It seems to me that going with what you may think everyone around knows is right (even if it isnt) more easily allows for these kinds of experiences more than realizing there are differences of opinion and thought and then vying for spiritual confirmation. Elbert was the managing editor, and Ron the financial guy, so I had the impression that Elbert created the whole thing. 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? When we taught the Book of Mormon story, it was part of our presentation. Seventh East Press. Brent Metcalfe is definitely one of my favorite interviewees ever on Mormon Stories Podcast. In his response, he controversially included an encrypted message spelling out "Metcalfe is Butthead." Is there going to be a part 3? funeral directors southend; penalty charge notice costs; johns manville headquarters address; Hello world! Allegedly, he expressed too much "support" for Denver Snuffer, although by his own account, he would refuse to follow Snuffer if Snuffer had said that the LDS Church had gone totally astray.The individual, who identifies himself as Brent D. Larsen of the Eagle Mountain Utah Stake, discusses the . Brent Lee Metcalfe's Assumptions and Methodologies Reviewed by William 1. I was nervous that you belonged to the catalyst crowd and relieved to hear your developed belief, or non belief. Released: Sep 13, 2014 Format: Podcast episode Reminds me of the Mormon interpretation of Amos 3:7 (Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets). Until Vatican II, many scholars felt hamstrung by the churchs dogma on the Bible and related theological issues. Please share your feeling about this observation as well, and how this may affect future missionary work, growth of the church and most importantly the individual peace of mind of its members. Thanks for this podcast! 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. These scholars included Dan Vogel, Stan Larson, David P. Wright, and John Kunich. He also discusses the events leading up to, and including, his excommunication. In secret, behind closed doors, who were they really betting on? So, considering all that they had been through, when Mark was named a suspect, Brent didnt even think twice before defending his friend on television. Part two was chilling as details we have never heard about Mark Hoffman, Steve Christiansen come out. Brent most recently served with the Information Security/Communication Security with the Wyoming Army National Guard as an IT Specialist. 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. Its a pity Joseph Smith couldnt sit them all down for a good coming-to-Jesus admonishing. Published by on October 31, 2021. Brenten "Brent" Metcalfe joined NW3C after working in law enforcement for over 13 years. Anyone know what that is and where I can find out more? In the highly anticipated follow up to our first interview, Brent Metcalfe continues his story. John, please interview Mark Hoffman someday if you can! The confessionals in the documentary of Hofmann's associates, such as Shannon Flynn, Brent Metcalf and George Throckmorton are captivating. Brent Metcalfe. I do remember after my baptismal interview having a strong feeling of love and admiration for him because someone so respected thought I was special too. In Part 5, we explore the history surrounding Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham(one of the primary scriptural texts for the LDS Church). 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. What do you attribute this decline to? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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? It seems there is some serious self deception that is required to work around these problems that are creating riffs in families, as well as individual conflicts of spiritual dissonance for good members and leaders of the church. I very much appreciated the beautiful memories and great stories Brent shared about what a remarkable and kind person Steve was. 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. I am very excited to announce that I will soon be interviewing Brent Metcalfe. Thank you so much for being so open and honest that particular issue. What about your book did the church find cause to excommunicate you? It was fascinating and enlightening to see the underbelly of ongoings between church leaders and members. What are your views on how the Book of Mormon was created? Copyright 2005 - 2023 | Mormon Stories. He had not let on that the 7th East Press was his brainchild. This podcast inspired me to read the book Mormon Murders. Thanks! Career Two-time NCAA and Big Ten Champion three-time all-American first wrestler in Big ten history to earn Outstanding Wrestler at the conference meet two straight years (2008, 2009) career winning percentage of .972 (108-3) ranks second all-time at Iowa 2008 Dan Hodge Trophy winner 2008 Jesse Owens Big Ten . It was so amazing to hear another person explain nearly my identical experience. Two more parts (3 & 4) to come. Does your wife and/or children? I was a writer for 7th East Press. I have one teensy-tiny criticism about Johns sensitivity when someone questioned why Brent did not pursue an advanced degree. For more information, please see our Thanks again for your contribution to Mormon Studies and particularly for your diplomatic engagement with your critics. Growing up I only had positive interactions with his beautiful wife and kids. We Elders thought this was powerful truth, to compliment the claims of the Book of Mormon, to convince the Jew and Gentile. This is the part Im most interested in: how would he suggest young aspiring researchers go about gathering and parsing primary and secondary sources?. Thank you. According to Krakauer, the letter said something to the effect of, Mark wont talk to you, but I will, and you definitely want to talk to me. That response introduced Krakauer to the Laffertys and gave him the story he needed to animate what he considered his analysis of radical faith. Thank you, I didnt know about that info. According to Metcalfe, he was questioned by LDS Church authorities about his writing for the 7EP and Sunstone was "forced to resign" from his job in April 1983. When discussing