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No Weapon Shall Prosper: New Light on Sensitive Issues
From the time Joseph Smith walked out of the grove of trees having experienced a vision and having spoken with God and Jesus Christ, his words have opened the door to persecution. As disciples of Christ, we ought to be serious students of the gospel who are able to provide a defense of our faith. In this book, LDS scholars discuss criticisms of the Church on a variety of issues, including the question of whether Mormons are Christian, the various accounts of Joseph Smith s First Vision, and LDS beliefs about becoming like God, continuing revelation, and plural marriage. The book also includes chapters about DNA research and the Book of Mormon, along with the role of evidence and the need for honesty in religious discussion. This volume does not address every point of opposition, but it does provide thoughtful and reliable answers to several hard questions.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2011
5 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Robert L. Millet
144 books70 followersRobert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, holds a master s degree in psychology from BYU and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University. He is a popular speaker and prolific writer whose other books include Lost and Found: Reflections on the Prodigal Son; Grace Works; and More Holiness Give Me. He and his wife, Shauna, have six children and live in Provo, Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 18, 2012
This book contains essays about many of the more controversial aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is intended to help the reader gain a better understanding of these topics in a faith-promoting, but scholarly and honest environment, against the flood of misinformation available online today. Indeed, the editor notes that "The Internet is filled with thousands of pages of anti-Mormon polemic, and it is extremely difficult for people to receive an honest and fair appraisal of Mormonism without significant effort on their part" (page viii).
Besides those by the editor, Robert L. Millett, the book contains essays by Daniel L. Belnap, J. Spencer Fluhman, Steven C. Harper, Brian M. Hauglid, Daniel K. Judd, Kerry Muhlestein, Ugo A. Perego, Brent L. Top, and John W. Welch. They are split into four categories: Restored Christianity, Latter-day Saint Church History, Scriptural Perspectives, and Doctrinal Teachings. The topics include what it means to be a Christian, the various accounts of the First Vision, the Smiths' involvement in money-digging and the supernatural, the Kinderhook plates, Joseph Smith's youngest plural wife, DNA and the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, and Jesus Christ and salvation, among many others. Many of the topics are written by experts in the area - for example, a population geneticist discusses DNA and the Book of Mormon, two egyptologists discuss the Book of Abraham, an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers tackles the subject of multiple versions of the Fist Vision. I would like to concentrate on a few topics of particular interest to me in order to give an idea of the overall book.
Kent P. Jackson's cleverly titled "Are Christians Christians?" discusses what it means to be a Christian from the point of view of mainstream Christianity and where it came from. He examines statements from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches that declare us to be unchristian. He explains why their definition is unbiblical, and happily admits that we should not be included in it. "We, of all people, should not be offended that other churches consider our baptisms invalid and do not recognize the authority of our priesthood holders to officiate in their ordinances. Since the first days of our church's history, we have denied the validity of the authority and ordinances of all other churches (see D&C 22). We concede that we are not members of the historic Christian church that includes our Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant brothers and sisters. But to consider us not Christians on issues of belief is another matter" (page 55). He then goes on to explain that our definition of the word Christian is scriptural (although we have no official statement of such), and that by that definition we would also include those of other faiths previously mentioned.
Steven C. Harper, an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers, wrote about the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, saying it "may be the best documented theophany (vision of God) in history." He finds the five different known accounts in eight statements (plus contemporary hearsay) to be "rich documentation" and "a good reason to believe him" rather than being evidence of an inconsistent and evolving story as others contend. (Page 63.) He describes how Fawn Brodie and Wesley Walters shaped the criticisms that are popular today, and did not reconsider their interpretations even when new evidence against them came to light. He points out that "Those who share the skeptics' assumptions will likely arrive at the same conclusions as the skeptics. But those who are open to the possibility that Joseph told the truth can discover other meanings from the same facts" (page 71).
