The point of my listing my language experience was to show that I am qualified to comment on Nibley as a scholar. I have read his works, tried to find his sources (which were amazingly made up, out of context, or incorrect), and found him to be lacking severely.
Outside of Mormonism (which almost worships him) he has no standing as a scholar.
And I am just as well versed (and probably moreso) in the topics you listed in your ‘resume’ as well as other topics no included. I have degrees in Biblical studies, Ancient History (Rome and Egypt), Culinary arts, Poli Sci, and Medieval History. I am also a past president of the largest chapter in the US of the Archeological Institute of America, and know there is no proof for the Book of Mormon.
My academic interests are what led me out of Mormonism. Basically, I learned enough to no longer be fooled. For a church that claims “the glory of God is intelligence”, I see far too many Mormons who can’t add 2+2.
“Basically, I learned enough to no longer be fooled. For a church that claims “the glory of God is intelligence”, I see far too many Mormons who can’t add 2+2.”
... or rightly divide the Scriptures without falling prey to the See and Say method.
You know what kept me in Mormonism? My intellectual pursuits at the University of Utah. I was inactive for quite a while. But in time I came to realize I was the fool. I only had myself to blame for my situation. I could walk away from my LDS faith into the world, or I could work on gaining my testimony back. I chose the latter.
You seem to think those of us who remain are sheep in a church who blindly follow the Bretheren at 50 N Temple. Yet how free do you know I am or any other Mormon? You don’t me or my thoughts, heart, mind or anything else about me.
You left the church. Wonderful. Go thy way! Make peace with God. Only Jesus Christ will judge my Christianity, not anyone else.
BTW if I did leave the LDS faith, I would not go to any other Christian church because they don’t offer me anything that the Mormons cannot.
Reversing your argument, I can judge Nibley as a scholar or a nut. The judgement is up to the individual, and the work is also the same. You can call him a fool, I can call him a genius.
Your credentials though impressive, are not any better or worse than the next mans. You have a great educational gift. Use it wisely.
So here's the challenge, no? Either one must be a scholar of the caliber reaganaut claims to be to 'escape' the LDS Church or people can simply disagree on their faith claims, no?
I mean what kind of God makes you have to get degrees in Biblical studies, Ancient History (Rome and Egypt), Culinary arts, Poli Sci, Medieval History and membership in the Archeological Institute of America to get saved?