Hmm, I wonder why....

[Zarn Ishtare]

I took this off of yahoo news. I thought it ironic that a mormon wrote this book....It just proves my point though.



Mormon Church Disciplines Author for Book

1 hour, 1 minute ago U.S. National - AP


By TRAVIS REED, Associated Press Writer

SANDY, Utah - A former Mormon seminary teacher escaped excommunication after being put on trial for writing a book suggesting that early church history, considered sacred, was actually revised and embellished.



After a six-hour hearing before church leaders on Sunday, Grant Palmer was "disfellowshipped," or temporarily suspended, meaning he will retain his membership but lose certain privileges, such as being able to go into temples or serve in an official church capacity.


Palmer, 64, published "An Insider's View of Mormon Origins," in 2002, drawing a litany of criticism from Mormon academics.


Among other things, the book suggests church founder Joseph Smith did not actually translate the Book of Mormon "by the gift and power of God" from an ancient set of golden plates, as the church's followers believe. Palmer suggested Smith wrote it himself, leaning heavily on the King James Bible and personal experiences.


Palmer feared excommunication and continued to attend church prior to the trial. He said he still believed in its fundamental message even though he questioned its early history, and he wanted to remain a member.


Palmer, who served as a church director and educator for 34 years and has a master's degree in history from Brigham Young University, said his research stemmed from a growing inability to reconcile discrepancies between history and his church service.


Mormon scholars said Palmer's work was more damaging than similar books because of his long history as a church member and educator. Others questioned how Palmer could still be a true believer, as he professed, if he had so many doubts.


Church spokesman Dale Bills declined to comment on the case.


Palmer's case is similar to those of six other Mormons in 1993 who faced disciplinary hearings for writing about Mormon history, feminism and new interpretations of theology. Five of the members were excommunicated, and one was disfellowshipped.

[Arbre]

Yeah... I read that earlier today and I had been hearing about it a lot in the past week or so. There are websites popping up to defend Palmer.


All the media attention is probably gonna make his book sell more, at least with those who aren't Mormon. I'm curious what he actually wrote and how he backed up his ideas. Also, what "fundamentals" does he still believe in even without putting faith in the foundation events of that religion? I'm confused on that.

It seems like it would be similar to a Christian writing a book about the origins of the Bible, but saying that it wasn't really inspired by God, just based on the various people's experiences and storytelling, and that they instituted commandments because they wanted to, not God. But now, things are basically good despite the flaws in origins and intent. ... o_0


What was your point you were trying to make that this proves, Zarn Ishtare?