When will the big book about the Egytian papers be out? It instead discusses the fact that the LDS Church keeps some documents secret. Yes, because remember that the paradigm speaking through Mikes words is not just representative of him. What has been the ramifications to your excommunication among other family members? brent metcalfe excommunicated. 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. The weaker the church gets the better it gets and when it is completely impotent and ceases to exist it will be the best it can ever be. Three or four episodes were mentioned by John. This unleashed a veritable deluge of Catholic contributions to modern biblical scholarship. It was so, so interesting. As an atheist I am not without my own inconvenient truths. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. I thought your essay in New Approaches was excellent, and certainly complicates traditional understandings of the Book of Mormon; you obviously dont believe the BoM is historical in any way, but Id also guess you would acknowledge the impressive complexity of it. Its a band called The Lower Lights. Hearing Brent break down the Hoffman timeline and story was amazing. brent metcalfe excommunicated. She also noted that after JS none of the preceding Church leaders really got what he was trying to do/teach in this realm. All he had to say publicly if there was really no truth in it, was its simply not true and leave it at that. I clearly remember the frustration in her voice. Thanks to the both of you! Again, Im not sure that you would disagree with any of this. I was only 8 when Steve died, so I just remember his smiling face and that everyone, especially my parents, just loved him. Brent_Metcalfe 7 yr. ago To clarify 4blockhead's list. Iowa's Brent Metcalf wrestles with Iowa State's Mitch Mueller during their 149 pound match Friday, March 19, 2010 in the quarterfinal round of the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships at . You guys at MS are doing great. 1. 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. Its great to find all this background information. She was excommunicated for it and it was ironic that her uncle, David O'McKay, was a member of the twelve apostles at the time (and later became Prophet.) Part two was chilling as details we have never heard about Mark Hoffman, Steve Christiansen come out. Thats what I expected from church leaders.I meanSalamander spirit !! He has also served in the United States Air Force (Air National Guard) since 2004. Wouldnt it have been more humorous to wait until *after* the issue was mailed out before bringing the Metcalfe is Butthead acrostic to the attention of FARMS authorities? Thanks again Brent for sharing a sketch of your life with us. 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. Broad topics include my excommunication plus BoMor and BoAbr research. This podcast inspired me to read the book Mormon Murders. On the term translation, JS promoted his ancient texts as translations in the traditional sense. On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker interviews one of the most important scholars of Mormonism, Brent Metcalfe. Did John take the tapes home to show his wife? "BoMor" is a contraction preferred by Brent Metcalfe, who edited the book in which this paper appeared, and who likewise does not believe in the historicity of the Book of Mormon -- Metcalfe was exxed I think sometime after the infamous September Six. In these two episodes we discuss: 1) The aftermath of the Mark Hofmann bombings, and Brent's. 2) It seems to me that most of the critiques in the 21st century arent recent developments, rather they already existed for sometimes decades (credit to Brodie and the Tanners for that). I have question on the Book of Abraham. Im not excited anymore. I suppose the precedent was set by Joseph himself in burning down the Nauvoo Expositor because he didnt like the content, and labelled it anti Mormonit wasnt even, William Law was a believer, who could no longer take Josephs hypocrisy. And Im speaking as a believer- in the very traditional sense- in the Christian interpretation of the world. ), systematically undermining Church teachings on the law of chastity and the . In Part 1, Brent talks about his early days in the Church and his time working for Church security. Thank you so much for the story and the insights. Ive struggled to understand the human mind in this regard. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Brent provided a detailed account of the Mark Hoffman story with a perspective that we seldom hear. Andrew, Joseph Smith dictated the story of princess Katumin and her regal father Onitas to his scribes Oliver Cowdery and William W. Phelps, who recorded the tale in two small notebooks. She related all this to me and my companion. If you ever get the chance to talk with Steve Christensens wife and/or Brent Metcalfe again, I would like to hear you explore this dichotomy with them as they are polar opposites. 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. It all depends on the depth of study one does. I am so grateful I stumbled across them along with D. Michael Quinns books wow now 20 years ago. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Brent Metcalf (born July 14, 1986) is an American freestyle wrestler who formerly competed in the international circuit for the United States of America. If Catholicism were ultimately true, for example, then in the final accounting its dogmatic claims would not be hamstringing- they would serve as a clarifying lens through which to analyze historical questions, a lens which helps the believing scholar from wasting his time investigating a false path. And now, as per reports, Brent Metcalfe has been able to construct a healthy and happy life for himself outside of Mormonism, where he can continue to work as an independent scholar and technical editor without any issues or restrictions. It was so amazing to hear another person explain nearly my identical experience. Some people who study and read deeply can be more expert than others with advanced degrees. