Freethought & Rationalism Archive

xstvn · 11-30-2002, 04:14 PM

<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/134586805_mormon30m.html" target="_blank">http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/134586805_mormon30m.html</a>

Quote:

SALT LAKE CITY � An Edmonds Community College instructor with Mormon family roots says he will probably be excommunicated next week for articles he has written questioning the validity of the Book of Mormon.

Thomas W. Murphy, 35, published an article in the May Signature Books anthology "American Apocrypha," which uses genetic data to discredit the Book of Mormon claim that American Indians are heathen descendants of ancient Israel. The conclusion also is the thesis of his doctoral dissertation at the University of Washington.

American Indians are heathen descendants of ancient Israel? Damn, that's a hell of a long walk.

Quote:

"We're told to tell the truth, but not if the truth contradicts church doctrine. I would prefer to tell the truth," Murphy said.

Murphy, chairman of the anthropology department at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, will face a church disciplinary council Dec. 8. There, he will be allowed to make a statement, and council members may try to change his mind about the Book of Mormon.

This sounds very similar to the atheist boy scout story. If he would just lie about his beliefs his troubles would be over.

Quote:

He also objects to teachings that dark skin is a curse from God. Murphy said he also questioned the lack of minority representation in church leadership, the church's political campaigns against women's and gay rights and "excommunicating scholars who honestly confront problems with church history and doctrines."

Religion fighting knowledge and science again.

happyboy · 12-01-2002, 04:58 AM

why should we be surprised? religion has fought scientific understanding from day 1.

happyboy

Kosh · 12-01-2002, 06:57 AM

Hmm. Sounds like the Galileo treatment.

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12-01-2002, 04:58 AM	#2
happyboy Regular Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: on the border between here and there, WV Posts: 373	why should we be surprised? religion has fought scientific understanding from day 1. happyboy

12-01-2002, 06:57 AM	#3
Kosh Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Orions Belt Posts: 3,911	Hmm. Sounds like the Galileo treatment.

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