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I have read Dr. Peterson’s address twice in the last 24 hours. I believe I better understand his arguments for “Apologetics” i.e. reason for defense of faith in spiritual truth. Does Dr. Petersen give timely lectures at the university open to the public?
Brother Peterson,
Absolutely fascinating article. I couldn’t agree more that there needs to be a place for Latter-day Saint (or Catholic, or Muslim, etc.) apologetics, and that it should be included in the umbrella of Mormon studies. Academics who ignore apologetics as a valuable form of study do themselves a disservice.
Here is a question for you: There have clearly been circumstances in history when religious apologetics were more broadly accepted as a form of argument. For example, if I recall correctly, CS Lewis was invited to present Mere Christianity over public radio in the UK. It’s difficult to imagine NPR allowing that today. Is there historical precedent for the “ebbing” and “flowing” of apologetics as a form of inquiry, or are we witnessing the first known “ebb”? Do you anticipate a day when academics/society remember the value of it? Outside of academia, do you anticipate a day when it will be more common for people to discuss religion at the dinner table?
Thank you,
Cameron
The role of apologetics is needed now more than ever, as the darkness continues to creep in on all sides. In my mind, this field is essential to elucidating the deeper mechanics of the doctrines of the Gospel that are essential to bolstering testimony. The additional knowledge supplied by LDS apologists provides insights that result in new questions; the answer to which must be mined on an individual level in the scriptures and through prayer. The Lord desires that we seek after truth until we know all the mysteries of God. This site will provide the intellectual stimulation needed to carry on that quest.
Stay independent.
Thank you for restoring the wonderful spirit of adventure & interest that was felt, by me, in the FARMS group during my few years helping the organization.
Donald M. Haycock
Brother Peterson;
Well said.
Thank you.
The now cancelled FARMS Review, which Professor Peterson founded in 1989, was for more than two decades the flagship publication of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship (previously known as the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies). With the unexplained cancellation of the Review, the Church of Jesus Christ lost an important, much needed intellectual/spiritual resource. However, the Interpreter provides a more polished and accessible venue for intellectual nourishment, as well as solid information sustaining and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ than did the now defunct Review. It is important for Professor Peterson’s fine statement announcing the launching of Interpreter to be available in printed form.
In the words of an old Western song:
“Keep a movin’, Dan. Don’t ya listen to him, Dan.”
It will be interesting to see the future trajectory of both organizations and publications. I believe that there should be places for Latter Day Saints and investigators to go to find positive information about the foundational events of the Church, whether that information is used to answer their own questions or the questions of others. There are plenty of “liberal Mormon”, “former Mormon”, and Anti-Mormon” sites that offer their versions of the truth as they see it. As one who has lost a son to the “liberal Mormons”, maybe I am more sensitive than most, but there is a cost to be paid when one is unable or unwilling to defend the faith.