some of the details surrounding the Book of Abraham, he mentioned the Tale of Onidas and Kitumen. I have never heard of that before and cannot find anything about it. Visit with the Skabelund family, 9:30-10:30 am,. Ack! Examples would be projects at the Serpent Mounds in Ohio, linguists studying things like Native Americans singing in a language that seemed close to Hebrew,archaeological digs in latin America that were obviously BOM related, etc. I think we ought to be okay with these questions, and not automatically defensive. They have proven time and time again that that is all they care about. But I have a question for Brent. I had a similar reaction to the section about ADD. (I think that was my only disappointment, that Brent basically gave up on God because of an epiphany.). [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. She is professor emeritus of history at Read more As a personal friend and research assistant for both Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann, Brent Metcalfe watched the whole episode unfold right before his eyes. Perhaps it has something to do with the frightening and daunting implications of this inconvenient truth. In Part 6, we talk to Brent about his interactions and run-ins with prominent Mormon apologists like Daniel Peterson, Lou Midgley and others. I was hoping you would have spoken more about the Book of Mormon and Abraham. All things praised God with me. Mark Metcalfe Project Manager - Heavy Lift Division at Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada 500+ connections On my mission in England I met a older, wise non LDS woman very knowledgeable on esoteric and metaphysics teachings. @BHMetcalf. The Version table provides details related to the release that this issue/RFE will be addressed. I am waiting patiently for part 3. What advice does Brent have for aspiring Mormon historians? Listening now- so far, I like the new intro lots! Brent, thank you so much for doing this interview! All it is is a continuation of the pain, Brent further added. An anonymous source reported that Roy Doxey, then the director of church correlation, wanted to know about the papers Metcalfe was studying at the Church Historical Library, which were on Elias Smith and others. This is one that definately left me wanting more. pigella miraculous ladybug power. I love the podcasts. He worked directly for Steven Christensen (son of Mr. Mac), one of Mark Hofmann's victims. "[10], Naifeh, S., & Smith, G. W. (2005). Riveting stuff. St. Martins Press. It would have helped me a lot to know I was not alone. Once the Catholic scholar feels freed from the ostensible constraints of Catholic theology, it is questionable to what degree his scholarship is distinctively Catholic in the first place. Metcalfe is on the editorial board of the John Whitmer Historical Association. I understand the church spent large sums of money on BYU professors and private research to bolster the Book of Mormon claims through archeological discoveries.unfortunately they have not found what they had hoped for. They have shown time and time again that that is all that matters to them. Do you think he will ever come completely clean? This is one of my all-time favorites. 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! had the same reaction to the Sandra Tanners interview. I would include many of the arguments given by the critics as well. Why didnt the Lord reveal to the the prophet that Hofmann was going to kill? It instead discusses the fact that the LDS Church keeps some documents secret. I remember how the church/BYU was trying to treat this as a non-issue. [3] Current historians tend to agree that Scotford and Soper joined forces to sell the fake relics for personal profit. Theres the answer. Im definitely a fan. My question is: please discuss this shift or emphasis away from evidences and honest research (study it out in your mind), to just feelings, in regards to determining truth. This negative sentiment is perhaps made up for by Hofmann's victims. [9][10] His father was the managing director of the Temple Department for the LDS Church. Im glad you found some of my remarks useful and thanks for the kind comments. In fact, Brent was with Mark the night before he caused the first explosion. Those mind-opening essays impacted my life in positive and powerful ways. [9] Metcalfe became a suspect himself at one point in time. If I applied Vatican II to the full breadth of Catholicism, I clearly misspoke (Im not even sure why I would make such a sweeping claim, so I am a tad mystified). Some people who study and read deeply can be more expert than others with advanced degrees. Many years later in his interview with Dehlin, Brent Metcalfe tells of a conversation that he had with Mark E. Peterson where he plainly admits he was lying in his book. And I went through a very long phase of just wishing that I had never been born. What historical issues does he think are most worthy of exploration, and how would he suggest young aspiring researchers go about gathering and parsing primary and secondary sources? Why are they so adamant about excommunicating someone who has a different opinion than they do? I was going to ask the same thing. They use evidences such as paintings from the 1600s showing native americans using temple signs/tokens, apparent cuneiform writings being discovered that spell Yod Hey Va, and that the Hopewell/Adena Indians are the Nephites/Jaredites. I., **My question is if Brent could provide a copy of the parallels between Elias Snow and Joseph Smith that Wilford Paulson (former BYU professor)inserted into the book. There is a newish movement who rejects that the book of mormon ever occurred in South America. Im not saying you need to have spiritual experiences to validate your work by any means if the facts are facts, but a higher power confirmation always helps. Do you believe that your martial arts and mental training has contributed to your belief system and the independence from the crowd? This book was way above my reading level at the time and I wonder if that may be the biggest hurdle in reaching standard Mormons about the book and its challenges. In another post Ill comment on the Mark Hoffman affair. Oh. And how was it working with Mr. Ritner? Looking around me, every object was changed, and a bright glory appeared on everything. 