smac97

Sounds good. Perhaps start a new thread devoted to it?

Its a serious proposal, and I'd be happy to present it. But up until now you've only repeated numerous times that you aren't interested. So there's been little point to go to the effort. I've said a few times now that I'd be willing to read your theory. But you haven't presented anything that can be evaluated. I'm not asking for 700 pages, but some sort of systematized explanation would be nice. Do you have that? Thanks, -Smac

Then let's start over. It would be nice for you to lay out your theory for us to examine. Have you published it somewhere? Something more than hints and unexplained YouTube videos (they do not appear to have any audio)? Thanks, -Smac

No, I remember a conversation I think with Robert Smith, but I don't know the key words or names he would have used for that to do a search. "Malay Peninsula," perhaps? In this discussion Robert indicated that Rajah hasn't published anything ("Seems to me that your work is now ready for prime time. When are you going to present in public?"), but he (Robert) also references YouTube videos (these, perhaps?). In this post (now more than three years old), Rajah states that his model's purpose "is not to prove that the Book of Mormon took place anywhere in particular." And

Could you point me to it? Thanks, -Smac

Yes, this is accurate. But its misleading to say Malaysia as the events recorded took place in what was then called Kamara, what is now known as Myanmar and Thailand. I stand corrected (as to the particulars of your theory). You have elsewhere characterized your theory as placing the BOM events on the "Malay peninsula." I haven't been paying much attention to it. Miraculous and amazing narratives are different than the evidence-based reasoning you have called for. Well, no. It's an entirely different model in an entirely different location. I've s

Good info. Thank you for sharing. Thanks, -Smac

Not sure what to make of this: According to Briand, “The reason we have a higher number of reported COVID-19 deaths among older individuals than younger individuals is simply because every day in the U.S. older individuals die in higher numbers than younger individuals.” Briand’s analysis found that the range of deaths amongst the older population has remained within the range of past years. So, if COVID-19 has actually had no significant impact on U.S. deaths, why does it not appear that way? “This is true every year,” explained Briand. “Every

What about a gym? An acupuncturist's office? A liquor store? Ought religious gatherings be on equal footing with these?

Could you elaborate?

A recap... I started this thread to discuss Justice Alito's claim that religious liberty has been impaired, or at least in some sense has had incursions against it, via governmental edicts about COVID. It has been interesting to see that the differences of opinion expressed in this thread seem to have less to do with our posture toward the Church (as is so often the case on this board) and more to do with generalized attitudes about government and medical care relative to COVID. Some participants concurred, to varying degrees, with Justice Alito's evaluation: CV75: "Ye

Dunno. Royal Skousen's work, perhaps?

Yes, I agree with both sentiments. There is, for lack of a better term, a "ratification" function held by the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Look at the New Testament, virtually all of which was written by someone other than the "presiding high priest" (Jesus Christ during his mortal ministry and, later, Peter). And yet we accept these writings as scripture because they have been "ratified" by the presiding councils in this dispensation (and accepted by the body of the Church). I believe that revelation can come directly to the prophet, but it ca

Kent P. Jackson has weighed in a bit more on the theory about Adam Clarke's Commentary: Thanks, -Smac

I think any effort to introduce Chinese to American students is a great idea. I served my mission in Taiwan, and acquired a great affection for that language. But boy, it's a toughie. Thanks, -Smac