Ugo A. Perego, who holds a PhD in genetics and biomolecular sciences, handles the question of whether DNA proves or disproves the Book of Mormon. He goes into great detail explaining how DNA is used in research, the current theories about migrations into the Americas, and describes the various theories for and against the Book of Mormon based on available DNA evidence. He points out the problems with each of these theories (such as evidence showing up in the wrong time period, wrong assumptions being used, and misunderstandings of the limitations of DNA research) and arrives at the conclusion that DNA evidence can neither be used to prove nor disprove that the people in the Book of Mormon actually existed. (In fact, he points out that it can't even be used to prove that Jesus existed.) He says that "I find no difficulties in reconciling my scientific passion about Native American history with my religious beliefs. I am not looking for a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon in the double helix. ...Anyone using DNA to ascertain the accuracy of historical events of a religious nature - which require instead a component of faith - will be sorely disappointed" (page 208).
One of the essays on the Book of Abraham is by Kerry Muhlestein, who has a PhD in egyptology from UCLA. He begins by explaining how he got interested in the Book of Abraham, and why egyptologists outside the church dismiss it. He also found that many members of the church who struggle with the issues involved with the Book of Abraham aren't looking for an excuse to leave the church, but have "encountered well-written (though not necessarily well-documented or researched) arguments...and did not know how to answer the questions posed by these arguments." He found that those publishing critical information are generally unaware that is is "based on incorrect information and bad assumptions. They are misled by the mistakes, lies, and trash put out by a few, and they unwittingly pass the information along without really looking into their sources." (Page 219.) He then goes on to debunk some of the misinformation, such as the idea that there was no human sacrifice in ancient Egypt. He also found that one of the words supposedly made up by Joseph Smith (Olishem) has been discovered in two ancient texts. He discovered that Egyptians had access to biblical stories by 200 BC (which was the right time period for the papyri), and were particularly interested in Abraham. He presented this information to a conference put on by the Russian Academy of Science and received positive reviews. He talks about evidence that what we actually have possession of today was a very small part of what Joseph had, and gives reasons why it likely was not the source of the Book of Abraham, other than Facsimile 1. He also briefly discusses the mystery of the Kirtland Egyptian Papers, which were not likely to have been used in the translation process, as some critics have claimed. Another important point he makes is that "written by his own hand, upon papyrus" does not mean that the actual papyrus we have was written by the hand of Abraham, but that it is a copy of the original that Abraham would have written on much earlier. He also devotes several pages to Facsimile 1, pointing out many evidences (and some possible theories) for the authenticity of the interpretations provided by Joseph Smith.
Overall, I thought the book was quite good, although some essays were better than others. Some of the more doctrinal ones, in particular, presented a few points as given that not all members would agree on. But such is the nature of Mormonism. The book could be used to answer questions for oneself, to help a member friend or an investigator, or for inoculation against misinformation and half-truths encountered in a hostile environment. It would be useful reading for those preparing to serve a mission, for families, and for any individual interested in learning more about these issues, getting their questions answered, helping others, or defending the church.
Besides those by the editor, Robert L. Millett, the book contains essays by Daniel L. Belnap, J. Spencer Fluhman, Steven C. Harper, Brian M. Hauglid, Daniel K. Judd, Kerry Muhlestein, Ugo A. Perego, Brent L. Top, and John W. Welch. They are split into four categories: Restored Christianity, Latter-day Saint Church History, Scriptural Perspectives, and Doctrinal Teachings. The topics include what it means to be a Christian, the various accounts of the First Vision, the Smiths' involvement in money-digging and the supernatural, the Kinderhook plates, Joseph Smith's youngest plural wife, DNA and the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, and Jesus Christ and salvation, among many others. Many of the topics are written by experts in the area - for example, a population geneticist discusses DNA and the Book of Mormon, two egyptologists discuss the Book of Abraham, an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers tackles the subject of multiple versions of the Fist Vision. I would like to concentrate on a few topics of particular interest to me in order to give an idea of the overall book.