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? Is having spiritual experiences while doing what some may view as critical research on the Book, when you know there may be opposing views to your work, grounds for also having these feelings? Honestly, incredible work. In Part 3, Brent discusses the aftermath of the Hofmann murders, including the trial and Hoffman's eventual plea deal. The look of Jesus on me removed the burden of my sins, while he spoke these words, Be faithful until death and this shall be thy place of rest. I never had seen Jesus Christ before, nor heard his voice, nor ever had a sense of his intercession at the right hand of God for me till now (Billy Hibbard, _Memoirs of the Life and Travels of B. Hibbard, Minister of the Gospel_ [New York: J. C. Totten, 1825], 23). It also struck me that Brent in some ways represents the inverse of Sandra Tanner. Not everyone who doubted the authenticity of Hofmanns forgeries did so for valid and sound reasons. 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 Cultural Context Preceding the Book of Mormon. !Cmoninstead, they were duped arranged for major amounts of $ to buy the letter up,bury it and then lie. He eventually concluded that the document was not an actual historical account and compiled a book of essays suggesting the same, entitling it New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology, published in the 90s. Also, the rest of your experience is so totally mind-blowing-interesting. Im with you on the music Charles!! Sandra was criticized by some Mormon Stories listeners for not being as critical of Christianity as she was of Mormonism. Liked by Brent Metcalfe Experience Practice Lead - Mergers and Acquisitions/Investment Group and Consultant Backswath Management Sep 2022 - Present6 months Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Seeking New. 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. I dont agree with all the conclusions of your research but the research is a gift to all of us. 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. And Im speaking as a believer- in the very traditional sense- in the Christian interpretation of the world. But such intellectual issues didnt play a role in my failure of faith. Great interview. This has to be one of my top 10 favorite Mormonstories podcasts. What is not to love about Johns revelation of your worthy biceps? This unleashed a veritable deluge of Catholic contributions to modern biblical scholarship. It was stillbecause it all drove from the incredibility of the whole thing. If so, what will be the subject? Long question, sorry ! A question for Brent, What are your thoughts on your research of the book of Abraham? This is a rumor I heard. In these two episodes we discuss: 1) The aftermath of the Mark Hofmann bombings, and Brent's. During my 7779 mission I served in two London areas, living first in Kilburn Park and later in Wimbledon. Brent Metcalfe is definitely one of my favorite interviewees ever on Mormon Stories Podcast. Awesome. These other people that had experiences dont seem to have a similar backlash evident. Ive always wondered if my church record was blighted in some way. I sensed a full range of colors in the photo that is this interview. In 1994, Professor David Wright of Brandeis University and editor Brent Metcalf were excommunicated for their scripture studies in New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology In 1995, author Janice Allred was excommunicated for her writings about Mother in Heaven. In Gnosticism Abraham is not even a real person, the story represents the triumph of spirit over matter and is loaded with hidden symbolic meaning. I am so grateful I stumbled across them along with D. Michael Quinns books wow now 20 years ago. what happens if i ignore a ccj; I could read fine in private but the social damage was done and anxiety overwhelmed me every time. On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker interviews one of the most important scholars of Mormonism, Brent Metcalfe. End of my short story. He remains an enigma. After years of palling around with anti-Mormon apostates (e.g. At one point John asks you if you think JS was putting together a scam or if you believe that he believed it himself. Regardless of what one takes to be the truth of things, the evidence is not in favor of liberal religiosity as a recipe for church growth- those churches and communities which move away from their traditional truth claims tend to atrophy relatively speedily. Brent, thanks so much for sharing your tender moments as well. Doxey denied asking about Metcalfe. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Thanks for the clarification. :( Will re-record hopefully soon! Very cool, any personal stories youd like to share? I did enjoy the balance that your podcast once stood for; miss the balance. This was interesting all around. Metcalfe is on the editorial board of the John Whitmer Historical Association. 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. So glad Brent. Truth or legend? [4], In 1993 Metcalfe organized a group of scholars to publish a series of essays that sought to apply techniques of higher criticism to the Book of Mormon. But Ashment, a fellow member of the church, said he was disgusted with those who publicly protested the church action at a rally for Murphy on Salt Lake City's Main Street plaza Sunday night. He was going to have him thrown out of the church. Can you offer any insight to this? Brent has become one of the foremost scholars in understanding the Book of Abraham. 1. Thanks! Are you generally satisfied with the way the Mark Hofmann affair has been portrayed in the media and in the various books? You are hesitant to answer no evil speaking on what you cant say right ;). Interested to hear about your mission, did you serve in Wandsworth at all? I cant wait to listen to the second half! Ive followed Mormon stories for several years now and listed to most of the episodes and this interview with Brent Metcalfe is in my top 5 MS podcasts. 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 .