Micah

Micah is an author, thinker, and seeker. He is a husband and father. A movie and book lover. Although no longer a believer in Mormonism's basic claims, he retains a respect and affection for the community, and a fondness for many foundational Mormon teachings and concepts. "Mormonism instilled in me a commitment to 'Truth.' I find it deeply ironic that this same commitment now requires me to choose between Truth and Mormonism. I choose Truth."

Posts by Micah:

    Little Battles in a Big War

    27 July 2010
    Comments (26)

    The War

    I recently became very frustrated in reading the back and forth between two friends in the Mormon History community. One is a believer; one isn’t. They were discussing a certain historical incident, the 1832 attack on Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, and Sidney Rigdon, his assistant, at the Johnson family farm near Kirtland, Ohio.

    There is no reason to go into the specifics, but I noticed a certain dynamic at work and realized that it is a dynamic that is played out over and over again in the Mormon Studies arena.

    Why is it so difficult for the historians, whether they are amateur or professional, to carry out a civil and respectful conversation and arrive together at a consensus or, at least, a near consensus?

    Let me start by giving the answer, and then I’ll work my way through my reasoning.

    The answer is: The stakes are too big. (more…)