Kent P. Jackson's cleverly titled "Are Christians Christians?" discusses what it means to be a Christian from the point of view of mainstream Christianity and where it came from. He examines statements from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches that declare us to be unchristian. He explains why their definition is unbiblical, and happily admits that we should not be included in it. "We, of all people, should not be offended that other churches consider our baptisms invalid and do not recognize the authority of our priesthood holders to officiate in their ordinances. Since the first days of our church's history, we have denied the validity of the authority and ordinances of all other churches (see D&C 22). We concede that we are not members of the historic Christian church that includes our Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant brothers and sisters. But to consider us not Christians on issues of belief is another matter" (page 55). He then goes on to explain that our definition of the word Christian is scriptural (although we have no official statement of such), and that by that definition we would also include those of other faiths previously mentioned.
Steven C. Harper, an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers, wrote about the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, saying it "may be the best documented theophany (vision of God) in history." He finds the five different known accounts in eight statements (plus contemporary hearsay) to be "rich documentation" and "a good reason to believe him" rather than being evidence of an inconsistent and evolving story as others contend. (Page 63.) He describes how Fawn Brodie and Wesley Walters shaped the criticisms that are popular today, and did not reconsider their interpretations even when new evidence against them came to light. He points out that "Those who share the skeptics' assumptions will likely arrive at the same conclusions as the skeptics. But those who are open to the possibility that Joseph told the truth can discover other meanings from the same facts" (page 71).
Ugo A. Perego, who holds a PhD in genetics and biomolecular sciences, handles the question of whether DNA proves or disproves the Book of Mormon. He goes into great detail explaining how DNA is used in research, the current theories about migrations into the Americas, and describes the various theories for and against the Book of Mormon based on available DNA evidence. He points out the problems with each of these theories (such as evidence showing up in the wrong time period, wrong assumptions being used, and misunderstandings of the limitations of DNA research) and arrives at the conclusion that DNA evidence can neither be used to prove nor disprove that the people in the Book of Mormon actually existed. (In fact, he points out that it can't even be used to prove that Jesus existed.) He says that "I find no difficulties in reconciling my scientific passion about Native American history with my religious beliefs. I am not looking for a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon in the double helix. ...Anyone using DNA to ascertain the accuracy of historical events of a religious nature - which require instead a component of faith - will be sorely disappointed" (page 208).
One of the essays on the Book of Abraham is by Kerry Muhlestein, who has a PhD in egyptology from UCLA. He begins by explaining how he got interested in the Book of Abraham, and why egyptologists outside the church dismiss it. He also found that many members of the church who struggle with the issues involved with the Book of Abraham aren't looking for an excuse to leave the church, but have "encountered well-written (though not necessarily well-documented or researched) arguments...and did not know how to answer the questions posed by these arguments." He found that those publishing critical information are generally unaware that is is "based on incorrect information and bad assumptions. They are misled by the mistakes, lies, and trash put out by a few, and they unwittingly pass the information along without really looking into their sources." (Page 219.) He then goes on to debunk some of the misinformation, such as the idea that there was no human sacrifice in ancient Egypt. He also found that one of the words supposedly made up by Joseph Smith (Olishem) has been discovered in two ancient texts. He discovered that Egyptians had access to biblical stories by 200 BC (which was the right time period for the papyri), and were particularly interested in Abraham. He presented this information to a conference put on by the Russian Academy of Science and received positive reviews. He talks about evidence that what we actually have possession of today was a very small part of what Joseph had, and gives reasons why it likely was not the source of the Book of Abraham, other than Facsimile 1. He also briefly discusses the mystery of the Kirtland Egyptian Papers, which were not likely to have been used in the translation process, as some critics have claimed. Another important point he makes is that "written by his own hand, upon papyrus" does not mean that the actual papyrus we have was written by the hand of Abraham, but that it is a copy of the original that Abraham would have written on much earlier. He also devotes several pages to Facsimile 1, pointing out many evidences (and some possible theories) for the authenticity of the interpretations provided by Joseph Smith.
