Yes, please delineate with a rough timeline, recent vs. re-exposed critiques of the books. This is what led me here! [9], As it began to be clearer that Hofmann was counterfeiting documents, Christensen and Kathy Sheets were murdered in an separate bombs created by Hofmann, and Hofmann himself was injured when a later bomb he created inadvertently exploded. Brent, thank you so much for doing this interview! I just shook my head to hear the tale of the magisterium giving you the boot, Brent. Isnt that a dangerous and at least weak and anything goes approach, especially for fanatical groups? John Are you done interviewing faithful members or promoting faithful stories? Now, in the wake of 200 years of such scholarship, the Bible doesnt hold up much better than the Book of Mormon. Without good research, ours is a heritage shallow in meaning. I am very excited to announce that I will soon be interviewing Brent Metcalfe. Brent Metcalf of the USA defeats Franklin Maren of Cuba to win Gold in the Men's 65kg Freestyle Final during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games at the. But I feel that sometimes secular scholars, perhaps in an effort to be diplomatic, perhaps for other reasons, underestimate and understate the inevitability of open conflict with a religious tradition they study. [3] Current historians tend to agree that Scotford and Soper joined forces to sell the fake relics for personal profit. Theres the answer. The full title is: The life, conversion, preaching, travels, and sufferings of Elias Smith. [4] Metcalfe assisted Hofmann in leaking the existence of the letter to the press, contrary to the wishes of the LDS Church. So yes, Brent, please comment on this phenomenon. funeral directors southend; penalty charge notice costs; johns manville headquarters address; Hello world! Why do you think it is that the church is so fearful of discoveries such as the letters by Mark H ? Brent has become one of the foremost scholars in understanding the Book of Abraham. We have to learn to get along and improve our conditions wherever we are and it is a much more difficult task because of all the varied belief systems prevalent in the world. Do as I say and not as I do. This was something I surmised most of my adult life. Awesome. From Spencer Kimballs battle with dementia to Monsons where the hell is that driver, to the insights with Mark E Peterson, Brents influential instructors at the University of Utah. If Krakauer can interview Dan Lafferty, it might be possible. Two more parts (3 & 4) to come. OMAHA, Neb. This is the part Im most interested in: how would he suggest young aspiring researchers go about gathering and parsing primary and secondary sources?. Honestly, incredible work. Long question, sorry ! Thanks again Brent, no wonder you have had the experience you have shared with your faith about God. They buried the Mclellin diaries also.similar thingdidnt like the content. SALT LAKE CITY Egyptologist Ed Ashment sympathizes with Washington anthropologist for now has escaped excommunication from the LDS Church. I had a similar reaction to the section about ADD. Brent Lee Metcalfe is an independent researcher and writer of the Latter Day Saint Movement. It is not possible for me to tell how long I remained in that situation, as everything earthly was gone from me for some time. When will the big book about the Egytian papers be out? going back ten+ years when we first interacted online (message boards), but this interview gave me many more insights. I will start my question with a short story to add some perspective. They claim that it occurred here in the USA siting scriptures and other things Joseph smith said. Will there be more? brent metcalfe excommunicated. Salamander: The story of the Mormon forgery murders. We may be on our own and need to create our own justice and future, but its possible that Providence does in fact sometimes intervene. [9][4], After being fired from his job in security for the LDS Church for his writings, Metcalfe worked first for Steve Christensen and later for Mark Hofmann. Is there going to be a part 3? Powered by WordPress.com VIP. She also noted that after JS none of the preceding Church leaders really got what he was trying to do/teach in this realm. Metcalfe (ed. You know, guilt by association. The irony is, I wasnt an activist for anything, I simply wanted to write. When you described Hoffmans futile attempts to delay the inevitable meeting where his house of cards would come tumbling down I couldnt help but compare it to the decades-long quest among some of the church leadership to keep the brand pure by weeding out doubters. But being new to the church and so unacquainted with church matters and such things I was not much help. But before Brent could truly move on, he had to deal with the emotional turmoil of knowing that he was associated