Science and Mormonism 1 Program Synopsis December 24, 2006
Van Hale: Duwayne Anderson, author of
Farewell to Eden: Coming to Terms with Mormonism
and Science was my guest July 23, 2005. An mp3 file of this program is available. He argues that the claims of Mormon
prophets must be rejected because their beliefs sometimes diverge from the consensus of modern science. I published my brief
notes on my website. He has written a response to them to which I respond partially on this program.
1. The foundation of his position is that prophets must be infallible and omniscient in matters of science. Should they
believe something science has proven false, they could not be true prophets. I presented statements from Joseph Smith demonstrating
his claims that he was neither infallible nor omniscient, rather that he was progressing in his knowledge and beliefs and
intended to do so throughout his life and that it would be long after the resurrection before he would have the knowledge
which Anderson demands of him and his successors now. Even in matters of revelation, Joseph Smith believed there could be
error and set up a procedure to test a prophet's revelations before sending them to the Saints.
2. I read statements of Joseph Smith demonstrating his view that truth comes in many ways and is scattered throughout the
world. This suggests that science will discover truth which has not come through the channel of a revelation from God to a
prophet. Saints are to seek truth from all sources and pursue truth not just by faith but also by study and also by theory.
3. Anderson argues that the Church is trying to erase its former doctrine and does not want members to know its history.
I insist that Anderson's knowledge of Mormon studies is superficial at best. The Church spends millions each year in efforts
to produce better history. There are many trained professionals employed by the Church in various capacities who are reseaching
and writing history in accord with highly professional standards. The project to produce the Papers of Joseph Smith is now
being conducted by 30 aggressive historians, many of whom are employed by the Church. During the past 40 years there has been
a mountain of books and articles produced by Church employees including topics of great controversy. There has never been
a time in Mormon history where the Saints can know more about its history and the various beliefs of past LDS leaders than
today, and much of the responsibility for this condition rests upon the Church's efforts and finances.
Callers: Following
are the topics raised by callers. I made comments on all of the topics and discussion followed.
1. Historicity of the Star of Bethlehem
2. Book of Mormon historicity; age of the earth
3. Claims there is strong evidence the Moon is inhabited; Is the Sun inhabited? Caller says no, Brigham Young says yes;
Jesus was married, Orson Hyde said so in the Tabernacle; Earth less than 15,000 years old.
4. Agressively anti-Mormon caller - historicity of the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham; Kinderhook plates; 1826 trial;
Joseph Smith just got lucky
5. Caller claiming to be God's One Mighty and Strong - strongly anti-evolution, claims college students and Hale have been
brainwashed; falsely alleges Hale has a bias against those who believe in God.
6. New listener - he enjoys the program
7. Disciple of the alleged One Mighty and Strong - continues to argue against evolution with Romans 5:12-14 and 1 Cor.
15; claims Joseph Smith taught Brigham Young the Adam God theory secretly.
Price: $4.00
