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What Is the Significance of the Unusual Symbolism in Elisha’s Healings? (Gospel Doctrine Lesson 29B)

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Triptych of the Cleansing of Naaman: the centre panel depicts Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, washing in the River Jordan to cure his leprosy at the command of the prophet Elisha, who in the background refuses gifts offered to him, 1520

An Old Testament KnoWhy relating to the reading assignment for Gospel Doctrine Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah” (2 Kings 2:5-6) (JBOTL29B)

Question: Elisha’s request of Naaman to immerse himself seven times in the Jordan River in order to be healed and his “stretching himself” upon a child to raise him from the dead seem highly unusual. Was there any special meaning to Elisha’s actions?

Summary:Like some other Old Testament prophets, Elisha’s invocation of God’s power as he taught and blessed his people was accompanied by actions that symbolized sacred realities. As with modern priesthood ordinances, the physical actions themselves do not bring about the resultant blessings. However, such sacred actions, when required by the Lord, invite participants to reflect about resonances of those actions that extend beyond immediate circumstances and teach eternal principles. Symbolic actions that parallel Elisha’s miracles has at times accompanied healing both anciently and today.

The full article may be found at the Interpreter Foundation website: KnoWhy OTL29B — What Is the Significance of the Unusual Symbolism in Elisha’s Healings?

What Should We Make of the Story of Elisha and the Bears? (Gospel Doctrine Lesson 29A)

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Prophet Elisha, Russian icon from first quarter of 18th century. The prophet is often portrayed with an uncovered, bald head. However, such a depiction may be the result of a textual misunderstanding.

An Old Testament KnoWhy relating to the reading assignment for Gospel Doctrine Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the mantle of Elijah” (2 Kings 2:5-6) (JBOTL29A)

Question:One of the most disturbing and incomprehensible accounts in the Old Testament concerns Elisha and the bears who mauled those who jeered at him? What should we make of this strange story?

Summary:The story is one of a sequence of events narrated to emphasize that Elisha was the legitimate successor to his prophetic predecessor, Elijah. Daunted by the prospect of many who would wonder if Elisha could measure up to Elijah’s greatness, Elisha asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit to rest upon him — figuratively invoking the Deuteronomic law that endows the firstborn and heir of the father with a double portion of his property. As bearer of Elijah’s mantle, Elisha performs similar miracles to Elijah, starting with the parting of the Jordan river, causing those who saw the event to witness, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.” Subsequently, the two brief episodes of the healing of the waters of Jericho and the much misunderstood mauling of the youths who mock the prophet “demonstrate Elisha’s authority and prove that he is the legitimate prophetic heir of Elijah. He has the capacity to bring life and blessing to those who recognize his authority, or death and judgment to those who reject him.” As elsewhere in the books of Kings, the narrator intends to show in no uncertain terms “that contempt toward divinely called prophets is disastrous for God’s people.”

The full article may be found at the Interpreter Foundation website: KnoWhy OTL29A — What Should We Make of the Story of Elisha and the Bears?

The 2018 FairMormon Conference in Review

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We had another great conference last week (it was our 20th!). This time it ran for 3 days. Some of the topics covered were lesser-known women’s stories in church history, the Gospel Topics Essays, stories of members of the church in India and Africa, the new Saints church history series coming out from the church, grace, the Book of Abraham, homosexuality, horses in the Book of Mormon, and how to help people having a faith crisis. We also had a general authority speak for the first time. Elder Kevin W. Pearson spoke about the good that FairMormon and other organizations are doing to help correct misunderstandings about the church, and that more voices are needed in the effort. Awards were given to Scott Gordon, Louis Midgley, and Michael Hickenbotham for their service, and a painting of “Mary Whitmer and Moroni” in honor of Lynne Hilton Wilson was unveiled.

