The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2014

[_moksha]

Dr. Peterson looks like he has been getting
some sun, good relaxation and losing weight!!!
Exploring apologetics oceanside at Bora-Bora
can be very restorative. More like a wizened
Socrates with pineapple juice than a mischievous
Icelandic Imp.

[_palerobber]

Thought-provoking list here. Regarding "Enigmatic Mirror," I expect Hamblin's posting to increase quite a bit next year. Perhaps he will jump back in over at Interpreter, as well.

I do want to note the essential demise during 2014 of J. Gee's blog. One bright spot, however: his blog's book list. I note that he awarded no-star ratings to books by Bushman, Jim Faulconer, Adam Miller, and Jan Shipps. http://fornspollfira.blogspot.com/p/the ... t.html?m=0

interesting.

also, though not about Mormonism, i highly recommend Stephanie Coontz's book on his "no-stars" list, Marriage, a History.

[_Maxrep]

Although I will be accused by some of being a Scratch sycophant, I just have to make this comment (which, in my opinion, is simple stating the obvious). Scratch's writing is devastating. He's witty and sharply observant. No wonder he drives them crazy. Not one of them can hold the faintest candle to his writing and observations.

I, for one, am deeply jealous of his remarkable talent.

Indeed.

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

Dr. Scratch,

Brilliant! Bloody brilliant!!

[_Gadianton]

Allow me to recommend this scholarly prose as a solid three stars. Three stars, that is, when judging by the forn spoll fira rating scale. This work is one delightful read. What stood out for me most of all in professor Scratch's rhetoric this year was his patience. While every year, the professor uncovers the sizzling news of that year, and some years sizzle more than others, there have been some variations in the professor's delivery -- not in terms of capability, but in his focus on rhetorical craftsmanship. Let's face it: Professor Scratch is a top publisher and a voracious world traveler, and all the while he teaches one of the heaviest course loads at the university. I've tried to cut him loose from a few classes many times in the past, but he insists on teaching and doing his share to inspire young minds. Sometimes, this has meant that his scholarly top 10 list feels a little rushed in places. But not this year.

This year, professor Scratch has demonstrated himself as nothing less than Grandmaster of the English language. His flow of words is steady and even, while gently ratcheting up tension as the milestones of the year are unveiled one by one. The action unfolds naturally with solid descriptions and modest intertextuality and his flair is just enough, avoiding "art house" incoherence.

What made the difference this year? Perhaps the angels are rolling up their sleeves or maybe the professor has just cut out more sleep -- sacrificing himself to our benefit. It could be as simple as renewing his vows to old-fashioned, painstaking craftsmanship. Whatever the explanation may be, a real treat is in store for one and all. So gather your family, your friends, and your children and light the fireplace. Put a pot of cider on the stove and savor every last word of The Top Ten Happenings in Mopologetics, 2014 together and ring in the good cheer.

[_sock puppet]

9. The Essays. 2014 saw the institutional Church itself getting heavily into the Mopologetics game via the issuance of a series of essays meant to "explain" problematic aspects of LDS doctrine and history.

Dr Scratch, If I recall correctly, you have long distinguished your disdain for mopologetics from the LDS Church. I believe you have circumscribed your criticism short of it stretching to include the LDS Church itself.

I am very interested in what, then, your take is on the fact that "the institutional Church itself getting heavily into the Mopologetics game". Do you still check your criticisms at the doorstep of the institutional Church? Or, given that it now has gotten itself heavily into Mopologetics, do your criticisms now invade the palace too?

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Dr. Peterson...

Whoah. He's really aged recently. I think the Bob Bobberson epic took its toll on Mr. Peterson...

- Doc

[_ludwigm]

Who is DCP (alias Dr Peterson)?

I don't think there is ONE Hungarian member who knows him...
I asked a dozen of them a few years ago. None of them knew him. (There are 4000+ members in Hungary, by the way)
In my wife's ward, there are 500+ members on the list, and 80+ chairs in the chapel.

I know who is DCP, and my comment is a hearsay only...

[_Jesse Pinkman]

If anyone can provide a link to Norton's trolling, it would be much appreciated.

V/R
Doc

Here you go, Cam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx2K9tVURns

[_DrW]

9. The Essays. 2014 saw the institutional Church itself getting heavily into the Mopologetics game via the issuance of a series of essays meant to "explain" problematic aspects of LDS doctrine and history.

Dr Scratch, If I recall correctly, you have long distinguished your disdain for mopologetics from the LDS Church. I believe you have circumscribed your criticism short of it stretching to include the LDS Church itself.

I am very interested in what, then, your take is on the fact that "the institutional Church itself getting heavily into the Mopologetics game". Do you still check your criticisms at the doorstep of the institutional Church? Or, given that it now has gotten itself heavily into Mopologetics, do your criticisms now invade the palace too?

Dr. Scratch,

Hope you will respond to sock puppet. This seems like a fairly significant issue. I think a lot of folks would be interested in how you view this shift.