''The Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism''

[_truth dancer]

Meldrum is gaining popularity due to the fact that he is confirming what so many LDSs believe and what the church has taught (with the exception of the last few years when they now do not discuss the topic), since Joseph Smith told stories around the fire.

Meldrum is confirming Joseph Smith's teachings, FARMS is trying to move with science and "expand the paradigm" while inoculating members to what is incorrect about the teachings of prophets. (Prophets just share their opinion, Joseph Smith had a superficial understanding, ignore past teachings, etc).

The relatively recent practice of church leaders not having a position on anything (except gay marriage), in this cyber world we are entering is in my opinion going to cause serious problems with the church.

I can see several factions breaking apart in the future... the NOMs, the FARMS types, the traditional believing members (chapel Mormons), hmmm who knows?

~td~

[_Danna]

Amazing. I have requested a calendar download.

[_Dr. Shades]

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

Holy cow, I didn't realize there were that many.

I suppose that most of them consist of a single website with maybe an article or two, right? Other than FARMS and FAIR, do any of them compare with FIRM on the basis of organization, seminars, tours, resources, available products, etc.?

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

Because he "password bombed" his "collegeterrace" account and didn't want to come up with yet another sock-puppet.

[_Ray A]

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

Good question, why isn't Port posting? He's always been good at digging up stuff like this and generating lots of discussion.

[_cinepro]

I don't think the name of the "FIRM Foundation" is a mistake; it ties in to hymn #85.

I think the great irony in all this is that FIRM may just "out-FARMS" FARMS at their own game. FARMS is the philosophies of scripture, mingled with science. But to follow the modern path of apologetics requires an LDS to disregard many beliefs that they may percieve to be "official doctrine" (Adam and Eve being first "humans" and no physical death before the fall, worldwide flood of Noah, no humans in the Americas before the Jaredites, etc.).

FIRM allows people to maintain their belief in these things, while at the same time feeling like they are honoring modern science. Ultimately, I think these groups are insignificantly small in the Church, so I don't think they will make any difference. But it certainly is interesting.

One thing they do have going for them is an obvious emphasis on "outreach" (or missionary work). Members don't just sign up for a newsletter, they volunteer. They bring their friends. They get involved. This could be the apologetics equivalent of Amway. And they do have at least one GA onboard.

It's also interesting that the FIRM "seminars" aren't just hour long firesides. They are set up as tiered classes, almost like a college course, and each course has a number, up to "Advanced Course #5".

Introduction to Book of Mormon Evidences Lecture 1

Prophecies and Promises Lecture 2

Book of Mormon Evidences Lecture 3

DNA and the 25 Correlations Lecture 4

Advanced Study of Book of Mormon Evidences Advanced Study Lecture 5

I think I might try to attend Lectures 1 & 2 in March.

[_Ray A]

The volunteer concept originated with FARMS, who used them until about the late 1980s. I was one of FARMS earliest volunteers, until I released myself in 1987. (I'm not sure exactly when it was phased out.)

[_Ray A]

Can someone enlighten me here? Perhaps I missed something. Doesn't Meldrum advocate a North American setting for the Book of Mormon? I realise that Mesoamerica is considered North America, but I thought their setting for the Book of Mormon was not Mesoamerica.

Why are they offering tours of Mesoamerica?

[_Yong Xi]

This will likely have a lot of appeal to U.S. members. Not only is it closer to visit than Central America, Nauvooland can be visited at the same time. In addition, this will affirm for many members that the U.S. is the promised land after all.

[_cinepro]

Can someone enlighten me here? Perhaps I missed something. Doesn't Meldrum advocate a North American setting for the Book of Mormon? I realise that Mesoamerica is considered North America, but I thought their setting for the Book of Mormon was not Mesoamerica.

Why are they offering tours of Mesoamerica?

In their cruise descriptions, they don't really seem to be making a hard-sell for mesoamerican Book of Mormon locations. The only reference I could find was for Quiriqua National Park, and they tie it in to the Times and Seasons articles, not modern scholarship and theories.

Our group will visit Quiriqua National Park - a Mayan city that once ruled the region and learn of the connection to the Times and Seasons as well as the proposed connection to the Book of Mormon.

Compare that to this trip description near St. Louis:

We hope you are ready for some Book of Mormon evidences and geography today. You will be learning more about proposed Nephite and Lamanite lands and sites. After leaving Nauvoo you will stop at the Zelph Mound where Joseph Smith and Zion's Camp found a Lamanite prophet warrior.

[_Ray A]

In their cruise descriptions, they don't really seem to be making a hard-sell for mesoamerican Book of Mormon locations. The only reference I could find was for Quiriqua National Park, and they tie it in to the Times and Seasons articles, not modern scholarship and theories.

One is a cruise from Galveston to Yucatan. Here is the description:

This 6-day cruise through the beautiful Western Caribbean ocean may be shorter than some, but it's packed with fun, learning and adventure. On board you can enjoy the on-board spa, excellent food or just relax on deck and watch the world float by. You will be able to do in-depth studies of the Book of Mormon as possible locations and events are discussed during studies at sea. When the ship goes ashore our expert hosts will show you the magnificent ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum. And best of all the price is right! A Deposit of only $150 per person (deposit covers taxes and port charges) will guarantee your cabin rate! This is a great price for a cruise no matter how many are going!