Each day, one presentation was live-streamed free on Facebook, where you can still watch the recordings. You can also watch them here:

  • Jenny Reeder: “Fire In My Bones”: Women’s Stories on churchhistorianspress.org
  • John Gee: Selling Our Birthright for a Mess of Pottage: The Historical Authenticity of the Book of Abraham
  • Elder Kevin W. Pearson: A Sacred and Imperative Duty

It’s not too late to purchase the streaming and watch the videos of the entire conference. After purchase, they will be available to view on any device with a web browser, as well as on a Roku box. You can buy it here.

We have had several articles published about the conference (this section will be updated as more appear):

Mike Ash, one of our volunteers who is a great photographer, has posted photos from the conference on our Facebook page.

Transcriptions of the presentations will be posted on our website after they are prepared by our volunteers.

The full conference schedule can be reviewed here.

 

Is the Spirit of Elijah a Healing Power in Addition to Being a Sealing Power? (Gospel Doctrine Lesson 28A)

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Elijah Slays a Priest of Baal, Mount Carmel, Israel. Photograph by Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, 9 May 2014

An Old Testament KnoWhy relating to the reading assignment for Gospel Doctrine Lesson 28: “After the Fire a Still Small Voice (1 Kings 17-19) (JBOTL28A)

 

Question:Is there more to the “Spirit of Elijah” than the formal work of family history and temple ordinances for sealing?

Summary:The keys restored by Elijah were not given simply to enable priesthood ordinances to be performed with authority. In the performance of family history work and sealing ordinances, estranged family members may be brought together through the love and forgiveness that should accompany that service.

 

The full article may be found at the Interpreter Foundation website: KnoWhy OTL28A — Is the Spirit of Elijah a Healing Power in Addition to Being a Sealing Power?

FairMormon Conference Podcast #11 – Michael Ash, “After the Manner of Their Language: The Key to Wisdom”

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Podcast: Download (81.1MB)

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This podcast series features past FairMormon Conference presentations. Please join us for the 2018 FairMormon Conference coming up August 1-3! You can attend in person or purchase the video streaming.

Michael Ash, After the Manner of Their Language: The Key to Wisdom

Transcript available here.

Michael R. Ash is the author of Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt, Of Faith Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith, as well as Bamboozled by the “CES Letter.” A former columnist for the Deseret News’ Mormon Times, he has also been a frequent contributor to the online blogs, Meridian Magazine, as well as the Mormon Hub. Mike has been published in the Ensign, Sunstone Magazine, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, in the FARMS Review, and most recently contributed a chapter to Kofford Book’s Perspectives in Mormon Theology: Apologetics. Joining FairMormon in the year 2000, Mike delivered a paper at the 2nd annual FairMormon conference and has contributed papers to seven additional conferences (including this one) since. Mike and his wife Chris live in Ogden and are the parents of three daughters and the grandparents of six grandchildren.

Audio and Video Copyright © 2017 The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, Inc. Any reproduction or transcription of this material without prior express written permission is prohibited.

Proof texting and Using the Bible as a Missionary Tool with Ben Spackman – LDS MissionCast

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Podcast: Download (65.5MB)

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Ben Spackman and host Nick Galieti
Ben Spackman (left-guest) and host Nick Galieti (right) discuss using the Bible as missionaries.

What is Proof Texting?

LDS MissionCast is an independently produced podcast shared by FairMormon. The Host and Presenters speak independently of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and FairMormon. LDS MissionCast a podcast to educate and inspire in the great cause of Missionary Work. This episode is hosted by Nick Galieti.

Ben Spackman is an interesting type of scholar. He spent some time teaching at BYU, but has since continued his formal education towards his PH.d. His educational background is so varied that I am not sure there is anyone who has repeated his same course of study. As a result I find his insights to be good food for thought. His area of expertise deals a lot with ancient scripture. Sometimes we don’t spend much time as missionaries considering the role of ancient scripture in our lives, but we don’t always know what the Bible means or how the Bible is used in other faith traditions. I am sure we can all admit that there are good and bad ways to use the Bible in missionary work. Ben Spackman helps us to not only help us learn how to use the Bible better in our own lives, but how to understand its use by other religions, so that we might be able to better build bridges of understanding between different faiths.

