The Maddest of MAD

[_Daniel Peterson]

the issue that precipitated the change was connected to Gee's religion

You don't know that, and I have reason to doubt it.

[_harmony]

the issue that precipitated the change was connected to Gee's religion

You don't know that, and I have reason to doubt it.

Seems to me that Ritner disagrees with you. No matter what the reason, the committee Gee started with is not the committee he ended with. A similiar situation could have been the reason why Brant doesn't have a PhD.

[_Brackite]

in my opinion, The MD Message Board is the best Message Board out there to discuss Mormonism. This Message Board Here is My Home Message Board.

We're glad this is your home, Brackite!

You're definitely part of the MDB family here.

Thanks very much, Liz!

[_Persephone]

Quite honestly, I was unaware that he had any university training on these subjects. If I am mistaken, then I whole-heartedly retract my criticism on that count. Especially if his only lack is a failure to finish a dissertation.

Are you sure about this? Is there some online reference, perhaps, to his training in Mesoamerican studies?

See cinepro's link. Brant has an MA in Anthropology and did coursework and fieldwork in a PhD program at SUNY.

I stand humbly corrected.

I'm not sure, however, that I'm any more impressed with his analysis. But I will, in future, be more careful to grant the man his rightful claim to satisfactory credentials.

[_Bond James Bond]

Persephone,

Were you thinking of Allen Wyatt, who does computer stuff professionally [I believe]?

[_KimberlyAnn]

Why do you call Ipso your 'malevolent stalker'? What's that all about? I thought the stalker was Wheat.

Oh, I'm not suggesting that Ipso is Wheat, but rather there always seems to be someone over there who is offended by my existence and takes it upon him/herself to attack at every opportunity. Currently, that rotating seat is held by Ipso Facto.

Hi, Runtu.

I am suggesting that Ipso Facto is Will Schryver. I know. The thought has crossed no one's mind but my own. ;)

Will hates apostates unless they've big breasts and look good in tank tops. You're SOL.

Good to see you.

Kimberly

[_Ray A]

I am suggesting that Ipso Facto is Will Schryver.

That will (no pun intended) have to be subjected to a wordprint analysis.

[_truth dancer]

Hi Runtu,

Hi Runtu,

I respect Brant for receiving his Masters, and I respect Beastie for receiving hers.

They are both smart and articulate.

But again, Beastie, not Brant, is the one arguing with the knowledge and facts of true experts in the field.

~td~

I know. I thought I was agreeing with you. :)

I thought you were agreeing with me too! :-) Just reiterating a point that needs to be bolded, highlighted, and put in every post concerning Mesoamerica and apologetics!

I get so tired of apologists condemning Beastie, as if she is fabricating research, when she is completely in line with the real experts in the field. Brant is the one who comes up with his own stuff.

Actually, at times he does support the experts in the field but completely alters the Book of Mormon to say what he wants it to say so as to support his particular religious views.

I doubt any Mesoamerican expert in the world would agree with some of Brant's "theories". OTOH, I'm fairly sure 100% of them would agree with virtually everything Beastie has shared, (of course they would, they are the ones she is quoting).

On a positive note, I have seen Brant correct some members who assert nonsense regarding Mesoamerica. Unfortunately, we still see apologists making ridiculous claims and misleading members with half truths.

~td~

[_beastie]

I didn't realize anyone over here was following the Mesoamerican threads. After a long (and needed, to provide perspective) leave of absence, I did decide to participate on MAD again, although within certain parameters (number one, Mesoamerican threads only, number two, ignore personal insults and other diversions - you have to expect to be insulted and give up on the notion of defending your "honor" - just ignore it all). Blame Ray, he did convince me that I needed to participate more for my website's sake. ;)

If I recall correctly, Brant's dissertation was almost complete when it was stolen (or maybe it was the data that was stolen, not sure). Brant's extensive background in the field (although it has never been his profession) does make him the most interesting "partner" in terms of discussing the Book of Mormon, in my opinion. The current thread here

http://www.mormonapologetics.org/index. ... &start=240

is particularly interesting because it's an excellent demonstration of how Brant is willing to reinterpret the Book of Mormon as needed, while people like cdowis, who have no respect for the field of archaeology in general so feels free to ignore what the experts say, interpret the Book of Mormon in the more accessible fashion.

I was glad to see Brant return, because discussing the Book of Mormon and Mesoamerica with someone like Zak as the main defender of the faith was truly MADdening.

[_GoodK]

I don't know about other posters, but I was banned from MAD because of DCP. For what it's worth, I couldn't care less and am thankful he did it.

That place has become the Mormon version of Matt Slick's crappy site.

I refuse to even lurk there.