| Dear Stephen,
Many fellow supporters of this research have been asking over the last few weeks what we know about the recent firings of the editorial staff of the FARMS Review by BYU's Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship (MI). We have been looking into the matter and have waited for some of the dust to settle for a clearer view before posting online what we have learned. |
Brigham Young University's Neal A. Maxwell Institute Fires Ardent Heartland Critics |
What is known is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owned Brigham Young University oversees an organization called the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. The BYU appointed management of this organization made a profound change in direction when, on Thursday, June 14th, 2012, Executive Director M. Gerald Bradford fired Daniel C. Peterson, a founder of FARMS (Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies) and long time advocate of Mesoamerican theories, along with his entire editorial staff. Much speculation abounds as to why these firings occurred. The answer to this question has not been forthcoming.
Director Bradford cited a desire to "take the Review (Mormon Studies Review, formerly FARMS Review) in a different direction." The "shake-up," as it was called in a Salt Lake Tribune newspaper article, involves the dismissal of several of the most ardent critics of the Heartland Model Geography, and marks the end of the organization formerly known as FARMS and their flagship publication, FARMS Review.
The FIRM Foundation Executive Board has published our official statement on the matter online which includes several very informative links for further information which can be accessed on our website by clicking HERE. |
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The FIRM Foundation Mission Statement and Goals |
| Many have wondered what is the overarching purpose of the Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism? The Executive Board would like to announce our aspirations.
FIRM Foundation - Mission Statement
The FIRM Foundation (Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism) is an organization dedicated to showing forth evidences for the Book of Mormon in order to provide LDS Church members with well researched information enabling them to powerfully and respectfully defend its historicity and thus its truthfulness - with the ultimate goal of bringing people unto Christ.
FIRM Foundation - Goals - to bring people to Christ through evidences of the Book of Mormon that cause them to realize that it is a literal historical and prophetic account of real people and events thereby encouraging them to read, study and ponder the book - which ultimately builds and strengthens testimonies of its truthfulness through the Holy Spirit,
- to utilize the prophecies and promises in the Book of Mormon to increase awareness and understanding of the ancient prophetic history that took place in a long established covenanted and promised land - which today is found within the borders of the nation-state called The United States of America,
- to conduct research in a multiplicity of scientific and scholarly fields of endeavor which may provide secular support for the historicity of the Book of Mormon - including, but not limited to such disciplines as genetics, archaeology, climatology, anthropology, history, religion, geography, linguistics, mythology, meteorology, astronomy, metallurgy, architecture, ancient texts, Jewish customs, zoology, agronomy, oceanography, geophysics, etc.,
- to correlate, publish and offer through our bookstore works of LDS scholars and researchers involving the Heartland Book of Mormon Geography Model and related research in support of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the gospel of Jesus Christ,
- to produce, provide and encourage well-researched articles, papers, books, films, newsletters and presentations in support of the Book of Mormon through the Heartland Model,
- to create one or more online repositories of knowledge, research and educational materials pertaining to evidence of the Book of Mormon's historicity through the Heartland Model,
- to organize, conduct and sponsor events such as presentations, symposiums, firesides, webinars, and conferences providing educational opportunities for all interested,
- to objectively evaluate and review the assertions, articles, books, films, speeches and conferences of individuals or organizations promoting the plethora of Book of Mormon historical settings, and when said research is critical of the Heartland Model, to correct erroneous, unfounded, misrepresented, ill-conceived or poorly researched information as it pertains the Heartland Model through dispassionate instruction and education in a respectful and Christ-like manner that seeks to avoid confrontation and contention,
- to provide further on-location educational opportunities through travel and tours to visit proposed Book of Mormon sites and museums in conjunction with Church History and United States history,
- to provide forums ( blog, facebook, etc.) where responsible scholars, researchers and interested individuals can discuss and present ideas and discoveries consistent with the Heartland Model setting for the Book of Mormon, and
- to organize and engage the many thousands of volunteers who have offered to help with this research and organization.
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| We have felt it newsworthy to share with our readership these important events. We also hope that this information helps you in coming to a better understanding of the directions of organizations involved in Book of Mormon geography research. It is our intent only to inform, not judge.
Thank you all for your ongoing support and help in providing powerful, faith building and testimony strengthening evidences in support of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as are being discovered in America's Heartland!
Executive Board
Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism The FIRM Foundation |
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| NEW ITEM! An Everlasting
Decree: Ensuring A Title To Liberty For the Promised Land
by Bruce H. Porter!
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| Some say that it doesn't matter where the Book of Mormon took place. However, if the Promised Land cannot be identified, then the associated restrictions, blessings, and responsibilities can also not be realized, nor can the prophecies and promises in the text become a moving force, as hoped for by the prophets who speak out of the dust. The location of the Promised Land is significant and necessary for the spiritual security and temporal salvation of those who would dwell upon the land.
This is the followup book to Prophesies & Promises with answers to our Mesoamerica based critics.
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| NEW ITEM! Touring Book of Mormon Lands In North America
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Thinking of Taking a Heartland Model Tour?
Take a Video Tour First! |
The Publisher of Ancient American magazine and renown Book of Mormon scholar Wayne N. May has been exploring the Heartland of North America for evidences of the Book of Mormon for decades.
Now you can have Wayne take you on a "private tour" of the sacred sites of the Book of Mormon through incredibly stunning, beautiful photography and video work, that is the next best thing to being there! This 70 minute video will take you to many of the sites typically visited on our tours as well as several others inaccessible to the tours. You'll even be the first to enjoy remote "helicopter" fly-overs of several of the mound structures! Take a trip and never leave the comfort of your own home! Get your copy today so you can take others on the tour as well!
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