Overview
Like other more recent issues, this issue is rather thin
compared to issues from the last decade. The highlight of this issue is the lengthy
review of Rod Meldrum’s DNA argument, which seemed to be the top priority of FARMS Review in 2010. In addition to
dealing with DNA and the Book of Mormon, topics covered in this Review include Book of Mormon
apologetics, literary approaches to the Book of Mormon, the Sermon on the Mount
as a Temple text, grace, and plagiarism.
Recommended
Reading:
Gregory L. Smith, “Often in Error, Seldom in Doubt: Rod Meldrum and Book of Mormon DNA,” a review of Rod L. Meldrum, Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA (Honeoye Falls, NY: Digital Legend Press, 2009), pg. 17-161: This review is long and tedious, and for
many, it may not be very interesting or worthwhile, since it is not very
apologetic (though some of the info here is useful on the DNA/Book of Mormon
issue in general). This review is, nonetheless, very important. Meldrum is a
faithful Latter-day Saint, who believes he has found Lehi’s genetic signature.
However, as Smith demonstrates, he has used very bad junk science to reach that
conclusion, and has also co-opted the scriptures and the prophets for his
polemical purposes, claimed near revelatory status for his theory, and
questioned the motives of those who disagree with him. Since Meldrum’s claims
have gained some traction (being called a “movement” among some), it is
important that he be responded too. I have expressed elsewhere the need for our
apologetic arguments to rest on a sure foundation, and that is why I feel that
this is a must read review for anyone interested in the claims made by Meldrum.
For clarification, I am not saying that Meldrum is wrong. I am saying that (a) I disagree with him and agree more with
Smith’s assessment, and (b) if he really wants to make his case, he (and the
zealous supporters of his cause) needs to change his rhetoric and tone, fairly
and accurately represent the science, and properly engage the arguments made
against his claims (rather than label and smear those who disagree with him in
order to poison the well).
Robert Boylan, “On Not Understanding the Book of Mormon,” a review of Ross Anderson, Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian Guide to the Mormon Holy Book (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), pg. 181-189: There are actually two reviews
of Anderson’s book in this issue, both take different approaches, and both are
worthwhile. I chose to recommend this one because Boylan incorporates a useful response
to Dan Vogal’s five questions regarding the Arabian desert/1 Nephi
correlations.
Ugo A. Perego, “The Book of Mormon and the Origin of Native Americans from a Maternally Inherited DNA Standpoint,” pg. 191-227:
Perego, a geneticist who has done research specifically on Native American
populations, provides an update on the current state of Native American mtDNA
studies, and explains why such studies neither prove, nor disprove the Book of
Mormon.
Steven L. Olsen, “Prospering in the Land of Promise,”pg. 229-245: This article outlines 9 aspects of “prospering” as identified
by Nephi and goes through how they factor into the narrative of the Book of
Mormon. Olsen is brief and quickly moves from one point to the next, rarely
fully developing each theme; but his notes are full of scripture references
meant to serve as examples. As such, this paper could be a useful study guide for
personal (or even class) Book of Mormon study. If you feel that your study of
the Book of Mormon is getting a bit mundane, I would highly recommend trying
the approach laid out by Olsen. Sometimes, a new approach is all we need to
make the narrative seem fresh and meaningful again.
John Gee, “The Grace of Christ,” pg. 247-259: Gee
makes note of the broad range of meaning that the Greek term charis, commonly translated as “grace,”
invoked in antiquity, and points out that this richness the term once held is
decidedly absent from modern discussion and debate over “grace.” He then notes
how Christ and the Gospel writers used the term, as well as how it is used in
the Book of Mormon, stressing the importance of seeking the “grace of Christ”
rather than the grace of Protestantism.
John A. Tvedtnes, “Was Joseph Smith Guilty of Plagiarism?” pg. 261-275: Tvedtnes addresses the issue of alleged “plagiarisms”
in the Book of Mormon, pointing out that Bible believing critics like the
Tanners are guilty of a double standard.
Final
Thoughts
Though I admit I am partial to the longer issues, which
seemed to have so much more to offer, this issue is still a solid contribution
to the Mormon studies world. Smith’s review of Meldrum is a must read for those
curious about his (Meldrum’s) DNA argument, and Perego’s article is an
important update and a must read for anyone interested in the debate over DNA
and the Book of Mormon. The other articles are also interesting and worth
reading if you have an interest in their respective topics.
Rating:
3/5
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