What's New on the FAIR Website http://www.fairlds.org/ What's New on the FAIR Website en-us The Israelite Temple and the Early Christians. (7 November 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_The_Israelite_Temple_and_the_Early_Christians.html Matthew Brown presents his research into early Jewish and Christian temple worship in his 2008 FAIR Conference presentation. The Temple as a Place of Ascent to God. (14 September 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_The_Temple_as_a_Place_of_Ascent_to_God.html In his 2009 FAIR Conference presentation, Dan Peterson examines different ways that the temple has been historically viewed as a way of getting closer to God. The Reliability of Mormon History Produced by the LDS Church. (21 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_The_Reliability_of_Mormon_History.html Ron Barney examines the background and state of scholarly histories produced by the Church. Science and the Book of Mormon. (21 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Science_and_the_Book_of_Mormon.html In this 2009 FAIR Conference presentation, Wade Miller examines correlations between science and what is in the Book of Mormon. Joseph the Seer—or Why Did He Translate With a Rock in His Hat?. (21 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Joseph_the_Seer.html Brant Gardner examines differing reports of how the Book of Mormon was translated in his 2009 FAIR Conference presentation. The Larger Issue. (21 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_The_Larger_Issue.html Egyptologist John Gee examines the Book of Abraham's method of translation in light of "the larger issue" of God's plan. Joseph Smith DNA Revealed: New Clues from the Prophet's Genes. (21 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_Joseph_Smith_DNA_Revealed.html In his 2008 FAIR Conference presentation, Ugo Perego examines what he has learned from examining the DNA of Joseph Smith. "Uh oh!" to "Ah ha!" in Apologetics: 20/20 Foresight for a Faithful Future in Defending the Church. (17 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Uh_oh_to_Ah_ha_in_Apologetics.html In this 2009 FAIR Conference presentation, John Lynch examines FAIR and the place of apologetics in the Church. The Kirtland Safety Society: The Myths, the Facts, and the Prophet’s Good Name. (17 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/KSS.pdf The full paper concerning the demise of the Kirtland Safety Society. This is an expanded version, in PDF format, of R. McKay White's 2009 FAIR Conference presentation. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Plural Marriage* (*but were afraid to ask). (16 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_Everything_You_Always_Wanted_to_Know_About_Plural_Marriage.html Greg Smith discusses the criticisms and realities of plural marriage as practied in the early LDS church. The Kirtland Safety Society. (10 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_The_Kirtland_Safety_Society.html A popular topic for critics is the demise of the Kirtland Safety Society and Joseph Smith's role in the failure. Economist R. McKay White examined the fall of the Safety Society in this 2009 FAIR Conference presentation. The Sariah Dilemma: Finding Increased Faith When Our Children Misplace Their Own. (7 August 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2009_The_Sariah_Dilemma.html What is one to do when a child loses their faith or falters in their testimony? Vickey Taylor shared ideas on the topic at the 2009 FAIR Conference. German FAIR Site. (3 March 2009) http://deutsch.fairlds.org For those saints requiring resources in German, visit the German FAIR site. Great information and a growing community. Plus, exciting news about an upcoming FAIR Conference in Germany! Biblical Keys for Discerning True and False Prophets. (23 January 2009) http://www.fairlds.org/Bible/prophettestsfv5.pdf In this downloadable PDF file, Kevin Christensen makes an in-depth examination of the various tests the Bible proscribes to evaluating prophets. Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8. (5 December 2008) http://en.fairmormon.org/Latter-day_Saints_and_California_Proposition_8 FAIR documents LDS involvement in California's Proposition 8 campaign and the aftermath of the election. Is There a "Priesthood of All Believers"? (30 November 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/Bible/Is_There_a_Priesthood_of_All_Believers.html John Tvedtnes discusses the necessity of priesthood ordination as opposed to authority derived from baptism or profession of belief. Reviews of DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography. (3 September 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/DNA_Evidence_for_Book_of_Mormon_Geography/ A collection of FAIR reviews of the DVD presentation published by Rodney Meldrum related to Book of Mormon geography and DNA. Mormons and Homosexuality: A Book Review. (1 September 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/Reviews/Rvw200801.html S. Brent Scharman reviews Dean Byrd's new book related to homosexuality and the LDS Church. The Message of the Joseph Smith Translation: A Walk in the Garden. (16 August 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_A_Walk_in_the_Garden.pdf In this PDF file you'll find Jeffrey Bradshaw's 2008 FAIR Conference presentation. Dr. Bradshaw proposes that Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, and specifically the book of Moses, served as tutoring for the Prophet in temple covenants. Mormon's Editorial Method and Meta-Message. (15 August 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2008_Mormons_Editorial_Method_and_Meta-Message.html Brant Gardner's 2008 FAIR Conference presentation concerning how Mormon compiled the Book of Mormon and how it affects the message we receive from the book. The Joseph Smith Papers Project. (24 July 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/The_Joseph_Smith_Papers_Project.html A short introduction to the ongoing Joseph Smith Papers Project. The first volume of this important project will be published later this year. Horses in the Book of Mormon. (31 May 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/AshHorse/ Based on a talk and PowerPoint presentation given to the Book of Mormon Lands Conference, Mike Ash examines different theories concerning horses in the Book of Mormon. Will the Real Martin Luther Please Stand Up. (30 April 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/Bible/Will_the_Real_Martin_Luther_Please_Stand_Up.html John Tvedtness examines several beliefs and teachings of Martin Luther that seem to be more compatible with LDS beliefs than traditional Protestant theology or doctrine. Spiritual Experiences as the Basis for Belief and Commitment. (31 March 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2007_Spiritual_Experiences.html Blake Ostler's 2007 FAIR Conference presentation on "Spiritual Experiences as the Basis for Belief and Commitment" is now online. Debating the Foundations of Mormonism: The Book of Mormon and Archaeology. (29 February 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2005_Debating_the_Foundations_of_Mormonism.html In their 2005 FAIR Conference presentation, John E. Clark, Wade Ardern, and Matthew Roper examine how the Book of Mormon is faring in light of new discoveries. Apologetics 101. (29 February 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2006_Apologetics_101.html Wayne Arnett reviews the hows and whys of apologetics in his 2006 FAIR Conference presentation. Book of Abraham 201: Papyri, Revelation, and Modern Egyptology. (29 February 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2006_Book_of_Abraham_201.html This 2006 FAIR Conference presentation by Mike Ash delves into a range of criticisms against the Book of Abraham. A Black Man in Zion: Reflections on Race in the Restored Gospel. (29 February 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2006_Black_Man_in_Zion.html In this 2006 FAIR Conference presentation, Marcus H. Martins discusses the problems and progress of blacks in the Church. As Far as it is Translated Correctly: The Problem of Tampering with the Word of God in the Transmission and Translation of the New Testament. (29 February 2008) http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2007_As_Far_As_It_Is_Translated_Correctly.html In his 2007 FAIR Conference presentation, John F. Hall discusses the transmission and exegesis of the New Testament.