cursor Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 When I was an AP missionary (California East Mission, Spanish speaking), in 1974, my mission had adopted/contrived a campaign called "Book of Mormon Archeaology." While interesting, I had to wonder about it's validity. So, I snail-mailed my dad about my concern. He responded with concise and very constructive recommendations for for responsible adjustment. My mission president (Melchin, from Canada, as I recall) chose to totally ignore his recommended adjustment to the program. Might this same nonsensical, independent kind of propaganda be happening today?
BCSpace Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 Dare. I think you have to provide more details before we can say. What were the details of the campaign and what were your Dad's adjustments?
David T Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 (edited) When I was an AP missionary (California East Mission, Spanish speaking), in 1974, my mission had adopted/contrived a campaign called "Book of Mormon Archeaology." While interesting, I had to wonder about it's validity. So, I snail-mailed my dad about my concern. He responded with concise and very constructive recommendations for for responsible adjustment. My mission president (Melchin, from Canada, as I recall) chose to totally ignore his recommended adjustment to the program. Might this same nonsensical, independent kind of propaganda be happening today? Generally not. I think they've mainly learned from some of these past mistakes. The Mission Program is a lot more unified right now, with Preach My Gospel and other training materials being used, none of which, thankfully, employs 'prove it by archaeology' mechanisms. I know missions used to have access to a video called something like 'Ancient America Speaks' , which I've heard is used now more for popcorn viewing and MST3K sessions among professors at BYU now, due to its howlers. Edited August 21, 2013 by David T
The Nehor Posted August 21, 2013 Posted August 21, 2013 Might this same nonsensical, independent kind of propaganda be happening today?Well, there is this guy named Meldrum........ 1
Calm Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 Melchin, from Canada, as I recall) Tons in Calgary....our stake president...
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 When I was an AP missionary (California East Mission, Spanish speaking), in 1974, my mission had adopted/contrived a campaign called "Book of Mormon Archeaology." While interesting, I had to wonder about it's validity. So, I snail-mailed my dad about my concern. He responded with concise and very constructive recommendations for for responsible adjustment. My mission president (Melchin, from Canada, as I recall) chose to totally ignore his recommended adjustment to the program. Might this same nonsensical, independent kind of propaganda be happening today?Unless it came from Church headquarters, it is opinion.
David T Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) Unless it came from Church headquarters, it is opinion.The 'Ancient America Speaks' video gave what is now seen (by believing Mormon Mesoamerican scholars) as embarrassing claims to archaeological 'evidence', and use of poor interpretations of translations of native traditions. That was used in the mission field years ago, and it did come from the Church. It was also opinion. Edited August 22, 2013 by David T
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 The 'Ancient America Speaks' video that gave what is now seen (by believing Mormon Mesoamerican scholars) as embarrassing archaeological and traditional 'evidence' years ago did come from the Church. It was also opinion. Seems to me too many find the Church embarrassing. I think maybe my age makes me to unsophisticated.
David T Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) Seems to me too many find the Church embarrassing. I think maybe my age makes me to unsophisticated. The Church is people. And there are people who do embarassing things from time to time, generally quite earnestly. Those people also do wonderful, and praiseworthy things. Far more than the embarassing. Heck, I do embarrassing things, and my family still tend to love me, and think that I'm far more than the sum of my embarrassing tendencies. I think of the Church the same way. My wife has no intention of leaving me or stopping loving me or letting others know how great she thinks I am when I say or do some dumb things, but man, she'd be quite okay if I just stopped doing those things. Edited August 22, 2013 by David T
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 The Church is people. And there are people who do embarassing things from time to time, generally quite earnestly. Those people also do wonderful, and praiseworthy things. Far more than the embarassing. Heck, I do embarrassing things, and my family still tend to love me, and think that I'm far more than the sum of my embarrassing tendencies. I think of the Church the same way. My wife has no intention of leaving me or stopping loving me or letting others know how great she thinks I am when I say or do some dumb things, but man, she'd be quite okay if I just stopped doing those things.I Guess I'm not as quick to jump on the bandwagon. If allowed to stay long enough, I have found my account will never be reinstated, so it won't be long until mu rep points will equal posts...I think that would be a good stopping point, I am only a few more points. The sad part, I will be able to tell my friends. David if you like, just PM me back and tell me I don't want to respond to you.
David T Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 David if you like, just PM me back and tell me I don't want to respond to you. ? I'm confused. I did respond to the last PM you sent me, a couple days ago... I hope it's clear by my posts here, my blog, and everything else I put out on the internet that I do love and support the Church, and have a strong conviction of its divine role, and that scripture, ancient and modern, truly is a revelation of the character and nature of God. I do feel the Church is in very good hands. But I also feel that acknowledging places where it could improve (and making suggestions to the proper places when they are requested!) is a sign of how much I do care for it, and for its success. There are times I've found myself getting overly cynical, and I make an active goal to keep that in check. I apologize if it comes out more than it should, and especially apologize if the ribbing overshadows the defense that I put forth. I can do better. 1
Duncan Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 When I was an AP missionary (California East Mission, Spanish speaking), in 1974, my mission had adopted/contrived a campaign called "Book of Mormon Archeaology." While interesting, I had to wonder about it's validity. So, I snail-mailed my dad about my concern. He responded with concise and very constructive recommendations for for responsible adjustment. My mission president (Melchin, from Canada, as I recall) chose to totally ignore his recommended adjustment to the program. Might this same nonsensical, independent kind of propaganda be happening today? I served in that same mission, except 1998-2000, it was Gerald E. Melchin, now former member of the 70. I know his granddaughter's hubbie, don't like him but I know him! I think it is going on and members should be wise to it and that's why member efforts are better I hope!
Alan Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Well, there is this guy named Meldrum........ The only one worth listening to.
The Nehor Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 The only one worth listening to.I disrespectfully disagree. 1
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