FAIR CONFERENCE ARCHIVE · 2006
2006 FAIR Conference
Annual FAIR Conference · August 2006
The 2006 FAIR Conference brought together Latter-day Saint scholars and researchers to address questions about the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith, DNA, plural marriage, anti-Mormonism, and other topics in Latter-day Saint history and apologetics. Browse the conference presentations below, with available transcripts, speaker information, and related resources.
Conference Presentations
Wayne Arnett introduces the principles of Latter-day Saint apologetics, exploring how thoughtful, informed responses to questions and criticism can strengthen faith. Drawing on scripture and practical examples, he emphasizes defending religious beliefs with knowledge, compassion, and an understanding of available resources.
Michael R. Ash examines criticisms of the Book of Abraham involving the Joseph Smith Papyri, the Egyptian facsimiles, and modern Egyptology. He explores the distinction between ancient texts and surviving manuscripts, considers alternative explanations for the translation process, and identifies parallels with ancient Abrahamic traditions that may support the book’s antiquity.
Joseph I. Bentley examines the numerous legal proceedings involving Joseph Smith throughout his ministry, drawing on court records and historical research. Tracing cases from New York and Ohio through Missouri and Illinois, he explores how persistent litigation, religious opposition, and failures of legal protection shaped Joseph Smith’s life and ultimately contributed to his martyrdom.
Matthew B. Brown examines claims that Joseph Smith revised his accounts of the Book of Mormon’s origins and the First Vision over time. Drawing on early eyewitness testimony, historical documents, and comparisons of Joseph Smith’s narratives, he argues that differences between accounts do not necessarily indicate fabrication or evolving beliefs.
Claudia L. Bushman examines the experiences, contributions, and challenges of Latter-day Saint women, exploring their roles in Church leadership, family life, education, and community. She considers questions of gender, feminism, and institutional expectations while encouraging women to develop their talents, strengthen their relationships, and actively shape their religious lives.
Brant A. Gardner examines geographic, chronological, cultural, and political connections between the Book of Mormon and ancient Mesoamerica. Rather than relying on isolated parallels, he advocates evaluating multiple lines of converging evidence, arguing that their combined patterns offer a stronger historical framework for understanding the Book of Mormon and its ancient setting.
Brian M. Hauglid investigates the Kirtland Egyptian Papers, a collection of manuscripts associated with Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham. Distinguishing between Abraham manuscripts and Egyptian language documents, he examines their scribes, dating, organization, and textual relationships, highlighting the complexities of reconstructing their origins and historical development.
Drawing on his experiences as a Black Latter-day Saint, Marcus H. Martins reflects on race, the historical priesthood restriction, and the 1978 revelation. He distinguishes enduring gospel principles from historical policies and racial explanations, acknowledging past injustices while emphasizing faith, spiritual blessings, and the Church’s growing global inclusiveness.
Steven Mayfield examines persistent myths surrounding Mark Hofmann’s forgeries, challenging claims about Church involvement, document suppression, and the criminal investigation. Drawing on historical records and firsthand accounts, he emphasizes careful source evaluation. Forensic document examiner George Throckmorton adds insights into the investigation and the challenges of identifying Hofmann’s forgeries.
Kim Östman traces opposition to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland from 1845 to 2006. Drawing on historical publications, missionary experiences, and public controversies, he examines how religious criticism, political suspicion, and anticult movements shaped Finnish perceptions of Latter-day Saints across changing historical and cultural circumstances.
David G. Stewart Jr. examines genetic research concerning Native American ancestry and its implications for the Book of Mormon. Addressing mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome markers, and population history, he challenges claims that genetic evidence disproves Israelite ancestry, arguing that modern DNA comparisons cannot definitively establish the origins of ancient populations.
Brian D. Stubbs examines proposed linguistic connections between Uto-Aztecan languages and ancient Hebrew and Egyptian. Drawing on vocabulary, grammatical structures, and recurring sound correspondences, he presents evidence he believes suggests ancient language contact in the Americas, with potential implications for the Book of Mormon’s historical setting.
Forensic document examiner George Throckmorton shares firsthand insights from the Mark Hofmann investigation, explaining the challenges of detecting sophisticated historical forgeries. Drawing on sixteen months of investigative work, he discusses document authentication, Hofmann’s methods, and misconceptions surrounding the case, emphasizing the importance of careful forensic analysis and reliable evidence.
