A Reform-minded Seventh-day Adventist forum   In our aim to exalt everything important, first and foremost, we seek to promote a clear understanding of Daniel, Revelation, the three angels' messages and the alpha and omega of apostasy.    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Register   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Research Challenges Mormon Doctrine           Forum Index -> Newsroom View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message CTC Site Admin Joined: 06 Apr 2002 Posts: 118 Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2002 9:37 am    Post subject: Research Challenges Mormon Doctrine LOS ANGELES TIMES, 12-8-02 RESEARCH PUTS MORMON AT ODDS WITH CHURCH Anthropologist Thomas W. Murphy set out to test a key principle of his Mormon faith with the latest technology. He wondered: Would DNA analysis show -- as taught by the Book of Mormon -- that many American Indians are descended from ancient Israelites? His finding: negative. The result: excommunication -- if a church disciplinary panel today finds him guilty of apostasy, the renunciation of his faith. The Book of Mormon, made public by Joseph Smith in 1830, is a cornerstone of church doctrine and is taken literally by the faithful. It teaches that many American Indians are descendants of ancient Israelites. Murphy appears to be the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to face expulsion for genetic research. His case marks "the first biological challenge" of Mormon scripture, said Michael Whiting, authority on DNA and an assistant professor at church-affiliated Brigham Young University. Murphy's supporters, who include other dissident Mormons, hail him. "Tom Murphy is the Galileo for Mormons," said Maxine Hanks, a former Mormon who was excommunicated in 1993 for her feminist writings. Supporters say they plan a series of candlelight vigils this evening in U.S. cities, including one outside the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City. But Whiting, for one, rejects any comparison to Galileo, who was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1633 for correctly claiming that the Earth orbits the sun. "The difference is Galileo got the science right. I don't think Murphy has," Whiting said. Back to top   '); //--> Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First          Forum Index -> Newsroom All times are GMT - 5 Hours Page 1 of 1   Jump to: Select a forum Heaven----------------Administration Midheaven----------------The Everlasting GospelHigh Ranking RevelationMidrange ControversyNovice ClassFlight School Trainees High Mountains----------------The Summit of ExcellenceMount CarmelMars Hill The Plain of Megiddo----------------Location Spot for the Battle of ArmageddonThe Dragon, Beast and False Prophet Convention CenterSubtle Misunderstanding Green Valleys----------------Picnic Area The World----------------University HallTown HallBillboardLibraryNewsroomFamily RoomCourtroomJail Hell----------------The Bottomless Pit  You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group