Overall, I thought the book was quite good, although some essays were better than others. Some of the more doctrinal ones, in particular, presented a few points as given that not all members would agree on. But such is the nature of Mormonism. The book could be used to answer questions for oneself, to help a member friend or an investigator, or for inoculation against misinformation and half-truths encountered in a hostile environment. It would be useful reading for those preparing to serve a mission, for families, and for any individual interested in learning more about these issues, getting their questions answered, helping others, or defending the church.
April 27, 2012
This book is a collection of essays by LDS apologists who provide their perspective on sensitive LDS issues, such as The Book of Abraham, DNA vs. Nephite Origins, the different accounts Joseph Smith gave about the first vision, plural marriage, etc.
Honestly, from the title I was hoping for something that would really put to bed a lot of these troublesome issues in Mormon History. Even the subtitle "New Light on Sensitive Issues" hints that it's going to blow you away. Unfortunately, from my perspective, it came far from doing so.
The book only took existing viewpoints and wrote new essays using what's already there. The one notable exception to me was that of DNA vs. Nephite origins, which made a fairly convincing case, but still ended with the idea that didn't prove their side, but made the point that it's still *slightly* possible that the Nephites might have had *some* Hebrew origins... though DNA can't prove it.
I've read dozens of FAIR and FARMS articles and this book felt like a more mature re-hash of those, (though it did have some mud-slinging). It felt like the authors were willing to look at evidence that supported their view, but if evidence didn't support it, they were quick to dismiss it and push it aside. Some have called the book scholarly, but I disagree. I've read many many scholarly books and papers. The essays in this book were just well thought-out annotated viewpoints. A scholarly essay would have presented the facts as they are, not try to hide or clumsily dismiss a part of history or opposing view just because it doesn't fit into their agenda.
I was hoping that this would be a book I could hold up and say, "this will resolve your concerns!" I had a lot of hope that this book could be great. Instead, I found it to be one that while interesting, doesn't add any new light on sensitive issues, and in fact it's filled with many logical fallacies.
Another frustrating aspect of these essays is that the author would take you right up to the edge of the cliff and say, "Well, now you see it; isn't it interesting?" And then they'd turn around and walk away. I was hoping they'd pull out the ropes, harnesses, and carabiners and take me down into the heart of the issue.
I can only recommend this book to Mormons who want a safe "non-testimony-threatening" Mormon-world view context in which to see many of the issues facing the LDS Church today. For that, I find there to be value in what it has to say, especially in the essay about Mormons being Christians.
I cannot in good faith, however, recommend it to anyone who is seriously looking and wanting to dig deep into Mormonism, or wanting to rescue their testimony. Although it's interesting and insightful on many levels, it fails to really dig deep into the issues and call a spade a spade. I would also add a word of caution that if you're currently questioning Mormonism, this book may in fact damage your testimony more than help it as it. Nor do I recommend this book to non-members as the logical fallacies and default, "well, despite the evidence contrary, you just have to have faith" attitude that is sprinkled throughout the different essays will probably drive you bonkers.
Honestly, from the title I was hoping for something that would really put to bed a lot of these troublesome issues in Mormon History. Even the subtitle "New Light on Sensitive Issues" hints that it's going to blow you away. Unfortunately, from my perspective, it came far from doing so.
The book only took existing viewpoints and wrote new essays using what's already there. The one notable exception to me was that of DNA vs. Nephite origins, which made a fairly convincing case, but still ended with the idea that didn't prove their side, but made the point that it's still *slightly* possible that the Nephites might have had *some* Hebrew origins... though DNA can't prove it.
I've read dozens of FAIR and FARMS articles and this book felt like a more mature re-hash of those, (though it did have some mud-slinging). It felt like the authors were willing to look at evidence that supported their view, but if evidence didn't support it, they were quick to dismiss it and push it aside. Some have called the book scholarly, but I disagree. I've read many many scholarly books and papers. The essays in this book were just well thought-out annotated viewpoints. A scholarly essay would have presented the facts as they are, not try to hide or clumsily dismiss a part of history or opposing view just because it doesn't fit into their agenda.