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Id like to hear Mr. Metcalfe address the character, integrity and morals of LDS apostles and prophets with regard to the books of A and M. Regarding the recent essay published by the LDS church regarding the Book of Abraham; what does he think they got right and what does he think is wrong? Why have you distanced yourself from actively publishing and engaging topics on forums as you did in years past? The failure of faith concept was very interesting, and I can only say but for the grace of God. After all, we are human! We were both greenies at the same time. [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). He also talks about his early forays into Mormon studies. What an amazing story that Brent was a participant. In Part 3, Brent discusses the aftermath of the Hofmann murders, including the trial and Hoffman's eventual plea deal. None of this means that believing scholars and secular scholars have to treat each other poorly or that we cannot respect (even in the midst of serious disagreement) each others work. It seems like in the aftermath of the bombings, combined with his zeal to argue the history of Mormonism, Brent Metcalfe was excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Looking around me, every object was changed, and a bright glory appeared on everything. Ive always wondered why the most ardently orthodox and pious seem to have the least faith in the divinity and omnipotence of the Lords plan. Given that, do you think that Joseph Smith deliberately plotted, prepared, researched, drafted, re-drafted the book over several years, or did it flow spontaneously from his subconscious mind in ways even he didnt understand? I think youre referring to what has collectively come to be known as the Michigan Relics. James E Talmage wrote quite a bit about them, back in the day. "Everybody that ever dealt with Mark Hofmann was a victim of his, and of his deception, and I think it's just kind of a . Why didnt Mr. Metcalfe publish his long-anticipated book disproving the Book of Abraham? This was an important, affecting interview. If the Prophet cant see Hoffman as a fraud, why should anyone assume their Bishop/Stake president has any more ability in terms of divinely inspired discernment? Its done. Its likely that our paths could have crossed. Quote: More recent studies conducted by Professor of Anthropology Richard B. Stamps, of the Michigan Historical Museum, indicate that the artifacts were made with contemporary tools. I havent listened to MS for several years now, but with Brent being interviewed I couldnt miss this, and I wasnt disappointed. 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 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. Elbert once quipped, The Open Door Club has become the 7th East Press!. 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? hope my comment wasnt insensitive! Thanks again for your contribution to Mormon Studies and particularly for your diplomatic engagement with your critics. Thanks, John and Brent! But before Brent could truly move on, he had to deal with the emotional turmoil of knowing that he was associated with Mark Hofmann. See the next John Whitmer Historical Association Journal for one of my essays. Thank you Brandt for sharing your experiences. Im definitely a fan. I think that the LDS churchs main competitor in the marketplace of ideas is not a bigger tent more liberal church, its Agnosticism/atheism. They have shown time and time again that that is all that matters to them. New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology, https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865608559/BYU-professor-speaks-on-unnoticed-assumptions-about-the-Book-of-Abraham.html. http://mormonstories.org/brent-metcalfe-hofmann-bombings-excommunication-book-of-mormon/, Scan this QR code to download the app now. In fact, it may just be possible that I stood right next to Brent during our official kick off meeting, when Elbert invited his brother Lyle to give us all a magic show. Thanks for the clarification, Brent. He worked directly for Steven Christensen (son of Mr. Mac), one of Mark Hofmann's victims. Hamblin Methodological discussions have become commonplace in Mormon studies. Thank you as well for your research, especially your work on New Approaches to the Book of Mormon. 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? at firesides, etc about some new discovery somewhere that was about to put to rest the concerns about the BOMs historicity. Thanks so much for posting this. Brent is a fascinating interview for Mormon Stories for many reasons, including: He knew forger and bomber Mark Hofmann personally. Released: Sep 13, 2014 Format: Podcast episode I was pronouncing words instead of just reading them. 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. Funny how I was taught at BYU The Glory of God is Intelligence I find comfort in knowing I am not alone. As someone told him, You didnt have a crisis of faith but a Failure of Faith. My epiphany also came suddenly, while driving, followed by a massive emotional experience. Well also talk in depth with Brent about how he has been able to construct a healthy and happy life outside of Mormonism. 2 Introduction at court. 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. No one believed that any one person could do all of those forgeries and build those bombs, and kill those people . We hope to rerecord sometime next week. [9] Metcalfe became a suspect himself at one point in time. [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. Yes! They even go so far as to claim that Zarahemla was directly across the river from Nauvoo, and that the waters of mormon are Big Springs, MO. Every metric you can imagine points to the same conclusion: from Paul VI forward, Catholicism has gone into deep crisis. Thanks Brent for your sincerity, honesty and pleasant demeanor in which you talk about these things. hendrick motorsports hats; brent metcalfe excommunicated Why are they so adamant about excommunicating someone who has a different opinion than they do? Wow John, what an interview. The view of the Lamb on mount Sion gave me joy unspeakable and full of glory. And a small footnote: Many of these original founders had been part of an on-campus group, called the Open Door Club. What a fascinating glimpse. I have been thinking nonstop about that analogy, because it is so illustrative of the disorder. And am I the only one who likes the older music better? Lex, the recommendation by Andrew is a good resource. Follow @BHMetcalf. Hibbard later had a dream in which he again. My mind was calm and at peace with God through the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Ive heard there might. I have never heard of the description that its like talking to someone in the airport on their cell phone, with all the background noise. Brent Metcalf is entering his fifth season as a full-time assistant coach on Iowa State's wrestling staff. Life seemed euphoric until I was excommunicated from the church because I questioned and I researched. I felt like somehow I was responsible for what had happened. I could read fine in private but the social damage was done and anxiety overwhelmed me every time. In the highly anticipated follow up to our first interview, Brent Metcalfe continues his story. Without good research, ours is a heritage shallow in meaning. Textual Criticism and Editing, Mormon studies, and Book of Mormon. Do you still believe in God, and what type of God? It was fascinating and enlightening to see the underbelly of ongoings between church leaders and members. Honestly, incredible work. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.