Jack Welch and the Mopologist "Network"

[_Doctor Scratch]

Lately I've been pondering the impact and significance of John W. "Jack" Welch's role in Mopologetics. In an earlier thread, I explored some of Will Bagley's peculiar remarks concerning Welch's status as a "dark, menacing presence" in a meeting with historians at the JFS Institute. More recently, though, I stumbled across this:

http://www.cruiselady.com/tour-details.cfm?t=187

This, of course, is the "vacation farm" that's also used by Dr. Peterson. Apparently, notable apologists are "recruited" to give lectures to TBMs on these cruises to various places around the world. (I believe that DCP at one point clarified that he accepts two free tickets--valued at approx. $2,300--in exchange for his participation.) I have always wondered: was this idea---i.e., going on cruises to vaguely Mormon-related places, and having key Mopologists function as "lecturers"---was this idea floated by the cruise company? Or by the apologists themselves?

In any case, as I said, my interest was piqued when I noticed the presence of Bro. Welch on the itinerary:

ohn (Jack) W. Welch is among the most prominent pupils of Hugh Nibley, having made important discoveries in ancient texts. In 1979 he established the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), a nonprofit organization noted for its scholarly work on the Book of Mormon and other ancient texts. He served on the board of editors for the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, after which he was asked to serve as Editor-in-Chief of BYU Studies, which publishes a quarterly journal with the mission to involve readers in the LDS academic experience.

Take note of the portion I've underlined. Students and scholars of Mopologetics Studies will no doubt remember that the so-called "2nd Watson Letter" was cribbed from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and here we have a reminder that Jack "the dark, menacing presence" Welch was on the Editorial Board for the Encyclopedia. So, is this mere coincidence? Perhaps. I found it interesting, regardless. I'm curious, too, what kind of payment/compensation Welch receives in exchange for lending his "apologetic expertise" to these cruises. He's listed as a "headliner," which seems to imply that his status and ranking are higher than DCP's. Would it be reasonable to assume that Welch is given 10 grand in compensation?

No matter the case, I have to take my hat off to these guys for their ingenuity. It surely takes a certain amount of cleverness (and/or chutzpah?) to parlay a "non-profit" apologetic venture into a means of milking cruise companies for free trips around the globe. I'm practically green with envy.

[_moksha]

Dr. Scratch, why don't you lead a bunch of MDers on a bus tour to Wendover, Nevada. That way you can get in on the action too. As a fun bus activity you could pass out some Deseret Alphabet Tablets to the passengers and give mini bottles to those who can decipher the clues.

Hope that helps.

[_Morley]

Dr. Scratch, why don't you lead a bunch of MDers on a bus tour to Wendover, Nevada. That way you can get in on the action too. As a fun bus activity you could pass out some Deseret Alphabet Tablets to the passengers and give mini bottles to those who can decipher the clues.

Hope that helps.

Sign me up.

[_Dr. Shades]

It surely takes a certain amount of cleverness (and/or chutzpah?) to parlay a "non-profit" apologetic venture into a means of milking cruise companies for free trips around the globe.

As you pointed out, in Welch's case he might actually be getting paid, which makes it better than free.

[_Daniel Peterson]

LOL. I believe that I'm called a "headliner," too.

It's fun to watch these speculations. Keep 'em coming!

-dcp
Estes Park, Colorado

[_Sethbag]

LOL. I believe that I'm called a "headliner," too.

If you think that's cool, just wait till you start being referred to as just "the talent". :-)

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

It looks like these cruises are not only educational, but can actually help someone become a better wife. Here is a testimonial from a cruise with John Lund:

John will make the Book of Mormon come alive for you. He knows little known facts that truly touch your heart as he tells of the people that lived the stories from within the pages of the Book of Mormon. The book tells you the history, John tells you of the people behind the history. Make sure you attend the onboard talks. They are entertaining, insightful and just plain funny. John inspires me to become a better wife and mother.

I'm signing my wife up for the next John Lund cruise!

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

LOL. I believe that I'm called a "headliner," too.

It's fun to watch these speculations. Keep 'em coming!

-DCP
Estes Park, Colorado

Daniel,

If you get the chance, you really need to eat at the Twin Owl Steakhouse in Estes Park. The service is crappy, but the food is excellent. Trust me, you will thank me.

[_Blixa]

LOL. I believe that I'm called a "headliner," too.

It's fun to watch these speculations. Keep 'em coming!

-DCP
Estes Park, Colorado

Daniel,

If you get the chance, you really need to eat at the Twin Owl Steakhouse in Estes Park. The service is crappy, but the food is excellent. Trust me, you will thank me.

O/T OMG. I think I ate at that place in the late 60's. Somewhere there are old polaroids of the "twin owls" I took on that family vacation....

[_Doctor Scratch]

LOL. I believe that I'm called a "headliner," too.

It's fun to watch these speculations. Keep 'em coming!

Oh, is that how you feel? In that case, I'll be more than happy to continue with the speculation. A month or so ago you were pleading with me to "stop." Funny how people change their minds, isn't it?

That said, I wonder how you and Welch can conceivably defend your "work" with these cruises against charges of priestcraft. $2,300 x 2 is a lot of money, after all.


-Dr. Scratch, Cassius University