I was hoping that this would be a book I could hold up and say, "this will resolve your concerns!" I had a lot of hope that this book could be great. Instead, I found it to be one that while interesting, doesn't add any new light on sensitive issues, and in fact it's filled with many logical fallacies.
Another frustrating aspect of these essays is that the author would take you right up to the edge of the cliff and say, "Well, now you see it; isn't it interesting?" And then they'd turn around and walk away. I was hoping they'd pull out the ropes, harnesses, and carabiners and take me down into the heart of the issue.
I can only recommend this book to Mormons who want a safe "non-testimony-threatening" Mormon-world view context in which to see many of the issues facing the LDS Church today. For that, I find there to be value in what it has to say, especially in the essay about Mormons being Christians.
I cannot in good faith, however, recommend it to anyone who is seriously looking and wanting to dig deep into Mormonism, or wanting to rescue their testimony. Although it's interesting and insightful on many levels, it fails to really dig deep into the issues and call a spade a spade. I would also add a word of caution that if you're currently questioning Mormonism, this book may in fact damage your testimony more than help it as it. Nor do I recommend this book to non-members as the logical fallacies and default, "well, despite the evidence contrary, you just have to have faith" attitude that is sprinkled throughout the different essays will probably drive you bonkers.
September 13, 2012
Robert Millet really needs to stay away from apologetic work. I say this with the understanding that this book is a collection of essays, but his selection of topics and their apologetic value leaves something to be desired. That being said I think the essays on Book of Abraham and DNA were really good.
Nevertheless, I think Millet has contributed a great deal to Mormon thought and discussion. He's a good egg!
Nevertheless, I think Millet has contributed a great deal to Mormon thought and discussion. He's a good egg!
August 6, 2024
A collection of essays about topics related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While each author addresses a different topic and not all are equally compelling, together they make a solid collection of Gospel perspectives to counter doubts to faith.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 26, 2023
This book addresses some issues but doesn’t address others at all. I was rather disappointed.
July 10, 2015
This is a book of essays addressing many of the "hard questions" of the church. It's edited by Robert L. Millet, who is an author I like, but the different essays are all sorts of types and authors. I skimmed most of them, only reading the ones with subjects that interested me. There were some definite highlights, but it is more of a reference book. It doesn't really provide new light or anything especially memorable, and it's definitely written from the apologetics standpoint. I think there are better books out there, but this is a good intro into apologetics on these topics.
June 6, 2020
Excellent resource for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those who are not affiliated with that faith. Essays by top Latter-day Saint scholars on such topics as Joseph Smith and polygamy, the origins of the Book of Abraham, Native American DNA and the Book of Mormon peoples, and many other issues. This is a book I would read again and again.
February 3, 2013
Like any compilation some of the chapters/papers were difficult to slog through. Others like the paper by Daniel K. Judd entitled "The Unfortunate Fall of Adam and Eve", and one by Millett himself, "God and Man" were insightful and very uplifting.
July 16, 2012
Real hit or miss on various chapters, and some essays very tangential to the title's topic. Kerry Muhlestein's chapters were especially well done.
August 15, 2012
It had some good chapters and some that were not all that great. Not bad but not great either.
January 6, 2013
Solid, although a few essays seem to have nothing to do with the topic. The articles that are the most solid are good enough to make this a valuable resource.
May 13, 2013
Very fascinating and informative. I thought about some of these subjects in ways I had not previously considered.
December 26, 2014
Wonderful insights with many topics members of the church have asked. Highly recommend to read.
September 14, 2017
A compilation of essays on "sensitive issues" in the LDS religion. Some essays were really good and had great insight...but a few were not well written. That being said I do feel that overall it was a good book. It did take me quite a while to read it. Some topics were definitely more interesting than others.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews