Comments on: A “constant process of reinvention”: Randall Balmer talks candidly about Mormon history

By: Jared T

Jared T — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:16:24 +0000

Thanks for putting this up, Chris.

By: David G.

David G. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:22:58 +0000

To Balmer’s more interesting point, I think the “reinvention” framework works well to reconceptualize well-known historical problems. The idea is reminiscent of Moore’s Religious Outsiders, but is expressed differently that Moore did.

By: David G.

David G. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:12:40 +0000

Heh, that’s how I read it too. But I wonder if that’s Balmer the skeptical scholar or Balmer the evangelical (or both) speaking?

I also find it interesting that he seems to be placing the Spalding hypothesis and the Book of Abraham in the same category.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:18:15 +0000

David, it seemed to me like he was saying, “let’s take off the scholarly hat for just one moment and candidly admit that this church has had some episodes that seriously challenge the authenticity of its scripture. But in spite of that all, they’ve managed to not only survive but grow.”

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:50:49 +0000

Fascinating. Thanks, Chris.

By: David G.

David G. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:44:29 +0000

Thanks, Chris. I wonder what he means by “drop[ping] all pretense of objectivity”?