with Mark Hofmann. I sensed a full range of colors in the photo that is this interview. Why didnt the Lord reveal to the prophet that the documents were forged? At one point John asks you if you think JS was putting together a scam or if you believe that he believed it himself. Were they hiding behind Christensen for some reason? [9] When it became rumored that Metcalfe had lost his belief in the historical claims of the LDS Church, Christensen terminated the project and fired Metcalfe. Unintended consequences here we come! D&C 76:2021). I have been thinking nonstop about that analogy, because it is so illustrative of the disorder. Not everyone who doubted the authenticity of Hofmanns forgeries did so for valid and sound reasons. I just finished listening to part one and I loved it! Thanks again for your contribution to Mormon Studies and particularly for your diplomatic engagement with your critics. There are so many parallels between the happenings in my LDS life and Brents, (although nothing to such depth and notoriety) I was drawn to find more information about his life, while he was in the church and out. 100% CAUCASIAN Our ethnicity data indicates the majority is Caucasian. Brent Lee Metcalfe is an independent researcher and writer of the Latter Day Saint Movement. Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. Would a hypothesis like that hold any water? I was with one of his relatives the day he was charged with the bombings, and she was totally shocked & absolutely certain he had nothing to do with it. by Brent Metcalfe November 24, 2014 14 Comments Jan Shipps is the perfect inaugural interview for the Mormon Studies podcast. A man with boldness of speech, and is often cited by members as one of the favourite apostles to hear from. Do you know if the church took down the names of all the 7th East Press people? Serious insight and analysis of the religion Im trying to fit into my new, authentic life. Would that fit the time frame the book is given in? Movies. Categories . Wow John, what an interview. Brent did a marvelous job of creating a context by which these events took place. And I went through a very long phase of just wishing that I had never been born.. I know about the September 6 and there are others. I've debated whether or not I should write about this, as I'm well aware the reception may be inflammatory, however it's something I'd like to get off my chest. Sorry for my language, Im not a native English speaker and there is a limit to what I can express in English. 52K views 2 years ago Iowa's Brent Metcalf took down Ohio State's Lance Palmer in a thrilling title bout at 149 pounds in the 2010 NCAA wrestling championships. What was the arrangement and the special business relationship Steven had with the Church in this regard? Are you generally satisfied with the way the Mark Hofmann affair has been portrayed in the media and in the various books? I have one teensy-tiny criticism about Johns sensitivity when someone questioned why Brent did not pursue an advanced degree. I was hoping you would have spoken more about the Book of Mormon and Abraham. Lynn Jacobs was looked at carefully, I believe Brent Metcalf was looked at somewhat. She is professor emeritus of history at Read more It would have helped me a lot to know I was not alone. Im curious who is singing Lead Kindly Light in this its beautiful. Im sure there is a very good possibility that COB personnel would have been more suspect of Jerald, and any information he offered, than Hofmann. Many of the writers did become illustrious personalities, exactly as you point out. I am waiting patiently for part 3. I was nervous that you belonged to the catalyst crowd and relieved to hear your developed belief, or non belief. Brent is a fascinating interview for Mormon Stories for many reasons, including: He knew forger and bomber Mark Hofmann personally. Tom, have you considered allowing John to interview you? Thank you Brandt for sharing your experiences. When I was on my mission in the early 70s, we were encouraged to show a film called Ancient America Speaks. I found this podcast to be very fascinating. Years ago, I attended a book reading and signing by Jon Krakauer in Marin County when he was promoting Under the Banner of Heaven. My curiosity was piqued by something Brent briefly alluded to. Brent, thanks so much for sharing your tender moments as well. But before Brent could truly move on, he had to deal with the emotional turmoil of knowing that he was associated with Mark Hofmann. This was an important, affecting interview. I have to assume hes simply speaking on the basis of snippets of information here and there without context, because this is clearly untrue. In it, Metcalfe himself wrote an essay that was the first to advance the Mosiah priority theory, or that Joseph Smith began dictating the Book of Mormon