is for real? Not a joke?

Of course. Why wouldn't it be real? Why would it be a joke?

I predict an excommunication at some point in the future. Poor Bro Meldrum is yanking the chain of a very big dog.

Which big dog? FARMS or FAIR? Perhaps, but the brethren themselves? I think not, since FIRM is merely taking their teachings seriously. I don't think they dare excommunicate Brother Meldrum, since it'll set a very, very dangerous precedent: Believing the words of the prophets can get you excommunicated.

[_Tom]

Add the FIRM Foundation to the list:

Ancient America Foundation (AAF)
Book of Mormon Archaeological Foundation
Book of Mormon Archaeology Forum (BMAF)
Book of Mormon Foundation
Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS)
Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR)
Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism (FIRM Foundation)
Nephi Project
Research Applications in Mormon Archeology & History (RAMAH)
Scholarly & Historical Information Exchange for Latter-Day Saints (SHIELDS)
Zarahemla Research Foundation

[_Henry Jacobs]

Here are the things I'll be watching.
If FIRM continues to gain market share, diminishing the influence of the FARMS, and by association the brethren, how long can either of them sit silently by?

That's not such a cut-and-dry dilemma, I think. You see, the Brethren are associated with FARMS only by bureaucratic fiat, yet FIRM is teaching and preaching nothing other than what the prophets themselves have taught. How can the brethren put the stamp of disapproval on FIRM without shooting themselves in the foot?

Is following the prophet doctrinal? History sort of shows that following the CURRENT prophet is the only thing that's truly doctrinal. In the modern TBM mind, the '78 debanning makes all those past pronouncements about the place of the negro in the plan of salvation, mute now, only personal opinions based in the popular notions of the time. To officially relegate past prophet statements on Book of Mormon geography to the "opinion bin", Pres. Monson would ultimately have to pull a Kimball.

Sidenote: Why didn't Polygamy Porter come here and post about this himself(herself for all I know), rather than serve as informant?