When we use scriptures to teach the gospel, we sometimes get confused when others don’t see the Bible the same way that we do as Latter-day Saints. Missionaries tend to follow the practice of proof texting (or prooftexting) which does very little to help teach people the true gospel of Jesus Christ. So, again, Brother Spackman is here to help us know how to better use the Bible as a teaching tool in missionary work.

Links and content mentioned in this episode:

Benjamin the Scribe (Ben Spackman’s Patheos Blog)

Ben Spackman on LDS Perspectives Podcast – Genre in the Bible

Ben Spackman on LDS Perspectives Podcast – Genesis Chapter 1

Why Bible Translations Differ – BYU’s Religious Educator publication

Article by Grant Hardy on The King James Bible and the Future of Missionary Work – Dialogue Journal

 

Ben Spackman’s Genre in the Bible Video Presentation:

Seven reasons to attend (or stream) the FairMormon Conference

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Conference registration is ending on July 26! We recently had some fun with another list, here are seven amazing (and this time, completely serious) reasons to attend or stream our conference:

1. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the FairMormon Conference.
Yes, 20 years! Can you believe it? This is going to be a landmark conference.

2. This year we will have our first EVER full day devoted to women in the church.
This special day is in addition to our regular two day conference (making the complete conference three days long) and is in conjunction with the Church History Department. All are welcome, but the topics will focus on women’s topics and issues.

3. Attending & streaming supports FairMormon – it’s a chance to give back to the volunteers.
FairMormon needs your help to survive. Without your support, we will cease to exist. Attending (or streaming) the conference is one of the best ways to give back. And in return, you get to hear some amazing speakers, meet new people, and build your testimony. A win-win for all.

4. Over 20 sought-after speakers. Exactly as many intriguing topics.
Speaking of speakers, our lineup this year is stunning. We will hear from some well known personalities (such as Brad Wilcox, Steven Harper, and Dan Peterson), among others. You will learn about LDS women in India, and members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Book of Abraham, horses in the Book of Mormon, dealing with barriers to belief, same sex attraction, and the new Mormon history. It a year not to be missed!

5. Stream your favorite talks for an entire year.
If you can’t attend in person, we offer a streaming option. Watch the conference from the comfort of your home. For those who are too busy on the days of the conference to watch, purchasing streaming will allow you to watch the talks at any time after the conference for up to a year. In other words, you can enjoy conference no matter your circumstance.

6. Check out new titles and old favorites in the onsite Bookstore.
For those who attend, you’ll get to enjoy pursuing our the many many titles in our bookstore and take home some awesome reading to help you continue your learning and growth in gospel scholarship and apologetics.

7. A generous donor is offering to double donations now and through the conference.
This is something you can take advantage of whether you attend or not, but starting now, for every $1 you donate to FairMormon, an incredibly generous donor will donate $2 up to $7,000. After that, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000! This is a critical time for us, and your donation and conference attendance will go a long way is securing FairMormon’s future.

So, we hope to see you there, either in person or over the internet! Feel free to reply if you have any questions.

P.S. There is a special discount for seminary and institute teachers. Please ask your Seminaries and Institute supervisor about the discount or send us an email.

Purchase Tickets Now:

Purchase Tickets for All Three Days
Purchase Tickets for Thursday & Friday Only
Purchase Live Streaming
See More Ticket Options

12 Reasons to Attend the FairMormon Conference (You Won’t Believe Number 10!)

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  1. Hear from and meet famous scholars. And not-so-famous scholars.
  2. Learn how to respond to critics in a kind but informative way.
  3. Get a front-row seat to any drama if the conference is crashed by hostile anti-Mormons and the Danites have to be called in.
  4. Hear six female scholars speak.
  5. There will be Red Vines! And possibly York Peppermint Patties.
  6. Dan. Peterson. Is. Speaking.
  7. Enjoy an accessible scholarly experience.
  8. Get the conference discount in the bookstore and get your books signed by their authors.
  9. Come hear what General Authority Seventy Elder Kevin W. Pearson has to say.
  10. See if Steven Harper or Brad Wilcox draws the most people.
  11. Strengthen your testimony.
  12. Red Vines! And Dan Peterson!