from the Book of Mosiah. Hinckley never responded, but was shortly thereafter offered the job by Christensen, which Metcalfe felt was orchestrated by Hinckley. I appreciate the details of Brents experience. Yet a solid and detailed examination oflhe pre suppositions, methods, arguments, and conclusions of the vari ous readings of the Book of Mormon would still be very use Brent_Metcalfe 7 yr. ago To clarify 4blockhead's list. I just saw the Netflix Documentary last night. All rights reserved. I just discovered this on my own I bought every single issue of the 7th East Press, and was so disappointed that I missed picking up the final April Fools issue which appeared around campus after the edict banning it from being sold on campus. [1], In the early 1980s, Metcalfe contributed to the Seventh East Press and Sunstone, while at the same time worked as a security guard at the Church Office Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Why didnt Mr. Metcalfe publish his long-anticipated book disproving the Book of Abraham? ), Visitation of Hertfordshire 1572 & 1634 (London, 1886), 116. I am still cringing from the realizations about the lack of discernment and the deliberate efforts on the part of the GAs. It was stillbecause it all drove from the incredibility of the whole thing. Its great to find all this background information. They have shown time and time again that that is all that matters to them. I also appreciate your parting words. Hibbard later had a dream in which he again. I remember being troubled by the lack of divine discernment that the brethren have/had. This was very similar to my experience. Because researchers like me are not taken seriously by them, even if we have serious and significant contributions. One question though, has Hoffman done any interviews since being in prison? Please, God, let this podcast inspire someone to produce a talk show called, Hot-tubbing with Mark Hoffman! I was a writer for 7th East Press. Or if you have any thoughts on this John? Did any of these projects or research ever prove anything? Ultimately, Id say (and I dont know that youd fundamentally disagree here) that its impossible to separate traditions like Catholicism or Mormonism from their fundamental and unique truth claims. In fact, Brent was with Mark the night before he caused the first explosion. Elbert was the managing editor, and Ron the financial guy, so I had the impression that Elbert created the whole thing. What do you attribute this decline to? Brent is a fascinating interview for Mormon Stories for many reasons, including: Please post your questions for Brent here. I wouldnt presume that Brendt is unaware of this and that his worldview does not follow from this hes well read. The second half was fascinating thank you, thank you, thank you for this podcast! What is not to love about Johns revelation of your worthy biceps? (I think that was my only disappointment, that Brent basically gave up on God because of an epiphany.). Brent's review of challenges to traditional approaches to the Book of Mormon. For the listeners who are curious, a portion of the book describes a first vision, copied below: https://play.google.com/books/reader?printsec=frontcover&output=reader&id=XH0rAAAAYAAJ&pg=GBS.PA54, The Lamb once slain appeared to my understanding, and while viewing him, I felt such love to him as I never felt to anything earthly. Brent, Hoffman was Laffertys cell mate. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. Can you offer any insight to this? Metcalf served as the National Freestyle Developmental Coach prior to . location 502, 899, 5027 of 9578, Last edited on 26 December 2022, at 05:30, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "The LDS intellectual community and church leadership: A contemporary chronology", BOOK OF MORMON SCHOLARS UNLEASH SALVO OF BARBS, "MAPPING BOOK OF MORMON HISTORICITY DEBATESPART I", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brent_Lee_Metcalfe&oldid=1129585083, This page was last edited on 26 December 2022, at 05:30. What is your spirtuality/worldview like post-Mormonism? And how was it working with Mr. Ritner? Thank You for contributing your experiences with us all I am curious this morning about the possibility of any reports during the time JS says he had his First Vision, that were published in local newspapers, town Crier printings? How have things changed over the decades? Over the years you just reason, that a faith shouldnt be that complicated. @BHMetcalf. Part two was chilling as details we have never heard about Mark Hoffman, Steve Christiansen come out. Since unit growth of the church is now in decline and growing slower than U.S. and world population growth, how do you see the future of the church and its doctrines? We should also mention that he has since been a key speaker at a conference hosted by