The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2012

[_cwald]

Shouldn't the "visitation" of Mormon Jesus on MDB made the top ten?

Thanks for the interesting read scratch.

[_Doctor Scratch]

2. The John Dehlin "Hit Piece."

I wonder why DCP hasn't published this on the MI site yet. And while he's at it, he should publish that Book of Abraham article Schryver wrote that changed the game a couple years ago.

They can't publish either of these articles without getting into trouble with the Brethren. If I recall correctly, DCP himself said, in the wake of the FAIR Conference, that Smith had been "counseled" by one or more of the General Authorities on what would happen if the "hit piece" was published. As I recall, Prof. P. said that Smith personally had to decide whether or not to go forward with publication.

Something similar holds true for the Schryver Book of Abraham article. I remember him (i.e., Schryver) saying that he needed Brethren permission in order to publish. I guess he doesn't have that.

Brilliant post as always, Dr. Scratch. Happy Holidays to you, good sir!

Thank you, and same to you!

[_Doctor Scratch]

Shouldn't the "visitation" of Mormon Jesus on MDB made the top ten?

Thanks for the interesting read scratch.

No problem! I would say that the appearance of Mormon Jesus would merit, at the very least, an Honorable Mention. Thanks for the reminder!

[_3sheets2thewind]

The way schyver put it is that he needs permission to publish copyright type material, there is nothing stopping him from publishing sans those items he needs permission for.

[_Chap]

The way schyver put it is that he needs permission to publish copyright type material, there is nothing stopping him from publishing sans those items he needs permission for.

Indeed. Could it be that he has finally realized, after a lot of people have told him, that his article is not quite what he hoped and boasted that it would be?

In that case, he might well be grateful for an excuse not to publish.

[_just me]

Apparently there are binders full of female LDS apologists somewhere that I am giving a pass to because of their gender.

I LOL'd so, so hard!

[_Kishkumen]

I extend my hearty congratulations to my colleague, the distinguished B. H. Roberts Chair of Mopologetic Studies, Dr. Scratch, for a very special Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics.

It is my belief that we will never witness a year of Mopologetic happenings to top this one. My one regret is that most of the story behind the few epoch-making changes on this list will never be told. At the same time, and oddly enough, I am mourning some of these changes. The present conflict is not what it was. This year took a great deal out of me, and I am now no longer game for the next struggle with the apologists.

I must have been more truthful than I had even felt at the time (and I was completely sincere), when I said that I had witnessed all I could have truly hoped for: an end to the publication of smears against LDS members in good standing in a BYU journal. Now that this has come, I almost find no inspiration to spend my time discussing Mormon subjects. And Dr. Scratch is correct about the Interpreter: there really is little worthy of notice going on there as of yet. Maybe one day it will develop into something, but at present it does little better than resurrect second-rate rants nearly half of the time.

Well, no matter. I have bigger fish to fry in my life. A book to finish. Articles to revise. A paper to deliver in January at the annual meeting of the national association. A handful of book ideas to pursue in the future. At least half a dozen article ideas I could sit down and work out right now. All of it in my in real life subject. (Oh, what Lucian might have written about Joseph Smith! It would have been a gut-buster I'm sure.) It is so rewarding to pursue my academic work and not have the drama of tussling with apologists. I like where things are right now--and that is with hardly a care what the Mormon world does.

[_DrW]

Dr. Scratch,

Thank you for the time, thought, and effort that went into the 2012 Mopologetics Top 10. 'Twas a memorable year indeed.

Mopologists everywhere seemed determined to demonstrate their true character and capacity. It was like witnessing a year long train wreck.

The LDS Church is better of for having instigated (and endured) it.

[_Jason Bourne]

Interesting list Scratch. There were certainly a lot of shake ups. I do however find it odd that you included the events around Liz odd. I think you grossly mischarecterize her, what happaned, etc in a mean and vindictive way. She must have really pissed you off. Course I like Liz and am willing to speak out for her here just as I did regarding what I see as the unfair booting of Jersey Girl. Liz still has friends here. I think your attack on Liz is just wrong and you should retract it.

Also, I find the inclusion of the Facebook post by DCP that included something a bit risque as, well , just mean and petty.

But really I am not a fan of this type of thing which really puts me in the minoroity here based on the cheers from your many fans.

[_Shiloh]

Interesting list Scratch. There were certainly a lot of shake ups. I do however find it odd that you included the events around Liz odd. I think you grossly mischarecterize her, what happaned, etc in a mean and vindictive way. She must have really pissed you off. Course I like Liz and am willing to speak out for her here just as I did regarding what I see as the unfair booting of Jersey Girl. Liz still has friends here. I think your attack on Liz is just wrong and you should retract it.

Also, I find the inclusion of the Facebook post by DCP that included something a bit risque as, well , just mean and petty.

But really I am not a fan of this type of thing which really puts me in the minoroity here based on the cheers from your many fans.

+1, Mr. Bourne.