BYU's Maxwell Institute Gets a New Director

[smac97]

Here and here:

Quote

President Kevin J Worthen has announced the appointment of J. Spencer Fluhman as executive director of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.

Professor Fluhman’s selection comes after a national search for the replacement of M. Gerald Bradford, who has served as the executive director of the Institute since 2008 and will be retiring from BYU this year.

The Maxwell Institute pursues and supports the study of religious texts and traditions from the ancient world to the present. The Institute’s work deals with texts important to a variety of faiths and to those who study them.

I've never brought myself up to speed on the 2012 "purge" at the MI (per Dan Peterson, who wishes Prof. Fluhman "all the best in his new role").

Thanks,

-Smac

[mfbukowski]

I'd like to hear some pros and cons, but it is not likely that we will.

[USU78]

Karma

[SeekingUnderstanding]

2 minutes ago, USU78 said:

Karma

Can you clarify?

[Duncan]

27 minutes ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Can you clarify?

it's a reference to that Boy George song from the '80s

[stemelbow]

Well good for him. 

 

 

Edited May 5, 2016 by stemelbow

[Scott Lloyd]

54 minutes ago, stemelbow said:

Well good for him. 

As I recall he had been mentioned by some of those who were ousted as part of the problem back when the purge was still big news.  But memories can be shaky. 

 

CFR that Spencer Fluhman specifically was mentioned "as part of the problem."

Edited May 5, 2016 by Scott Lloyd

[cdowis]

10 minutes ago, Scott Lloyd said:

CFR that Spencer Fluhman specifically was mentioned. 

Sigh.

He already told you ==>>  his "shaky" memory.  Would you like the link?

Edited May 5, 2016 by cdowis

[provoman]

13 hours ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Can you clarify?

This is nothing to "clarify", as there is no "karma" in the situation. Bradford is retiring, but some just can leave it alone.  For some people when it comes Gerald Bradford and the Maxwell Institute "they can leave it, but can not leave it alone".

[Scott Lloyd]

16 minutes ago, cdowis said:

Sigh.

He already told you ==>>  his "shaky" memory.

If he can't document it, he ought not assert it ("shaky memory" or not), not where reputations are at stake. 

The CFR stands.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Scott Lloyd

[Nevo]

I was a Smith Institute summer fellow with Spencer Fluhman in the summer of 1999, one of the early Bushman seminars. He was impressive as a grad student and has since established himself a well-regarded scholar and teacher (he has also tried his hand at apologetics). As others have noted, the Maxwell Institute is in good hands. Yes, Fluhman embodies the "new direction," but he's no milquetoast academic. I look forward to seeing where he takes the MI.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Nevo

[jkwilliams]

I'm hesitant to taint Spencer's reputation with my endorsement, but I think very highly of him, his intellect, his knowledge, and his compassion for people who are dealing with difficult issues. We had a long conversation over Pho a few years ago when I was trying desperately to hold onto my faith, and he treated me and my beliefs with respect and kindness. I have no interest in the political history of the Maxwell Institute, but I think Spencer will do a fine job, and the MI is lucky to have him.

[cdowis]

1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said:

If he can't document it, he ought not assert it ("shaky memory" or not), not where reputations are at stake. 

The CFR stands.

OK, that's between you and the mods.  But he gave you the reference.  I do this all the time where I cite something from memory, admit that it is from memory, and do not remember the reference.  

Quite frankly, it will be necessary for me to leave this forum if the mods decide whether that is insufficient.  I honestly doubt whether a reputation will be ruined by a "I think I heard somebody say somewhere that ... but my memory is shaky."

 

Edited May 5, 2016 by cdowis

[Scott Lloyd]

15 minutes ago, cdowis said:

OK, that's between you and the mods.  But he gave you the reference.  I do this all the time where I cite something from memory, admit that it is from memory, and do not remember the reference.  

Quite frankly, it will be necessary for me to leave this forum if the mods decide whether that is insufficient.  I honestly doubt whether a reputation will be ruined by a "I think I heard somebody say somewhere that ... but my memory is shaky."

 

I've already made my point: Where individual reputations are at stake, it is gossip and rumor-mongering to make assertions one cannot document or substantiate. It is irresponsible, even immoral. If you are prone to do that, perhaps you need to do some soul-searching.

[provoman]

1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said:

CFR that Spencer Fluhman specifically was mentioned "as part of the problem."

 

I googled "fluhman" junta, the top result is to a patheos blogger who (often uses the term "junta" in reference to MI and Gerald Bradford) has been very vocal about the change and MI. That patheos specific blog post mentions Spencer Fluhman and disparages the direction of MI. Also, that same blog post was posted/quoted (appears to be verbatim) here and discussed at some length.

[Scott Lloyd]

11 minutes ago, provoman said:

 

I googled "fluhman" junta, the top result is to a patheos blogger who (often uses the term "junta" in reference to MI and Gerald Bradford) has been very vocal about the change and MI. That patheos specific blog post mentions Spencer Fluhman and disparages the direction of MI. Also, that same blog post was posted/quoted (appears to be verbatim) here and discussed at some length.

No link then? Or direct quote?

Edited to add:

I see that the claim has been retracted. The CFR has thus been answered.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Scott Lloyd

[stemelbow]

1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said:

CFR that Spencer Fluhman specifically was mentioned "as part of the problem."

I deleted it because I'm not really interesting in trying to find anything.  I thought it was more of a compliment than anything.  But that's ok.  Been deleted. 

[jkwilliams]

3 minutes ago, stemelbow said:

I deleted it because I'm not really interesting in trying to find anything.  I thought it was more of a compliment than anything.  But that's ok.  Been deleted. 

I've never heard his name come up in relation to the golpe de estado at the MI. Interestingly, an Evangelical critic has been attacking him on Facebook for being an old-style attack dog hiding under an innocent mask. Several church members and critics have stood up for Spencer's good character.

[Nevo]

Dr. Fluhman was named editor of the rebooted Mormon Studies Review after the ouster of the Peterson-Midgley-Mitton-Smith editorial team, but I don't think he played any role in the "purge" itself.

[stemelbow]

3 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

I've never heard his name come up in relation to the golpe de estado at the MI. Interestingly, an Evangelical critic has been attacking him on Facebook for being an old-style attack dog hiding under an innocent mask. Several church members and critics have stood up for Spencer's good character.

It's likely I've mixed up names too.  Thus, I deleted. 

[Scott Lloyd]

7 minutes ago, Nevo said:

Dr. Fluhman was named editor of the rebooted Mormon Studies Review after the ouster of the Peterson-Midgley-Mitton-Smith editorial team, but I don't think he played any role in the "purge" itself.

That is consistent with my recollection.

I have had some limited interaction with him -- we sat at the same luncheon table a time or two. He strikes me as an intelligent and decent sort. And I know he is highly regarded in the Mormon academic community.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Scott Lloyd

[Anakin7]

I met him a # of Years ago at an Evangelical Christian/ LDS Christian 3-4 weekend meetings a the Evangelical Mariners Church in Irvine [?].  He was there with Robert Millet and they both liked my dress T-shirt that had a picture of Jesus Christ on the back that Said " My Master". They both stated they wanted one. He was Christlike and charitable.

Washing My Robes In The Blood Of The Lamb

The Atonement, It Is The Central Doctrine

In His Eternal Debt/Grace

Anakin7

[BHodges]

Maxwell Institute personnel like myself are thrilled that the search committee recommended Spencer Fluhman, that the university extended the position to him, and that he accepted enthusiastically. The Institute keeps on moving forward.