Ex-Mormon Foundation and has given several interviews where he has detailed his lifes ups and downs. On acquiring a PhD, after a year of university, apart from a lack of finances, I quickly noticed that the degree factory isnt a reflection on ones intelligence. Now that the new Netflix documentary Murder Among the Mormons has come out, it also validates the important witness that Brent was in this event. Wrestling for coach Roy Hall at Davison High School in Michigan, Metcalf finished as arguably the #1 overall recruit with a career record of 228-0 with . Privacy Policy. Ive always wondered if my church record was blighted in some way. Really, such a great family. Shortly after returning home and leaving the church he was very active in Sunstone and various things of that nature, but has since moved on with his life and seems very happy with a small family of his own running a small restaurant he and his older brother own together. Don't miss. Learn how your comment data is processed. I hope you consider doing this. Hi, was wondering if Brent is still available to respond to my train of thought above? In Part 1, Brent talks about his early days in the Church and his time working for Church security. What academic publications does Mr. Metcalfe have to his name that qualifies him to be called one of the foremost scholars in understanding the Book of Abraham? After all, we are human! Now, alas, Im left to figure out why I dont personally do more to address the real-life hell that is meanwhile breaking loose in the world, now that I understand also that no gods exist to help us. Now, along with all of the other historical and literary problems, including DNA evidence, we are suppose to accept it on feelings and the spirit.like all religions do with their own faiths.and be excited about sharing this book with our friends! Ive always felt like crises of faith didnt quite describe my journey but Brent gave me the phrase that perfectly describes my experience. On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker interviews one of the most important scholars of Mormonism, Brent Metcalfe. I have some insights into that. I would include many of the arguments given by the critics as well. It was fascinating and enlightening to see the underbelly of ongoings between church leaders and members. He also discusses the events leading up to, and including, his excommunication. Brent Metcalfe is definitely one of my favorite interviewees ever on Mormon Stories Podcast. Brenten "Brent" Metcalfe joined NW3C after working in law enforcement for over 13 years. It is important that we be critical thinkers and examine the sources providing information, in the same way we would want to know the credentials of someone dispensing medical advice, car repair advice etc. I have heard that Mac Christianson financed the mission of one of Hofmanns sons. In Part 2, Brent describes working for and with Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann, the Salamander Letter episode, and the bombings that took the lives of Steve and Kathy Sheets. Let me be equally clear that I dont believe that the BoAbr is an authentic translation of the papyri he possessed. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot Im pretty sure I was standing next to Maxine. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Those mind-opening essays impacted my life in positive and powerful ways. The time has come to really dig in and discover our true human beginnings without religious bias. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Released: Sep 13, 2014 Format: Podcast episode I heard this in contrast to the snippet of Steve Christensens wife on a news show asking about what Steve Christensen was threatening Mark Hofmann with if he didnt produce the McClellin collection where she stated something along the lines of He was going to go to the police and have him arrested. Im not excited anymore. After admiring the glory of the Lamb for some time, I began to think of the situation my body was in, and rose up to return home. I totally empathize with Brent, and all those who were condemned for their questions and knowledge seeking behavior. Hope all is good with you. Or even presenting the center view? After that day I moved to the back of the class and felt like the only straight A student retard at BYU. Is it paramount to understand all of these religious histories and come to terms with them or, Brant for people like you and me, would it be better to turn our talents toward uncovering and deciphering Gobekli Tepe, a stone temple complex built 12,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age in Turkey, built by the Watchers of the Book of Enoch and the Anunnaki gods of Sumerian tradition? She spoke of her life and what has happened in the 30 years since one of Utah's most infamous crimes, Thursday October 8, 2015.