FAIR conference slated for August
July 26, 2003
by Karen Hoag

The fifth annual Mormon Apologetics Conference, sponsored by the Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR), will be Aug 7 and 8 at Utah Valley State College.

The word "apologetics, " used in this sense, has nothing to do with expressing regret.

It comes from the Greek apologetikos and apologeisthai, meaning "to defend, " and logos, which pertains to speech. Thus, religious apologetics offer defense and vindication of the tenets of their faith.

A highlight of the program will be a presentation on the relationship between African-Americans and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The sessions are titled "Unfinished Business, " presented by Armand Mause, and "Black Latter-day Saints: A Faith-FULL History " by Margaret Young.

"The conference allows people in the LDS Church to learn about difficult issues or old issues that come up with new twists to them, " said Sharon Bunch, bookstore manager for FAIR. "They can learn ways to address criticisms and those struggling believers can be helped to understand these issues. "

Dr. Trent Stevens and Dr. Jeff Meldrum will offer a session on DNA and the Book of Mormon. Gene Sessions addresses the Mountain Meadows Massacre with "Shining New Light on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. "

"Sometimes if these things aren't addressed people lose faith, " Bunch said.

She explains by taking a quote by C.S. Lewis from Austin Farrer's "The Christian Apologist ": "Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish."

FAIR is not owned, controlled by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All research and opinions provided on this site are the sole responsibility of FAIR, and should not be interpreted as official statements of LDS doctrine, belief or practice.

If you like what FAIR does and you agree with our mission, we invite you to support FAIR in any way you are able. You can make a donation, or visit our Membership page for additional support ideas. FAIR only succeeds through the efforts of our gracious volunteers.

Welcome | Topical Guide | FAIR Publications | Join & Support FAIR | Message Boards
FAIR LDS Bookstore | News | FAIR Links | Contact FAIR | Home

Last Updated June 12, 2006
Copyright © 2007 by The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research. All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this site may be reproduced on any other Web site or in any other print publication
without the express written consent of FAIR. You may freely link to this information, however, or you
may print out copies to give to others, provided this copyright notice is included in your printout.

You can send comments/suggestions using our contact page.