Register to attend or stream the conference today!

FairMormon Conference Podcast #10 – Neal Rappleye, “Put Away Childish Things”: Learning to Read the Book of Mormon Using Mature Historical Thought

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Podcast: Download (78.8MB)

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This podcast series features past FairMormon Conference presentations. Please join us for the 2018 FairMormon Conference coming up August 1-3. You can attend in person or purchase the video streaming.

Neal Rappleye, “Put Away Childish Things”: Learning to Read the Book of Mormon Using Mature Historical Thought

Transcript available here.

Neal Rappleye is the Research Project Manager at Book of Mormon Central and has published on the Book of Mormon in Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture. He has presented at the 2014, 2016, and 2017 Book of Mormon Conferences.

Audio and Video Copyright © 2017 The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, Inc. Any reproduction or transcription of this material without prior express written permission is prohibited.

The Strange Saga of a False Prophet: Charles W. Stayner, Orson F. Whitney, and George Q. Cannon

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Cross-posted from Truth Will Prevail

by Dennis B. Horne

            We now look as far as history allows into the lives and doings of three largely forgotten men (and their associates), to tell a story of strange doctrine, misplaced loyalty, and exasperated concern.

            In 1881, Bishop Orson F. Whitney was called on a mission to England, where his assignment was to preach the gospel as a proselyting missionary for several months, and then move into the main mission office in Liverpool, where he would become the sub-editor of the Millennial Star. In this capacity he would take over for the departing sub-editor, Charles W. Stayner. Unbeknownst to most in his day and ours, Charles Stayner was a self-proclaimed prophet and seer, who evidently had a very magnetic personality, enabling him to persuade Bishop/Elder Whitney, and also many of the other missionaries serving there, that he was a prophet of God that would someday lead the Church.

            The below diary entries and historical sources unfold as much as I know of Stayner’s (and his disciples) beliefs and actions in life. Bishop Whitney was the most prominent among them and had the best contacts with the senior leadership of the Church. For those who have not read my biography of Elder Whitney, after thorough study of his diaries, I came to realize that because of a susceptibility to flattery, difficulty coping with serious depression, and a hungry mind that thirsted for heavenly knowledge almost to a fault, Whitney was particularly vulnerable to Stayner’s claims. Beyond that, I cannot say why one as gifted and brilliant as Bishop Whitney would be so gullible as to accept Stayner’s strange doctrines and revelations. Stayner was not the only man to have a beguiling effect on Whitney during his lifetime, but he did have the most worrisome influence for the longest time—almost two decades.

            I present this material now for several reasons. Some of it (the entries from President George Q. Cannon’s diaries) has just recently become available after languishing in the First Presidencies vault for a hundred plus years. Further, most of the entries quoted below from Whitney’s diary are already published in my biography of his extraordinary life and are therefore not really new. But the main reason to narrate this unusual chronicle is because it tells a story that is repeating itself today in tragic ways. False prophets have arisen among us and should be recognized for what they are.

            In a similar manner to how Charles W. Stayner gathered disciples about him with the promise of great revelations and visitations and receiving high church positions, along with imparting special divine knowledge not had by others, Denver Snuffer is doing the same thing today. Whether we call them “Snufferites” or “the remnant” or some other label, this man is operating similarly (except in a digital internet age) to how Stayner worked, and is ensnaring some good faithful church members. [Read more…] about The Strange Saga of a False Prophet: Charles W. Stayner, Orson F. Whitney, and George Q. Cannon