The Peterson-Gardner Ruse

[_Joey]

So once again, if the Book of Mormon is an accurate translation of an ancient record from an original source, and there is no special or needed expertise in reading the Book of Mormon, why is Michael Coe's conclusion with respect to a historical setting in mesoamerica lacking???

What would he be lacking if he read "zero" Mormon "scholarship" over the past 30 or 100 years??

[_Dr. Shades]

Scholastically speaking, could this thread be the metaphoric equivolent of a couple of birthday candles judging stadium lights as not producing much light?

When the stadium lights are not turned on, doesn't a lit birthday candle produce more light?

[_Joey]

So once again, if the Book of Mormon is an accurate translation of an ancient record from an original source, and there is no special or needed expertise in reading the Book of Mormon, why is Michael Coe's conclusion with respect to a historical setting in mesoamerica lacking???

What would he be lacking if he read "zero" Mormon "scholarship" over the past 30 or 100 years??

Seriously, setting aside stadium lights and b-day candles, can anyone who finds merit in the Peterson-Gardner excuse of unfamiliarity w LDS scholarship answer the above question posed or find fault in the logic? Anyone. Including Peterson, Gardner or Wade.

[_wenglund]

When the stadium lights are not turned on, doesn't a lit birthday candle produce more light?

Yes.

And even when turned on, a lit birthday candle the size of texas will produce more light, particularly if the Mount Everest-sized wick is made of solid rocket propellant.

In other words, there are countless ways to alter the variable so as to mis the obvious point of my simle analogy.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_wenglund]

Seriously, setting aside stadium lights and b-day candles, can anyone who finds merit in the Peterson-Gardner excuse of unfamiliarity w LDS scholarship answer the above question posed or find fault in the logic? Anyone. Including Peterson, Gardner or Wade.

I am not sure why I am included in this esteemed group. In terms of Meso-American studies, particularly in relation to the Book of Mormon, I can't muster the light of a birthday candle.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Dr. Shades]

In other words, there are countless ways to alter the variable so as to mis the obvious point of my simle analogy.

I wasn't trying to "alter the variable" just for the sake of doing so. The stadium light being off was an analogy in itself.

[_wenglund]

In other words, there are countless ways to alter the variables so as to mis the obvious point of my simple analogy.

I wasn't trying to "alter the variable" just for the sake of doing so. The stadium light being off was an analogy in itself.

No one was suggesting that you did so just for the sake of doing so. And, of course when the variables of the analogy are changed, it becomes another analogy in itself. But, that is beside the point of both my original analogy and my Texas-sized birthday candle analogy.

No biggy, though. It was an insignificant point that merely served to artificially sustain the life of an ill-conscieved thread that had pretty much spent its hot air.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Themis]

When the stadium lights are not turned on, doesn't a lit birthday candle produce more light?

Yes.

Not that it is important but No, the candle does not produce more light, but is more noticeable in stadium with the lights off compared to the lights on. :)

[_Inconceivable]

It was an insignificant point that merely served to artificially sustain the life of an ill-conscieved thread that had pretty much spent its hot air.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

'glund,

Hardly. You engaged in perpetuating the ruse as well. Your analogy was intended to draw attention away from the fact that Peterson and Gardner had nothing to bring to the table but far fetched conjecture.

Perhaps the best characterization of your annoying behavior is akin to weeping, wailing and nashing your teeth. It's still impolite and dishonest.

fail.

Honestly, if the Book of Mormon were proven to be an actual history, it wouldn't affect my emnity towards the religeon that claims it. They hardly resemble each other and you know it.