Allen L. Wyatt examines Zina Diantha Huntington’s complex marital relationships with Henry Jacobs, Joseph Smith, and Brigham Young during the 1840s. Drawing on historical records and personal accounts, he challenges common interpretations of her marriages and sealings, emphasizing Zina’s religious convictions, personal agency, and the historical circumstances surrounding her decisions.
Original 2006 FAIR Conference Schedule & Information
The following information preserves the original 2006 FAIR Conference program, including its schedule and event details, for historical reference. Event, registration, hotel, and contact information reflects the original 2006 conference and is no longer current.
is pleased to announce the
Eighth Annual Mormon Apologetics Conference
August 3–4, 2006
South Towne Exposition Center
Sandy, Utah
Description
Every day seems to bring new attempts by the Church's critics to denigrate its divine mission. From the efforts of professional anti-Mormon ministries to a whole new generation of critics, the efforts of the naysayers seem to continue unabashed. This year's FAIR Conference is geared toward providing the information and answers you need to deal with a variety of interesting topics. Don't miss this conference!
This year's speakers will address wide-ranging topics sure to please every interest. We invite you to join us for a frank, thought-provoking, faith-building, and enjoyable experience. In past years, people have traveled from as far as England, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and New Zealand just to come to the FAIR conferences. Come see what the excitement is all about!
— Scott Gordon
President of FAIR
Location
This year's conference will be held at:
South Towne Exposition Center
9575 South State Street
Sandy, Utah 84070
Speakers
Speakers slated for the conference included Wayne Arnett, Mike Ash, Joseph Bentley, Matthew Brown, Claudia Bushman, Brant Gardner, Brian Hauglid, Marcus Martins, Steve Mayfield, Kim Östman, Dan Peterson, Matt Roper, David Stewart, Brian Stubbs, George Throckmorton, and Allen Wyatt.
Topics included the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith, linguistic evidence for the Book of Mormon, international anti-Mormonism, early polygamy and polyandry, the Mark Hofmann forgeries, DNA and the Book of Mormon, and much more.
Schedule
General conference sessions began at either 8:00 am or 9:00 am each day and ended at 5:45 pm. Registration was available before the first session each day. Dress was business casual.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
| Time | Speaker / Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Registration |
| 9:00 am | Opening |
| 9:10 am | Mike Ash |
| 10:10 am | George Throckmorton and Steve Mayfield |
| 11:10 am | Brian Stubbs |
| 12:10 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 pm | Marcus Martins |
| 2:30 pm | Kim Östman |
| 3:30 pm | Snack Break |
| 3:45 pm | Matt Roper |
| 4:45 pm | Joseph Bentley |
| 5:45 pm | Closing |
Friday, August 4, 2006
| Time | Speaker / Event |
|---|---|
| 7:45 am | Registration |
| 8:00 am | Opening |
| 8:05 am | Wayne Arnett |
| 9:00 am | David Stewart |
| 10:00 am | Matthew Brown |
| 11:00 am | Brant Gardner |
| 12:10 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 pm | Claudia Bushman |
| 2:30 pm | Allen Wyatt |
| 3:30 pm | Snack Break |
| 3:45 pm | Brian Hauglid |
| 4:45 pm | Daniel Peterson |
| 5:45 pm | Closing |
Publicity
FAIR is a grass-roots organization, and we need your help to spread the word about our conference. Tell your friends and neighbors to visit our Web site and learn about the conference. If you'd like, you can download and print this poster about the conference. You could then give it to friends or, with permission, post it on your ward bulletin board or have it distributed with your ward newsletter.
Hotel
The official hotel for the FAIR Conference was the Best Western Cottontree, just minutes away from the South Towne Exposition Center. Rooms were available for $72 per night, including high-speed wireless Internet access, breakfast, and free shuttle service to the conference. The special FAIR Conference room rate was available through July 21, 2006.
Best Western Cottontree
10695 South Auto Mall Drive
Sandy, UT 84070
801-523-8484
Reservations were available by calling 800-662-6886 and requesting a FAIR Conference room or using confirmation number 901249.
Important Registration Notices
Seating was "first-come, first-served," and advance reservations were recommended.
Lunch was not available for registrations made after July 31, 2006, or at the door. Attendees who wanted the catered lunches were asked to register before August 1.
Because FAIR made commitments and allocated resources based on expected attendance, refunds for conference fees were not available after July 31, 2006.
Previous Conference Presentations
FAIR has preserved presentations from previous conferences in the FAIR Conference Archive.
